The new Volkswagen Eos has finally arrived on Australian shores. Volkswagen’s hard top cabriolet coupé now looks part of the family. They have upped the technology, visually updated front and rear and refined with numerous new features.
The new Volkswagen Eos has finally arrived on Australian shores. Volkswagen’s hard top cabriolet coupé now looks part of the family. They have upped the technology, visually updated front and rear and refined with numerous new features.
The popularity of the Eos from the moment it launched was unquestionable. The Eos combines the benefits of a full convertible and – for when the sun doesn’t shine – a hard-top coupé. Yet it is unique in its class, being the only convertible with a tilt and slide sunroof fitted as standard.
The folding hard-top is made up of five parts, enabling the roof to fold neatly into the boot, occupying minimal space. With the roof closed, boot capacity is 380 litres; with the roof ‘off’, luggage space is 205 litres. The roof function is neat and efficient: opening or closing takes just 25 seconds – which is still a long time if it starts to rain!
Thankfully the new Eos now follows the code of the Volkswagen design DNA. I wasn’t a big fan of the previous model. Extending now between the new headlights is a radiator grille consisting of three shiny black struts. From behind the Eos stands out through its reworked, two-part LED rear lights and redesigned rear bumper with diffuser.
Park Assist 2 is available for the first time on the Eos, the increasingly popular system which aids both parallel and perpendicular parking manoeuvres – worth the $900 extra for all those that hate (or can’t) parallel park.
The new Eos is now also even more comprehensively equipped with convenience, luxury and technology. New standard items such as the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), Bluetooth connectivity, alarm system and Media Device Interface (MDI) have been added to an already impressive list which includes leather upholstery, alloy wheels, a better audio system, dual zone climate control air conditioning, rain sensing wipers and rear parking distance sensors.
This extensive standard equipment list leaves a very concise option range which includes the significantly enhanced Park Assist 2, satellite navigation system, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED driving lights and a Sports Package which combines a stunning new 18†alloy wheel, dark tinted LED tail lights and adaptive chassis control.
The impressive performance and efficiency of the only recently revised Eos engine range will continue – both the 2.0 litre 103kW common rail TDI diesel engine and my favourite engine, the 2.0 litre 155kW turbocharged TSI petrol engine are now mated exclusively to the DSG transmission.
Take one for a drive, if you’re looking for a set of wheels around the $50K range.
Passat V6
With over 15 million cars sold, the Passat by Volkswagen is one of the most successful automobiles in the world.
Now there is a new Passat. It is the seventh generation since 1973. The styling of the bestseller was completely re-interpreted with VW moving down a more conservative path. Furthermore, the new Passat is jammed packed full of new technologies, and will be launched simultaneously as a sedan and wagon. The overall range of technological innovations now implemented in the Passat 118TSI and Passat Highline variants has reached a scale previously found only in luxury class cars.
An innovative feature in this class is the fatigue detection system that is offered on the Passat. The system is a standard feature across the range. The Passat also has an optional City Emergency Braking function (City EB). The assistance system is part of the further refined optional ACC adaptive cruise control plus Front Assist. The City EB function, active below a speed of 30 km/h, also reacts to stationary vehicles; if necessary, it automatically initiates a braking manoeuvre, thereby contributing to avoidance of an impending front end collision or at least minimising the resulting damage – something best to only experience in an emergency.
The Passat ‘sees’ parking spaces parallel and perpendicular to the road, and upon request it can automatically steer the car into the space with centimetre precision (Park Assist 2). Very spooky the first time you allow the car ‘to do its own thing’ – but clever.
VW have upped the ante with technologies and the further improved workmanship and material quality. This change in quality is noticeable in the interior with its high-end materials, new seats and door trims and ambient lighting. An especially elegant effect is produced by the modified centre console and redesigned accents in the instruments that are visually appealing and, dare I say, pleasing to the touch.
The new Passat is extremely quiet. The reason: insulating materials specifically integrated in the dashboard area and doors filter out exterior and engine noises. In addition, a new acoustic film is embedded in the front windscreen; this film blocks out additional noise.
Progress has been made in the area of safety as well. The previous model already attained 5 stars in ANCAP crash testing. Further advances include features such as seatbelt fastening detection for the rear seats and head restraints that now also adjust horizontally on the front seats. The new head restraints for driver and front passenger reduce the risk of whiplash injury in a traffic accident.
Last but not least, the new Passat sets standards when it comes to sustainability. All three engines are more fuel efficient – by up to 12 percent! Technologies such as the Start/Stop system also ensure the best fuel economy for the TDI diesel engine.
It is worth noting that each model is a safe, comfortable and powerful touring vehicle. Only, they are also very low emitting, fuel efficient and blessed with extremely long driving ranges.
Andrew Koch
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