Volkswagen Eos
At last, we arrive at the Volkswagen Eos: the only entry not based on an earlier car, although it does share its platform with other members of the VW family. Working with the same engine as found in the A4 Cabriolet, the
Eos performed better in acceleration testing due to its slimmer build, hitting 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. This hardtop convertible also boasts the strongest fuel economy figures of the group, with a combined rating of 8.6 L/100 km.
To boost the fun factor, the version tested came equipped with the company's Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) - still the best "semi-automatic" system in the business. On track, the Eos exhibited a surprising amount of body roll considering its small size, but it carved through corners with decent ability.
Of course, the great appeal of the Eos is its multi-panel hardtop convertible with integrated sunroof - the only example found in a production car. The VW also came equipped with a Sport Leather Package that included leather seating surfaces, a 12-way power driver's seat and 8-speaker premium sound system. Price as tested for the Volkswagen Eos topped out at $42,155.
Given all this information, which convertible will emerge as the winner? All four examples have their strengths and their supporters. If sheer beauty, ultimate performance and value were the deciding factors, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder would be the winner. However, if drop-top wizardry and the cachet of "newness" were the key considerations, the Eos would win with ease. My guess? The Eclipse by a very striking nose.
TECH SPEC SUMMARY
Audi A4 Cabriolet
2 doors
Base price: 58,100$
Prices as tested: 65,350$
2.0L 4 cylinder turbocharged
200 hp
6-speed automatic transmission
All wheel-drive
ABS, traction control, stability control
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
2 doors
Base price: 36,998$
Prices as tested: 36,998$
2.0L V6
260 hp
6-speed manual transmission
Front wheel-drive
ABS, traction control
Pontiac G6 Convertible
2 doors
Base price: 35,060$
Prices as tested: 39,805$
3.9L V6
229 hp
4-speed automatic transmission
Front wheel-drive
ABS, traction control
Volkswagen Eos
2 doors
Base price: 38,300$
Prices as tested: 42,875$
2.0L 4 cylinder turbocharged
200 hp
6-speed automatic transmission
Front wheel-drive
ABS, traction control, stability control
At last, we arrive at the Volkswagen Eos: the only entry not based on an earlier car, although it does share its platform with other members of the VW family. Working with the same engine as found in the A4 Cabriolet, the
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| (Photo: Volkswagen) |
To boost the fun factor, the version tested came equipped with the company's Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) - still the best "semi-automatic" system in the business. On track, the Eos exhibited a surprising amount of body roll considering its small size, but it carved through corners with decent ability.
Of course, the great appeal of the Eos is its multi-panel hardtop convertible with integrated sunroof - the only example found in a production car. The VW also came equipped with a Sport Leather Package that included leather seating surfaces, a 12-way power driver's seat and 8-speaker premium sound system. Price as tested for the Volkswagen Eos topped out at $42,155.
Given all this information, which convertible will emerge as the winner? All four examples have their strengths and their supporters. If sheer beauty, ultimate performance and value were the deciding factors, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder would be the winner. However, if drop-top wizardry and the cachet of "newness" were the key considerations, the Eos would win with ease. My guess? The Eclipse by a very striking nose.
TECH SPEC SUMMARY
Audi A4 Cabriolet
2 doors
Base price: 58,100$
Prices as tested: 65,350$
2.0L 4 cylinder turbocharged
200 hp
6-speed automatic transmission
All wheel-drive
ABS, traction control, stability control
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
2 doors
Base price: 36,998$
Prices as tested: 36,998$
2.0L V6
260 hp
6-speed manual transmission
Front wheel-drive
ABS, traction control
Pontiac G6 Convertible
2 doors
Base price: 35,060$
Prices as tested: 39,805$
3.9L V6
229 hp
4-speed automatic transmission
Front wheel-drive
ABS, traction control
Volkswagen Eos
2 doors
Base price: 38,300$
Prices as tested: 42,875$
2.0L 4 cylinder turbocharged
200 hp
6-speed automatic transmission
Front wheel-drive
ABS, traction control, stability control