SecondHandSense: WHEN IT comes to driving with the roof down, I am a committed roadster fan and, in particular, a fan of the Mazda MX5. No similar car gives you that sense of freedom and driving pleasure on a fine day, but then fine days are far and few between – as our wettest July on record attests.
So, it is a question of compromise for most people and there are several choices, but only one cleverly designed enough to give you the kind of security you need on a day that features four seasons.
The Golf Eos is not my favourite convertible – its looks are not dramatic enough and inside and out it looks like a Golf that has undergone a rather unimaginative transformation. In other words, it looks only slightly different from a conventional Golf.
It is, however, a very clever car. Its five-part metal folding roof features a sunroof. It is not the quickest roof to come down (about 25 seconds), but the car looks a good deal better when it is down.
When the Eos was introduced in 2006 it had a 1.6-litre petrol engine that has now been replaced by a 1.4 with twin turbochargers to give the heavy car the boost it needs. The 2-litre petrol or diesel engines are far better bets.
The car can accommodate four and the front seats are good, but the rear is a squeeze. Rear visibility is also a problem. The boot, too, is very restricted because of the need to accommodate the roof.
Ride and handling are very good, as is the equipment package, which includes air conditioning, stability control, ABS, front, side and curtain airbags and anti-whiplash seats. We are assured that, in the event of a roll-over, protective bars will rise from the rear in 0.25 seconds. The Eos has a maximum five star rating in the EuroNCAP. Watch out for rain coming in from the roofline, as this has been a problem.
A 2007 Eos with 2-litre engine, leather upholstery and just 16,000km is on offer for €18,995. A diesel of the same year with 81,000km is €28,500. In fact, Eos prices vary so much, it is difficult to value them.
STAR RATING: 5/10