Volkswagen Eos CC

Performance
There are four petrol models and one turbodiesel to pick from. The entry-level 1.4-litre TSI model only has 120bhp, so the 148bhp 2.0-litre is a better bet. A 2.0-litre turbo is borrowed from the Golf GTi and is more fun to drive. The 3.2 V6 is impressively quick. The 2.0 turbodiesel offers decent pace.

Ride & handling
VW has worked wonders with the Eos to create a convertible that is almost totally resistant to squirms or shakes on any type of surface. This gives you excellent ride comfort, even if you opt for the Sport models with their firmer suspension and larger alloy wheels. Handling is much like the Golf hatch's: grippy and safe.

Refinement
The Eos succeeds where many rivals fail, in that when the roof’s in place it’s hard to tell it’s a convertible because wind and road noise are so well isolated. You don’t get buffeted by the wind much when the roof is down, either. Engine noise isn’t a problem with the petrols, but the diesel is noisy at all times and sounds coarse when pushed.

Buying & owning
The VW Eos is pitched somewhere between rivals from Vauxhall and Peugeot and more upmarket competition from Volvo and Audi. This makes the Eos look pricey against VW's more usual rivals, but the Eos has the image to carry it off, and this is reflected in strong resale values. Insurance is pricier than for some rivals.

Quality & reliability
Eos owners are unlikely to complain about the car's price when they feel the quality of construction. It's a class act and the interior has a solid, crafted look and feel. Tried and tested VW components mean that the Eos should only require regular servicing. The folding roof mechanism is complex, but has a well-engineered feel.

Safety & security
VW's side airbags act like curtain airbags in the event of a side collision - but there is no airbag protection for rear-seat passengers. ISOFIX child seat mountings are fitted front and rear. All Eos models come with stability control as standard, while roll hoops spring up from behind the rear headrests if the car senses it might tip over. With the roof raised, the Eos is as secure as a Golf hatch.

Buying & owning
The VW Eos is pitched somewhere between rivals from Vauxhall and Peugeot and more upmarket competition from Volvo and Audi. This makes the Eos look pricey against VW's more usual rivals, but the Eos has the image to carry it off, and this is reflected in strong resale values. Insurance is pricier than for some rivals.

Quality & reliability
Eos owners are unlikely to complain about the car's price when they feel the quality of construction. It's a class act and the interior has a solid, crafted look and feel. Tried and tested VW components mean that the Eos should only require regular servicing. The folding roof mechanism is complex, but has a well-engineered feel.

Safety & security
VW's side airbags act like curtain airbags in the event of a side collision - but there is no airbag protection for rear-seat passengers. ISOFIX child seat mountings are fitted front and rear. All Eos models come with stability control as standard, while roll hoops spring up from behind the rear headrests if the car senses it might tip over. With the roof raised, the Eos is as secure as a Golf hatch.