Compared to ordinary cars, convertibles by far cost more especially when it is hard top models. The Volkswagen Eos 3.2L convertible is a fun and sporty car based on the Jetta platform. This sparkling silver test car looks cute, sporty, and delivers an especially handsome profile with the top down.

The Volkswagen Eos is like a BMW 3 Series made simple. The Eos 3.2 has a starting price of $36,850 and can reach $39,930 with addition of some option package. The top-level Eos features Volkswagen's powerful 3.2-liter VR6 engine that pounds out 250 horsepower and 236 foot-pounds of torque. Volkswagen's 3.2L convertible is equipped with 18-inch Pirelli R-rated tires that provide the front-drive top-down with a ton of grip. The Eos' steering is accurate and feels extensive and purposeful. It also loosens up a bit at highway speeds caused by its electro-mechanical power unit with speed-sensitive assist.

Eos provides a sporty ride but not as extreme like any other German sport models. The multi-link rear suspension is responsible Eos firm handling. Braking is also reliable with its super four-wheel discs that clamp you down in a hurry. Anti-locks and stability system are also offered as standard features of the Eos.

The Eos is quite efficient when it comes to gas usage. The six-speed automatic shifts smoothly but aggressively when needed. Its EPA records 22 mpg for city driving while 29 mpg for highway driving.

To refrain from spending too much on your Eos go for a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder with turbocharger that cost $28,110 instead of spending over $40,000. For $28,110 you get a 200 horsepower that will shoot you up away from stops and zip you up to highway speeds. Its EPA rate is 23 mpg for city driving while 32 mpg for highway driving.

In terms of interior you will also get the same look and feel as that of the pricier model. There is also enough head and legroom in the front and moderate at the back. It can seat four people. It also has a classy and yet youthful looking interiors that come with gray leather sport seats and are offered as part of the $650 option package. These leather sport seats are well formed with very good side bolsters that would make you feel like a racer.

You will also love it because its top is hydraulically activated plus its has a giant built-in sunroof which is operated by small lever between the front seats, which makes the roof's front half slides up and back like a regular sunroof. And by pulling another small lever puts the whole roof down. The whole operation took about 20 seconds. The Eos is also equipped with high quality VW auto parts such as the popular vw belt which is renowned for quality and durability.

The dash is black with a leather texture. The nice brushed metal trim to accentuate the doors, center stack and air vents. Likewise, the lower half of the dash is a matching gray to the seats. Gauges are big and easy to read with big tach and speedometer next to the water and gas gauges and with a red digital readout dead center that includes outside thermometer, the radio, clock, odometers and trip computer. Everything was made more visible and Volkswagen takes it even further with the used of the indigo blue gauge backlighting that is perfect at night.

The Eos also has door locks, power windows, and mirrors plus automatic headlights. It has dual automatic climate controls that work well and its good sound system was fairly easy to tune. The test car added a navigation system costing $1,800 that includes a six-disc changer in the center armrest, a different locale.

Also standard in the Eos is a tilt-and-telescope steering wheel and 12-way power front seats with multi-position lumbar support. The seats are heated and have five settings too. VW has loaded the Eos with a tire pressure sensor; side and curtain air bags; heated outside mirrors; and good overhead lighting.

And as part of the sport seat package, the test car has some toggles on the back of the wheel to enable manual shifting of gears with the tap of a finger. If there's one thing that the Eos lacks, it's probably trunk space, which is a meager 5.4 cubic feet. But in fairness to the Eos it can accommodate a small bag or a couple briefcases.