Since the debut of the original retractable hardtop convertible, the Mercedes-Benz SL class in 2003, many automakers have introduced competing models of their own. Now seeing that the SL class Mercedes was a bit beyond the average persons price range, most thought that attaining a hardtop convertible was a bit out of reach. It was not until BMW, GM, Lexus, Volkswagen, and Volvo came out with more economical convertibles appealing to the masses. BMW and Lexus obviously comes in a bit pricier than the rest and both GM models are true bargains, however, the 'bang for your buck" award definitely can go to either the Volkswagen and Volvo.
The Volkswagen Eos first came onto the market back in the spring of 2006 and has been quite a big seller for VW. The Eos, bearing its name from a Greek goddess (VW), has a two-piece hardtop which completely retracts beneath the Eos' trunk. The top takes about 17 seconds to retract and about 20 to completely close and uses a electrical hydraulic systems of levers and sensors to successfully open and close the top. The Eos' top does a decent job of canceling out road noise and insulates heat well during the winter. With its top up in looks just a sleek as any other sporty coupe but even better when the top down is down. To match its sporty looks, the Eos has a powerful four cylinder turbocharged engine pumping out 200bhp and 207 torque. The cabrio can run 0 to 60 in about 7.4 seconds with its front wheel drive system. Since the vehicle uses the same FWD systems as the Golf GTI, aggressive cornering is something you will want to do on a regular basis. The Eos, well equipped, comes in at about $40,000 according to Volkswagen. The forty thousand dollar price tag offers all of the bells and whistles that a new age navigation can get you including Bluetooth, Sirius Satellite radio capability, and mp3 compatibility. From the dual-climate control to the cast alloy aluminum wheels, the Eos has has every creature comfort you could possibly fit into a two-door convertible.
Hailing from Sweden, the Volvo C70 is good competition against the Vdub with many similar attributes but a reputation of safety that usually edges out most of the competition. The C70's hardtop uses virtually the same retractable hardtop system as the Eos. The top closes and retracts nearly the same as the Eos and sound proofing is nearly comparable. The C70 is powered by a five cylinder turbocharged engine producing 227bhp and 236 torque. The C70 slugs along 0 to 60 in about 8 seconds due to its excessive amount of unnecessary weight. The curb weight of the vehicle does indeed give it a smoother ride than that of the Volkswagen but the cornering feels a bit loose; not to mention the overall length of the car is felt when maneuvering aggressively. So this car definitely isn't as much fun to drive as the Eos but is a bit more refined overall. The interior, although it is made from the same overall materials as the VW, looks and feels a bit nicer and the leather is indeed smoother to the touch. The Volvo has all of the same options as the VW but when equally equipped comes in substantially higher in price. A C70 with all of the same options previously mentioned in the $40,000 Eos, rolls in at about $46,000.
In conclusion both cars are truly a treat to own, however we cannot settle with a tie now can we? If new age looks and overall performance is your style, you definitely will not be disappointed with the 2010 Volkswagen Eos; plus you will not be leaving the dealership with a near-empty wallet. In contrast, if overall comfort and class is something your most interested in, the 2011 Volvo C70 is the car for you but do not think that they wont make you pay for it! With its sporty looks, efficient gas mileage, fun-to-drive DSG transmission, and overall necessity-filled interior, the Eos is my overall pick for the most economical cabriolet.
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