What a pleasure to drive the 2012 Volkswagen Eos.  Last week, drivermom and family moved to the Massachusetts south shore.  Shepherded on our emotional journey by this all-season convertible, it was a perfect car to celebrate moving to the ocean in a top-down, sun-welcoming sort of way.  The world’s only retractable hardtop with a built in sunroof, the Eos offers comfort, luxury and a great value for its class.

For 2012, the Eos design gets a face lift with a new grill and some sparkle to the rear with fancy LED tailights.  The interior has also benefitted from a serious upgrade.  Especially the Executive model  which comes equipped with a rich sounding, vibration-free 600 watt, 10-speaker Dynaudio sound system, touch screen navigation, leather wrapped steering wheel, leather seats, and dual climate control system.  The Executive model also includes a sport suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels.  All this makes for an upscale vehicle that’s a nice place to spend time.

I love playful cars.  And the Eos just begs to be played with.  Thanks to the well-respected, 2.0 liter, I-4 turbocharged engine, also found in the GTI, the driving is peppy and powerful.  Top down, the Eos is ready for sunglasses and windy roads.  It takes curves with a sharp responsiveness.  Yet this car also knows how to be serious, courting guests to a business lunch with smooth highway cruising and competent handling.  Both playful and mature….like an ideal kid!

The biggest drawback?  It’s not the best for baby toting.  The back seat was cramped getting my daughter in and out.  Even with older kids,  there’s not much space back there.  And the retractable hardtop, while putting on an impressive 25 second display, eats up the trunk space.  It fit the diaper bag and a pail and shovel.  I like traveling light, but this just isn’t a reality with kids.

All in all, the Eos is sporty, luxurious with the option of open-air driving at a competitive price.  Not the best mom-mobile…..but a fine choice for daily driving that’s ready for fun….whenever fun calls….

Some Basics
MSRP:  $39,585 
engine: I-4,  2.0 L turbo
hp/torque: 200 hp/207 ft-lb.
drivetrain: FWD
fuel economy:  22 city/30 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating:  Good.

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
playful, sporty, luxurious

What’s the best thing about it?
fun to drive

What’s the biggest drawback?
not a baby car

Mom-friendliness score: C+

Driver-friendliness score: A–

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“I’m one of those cars that just makes you smile.”