Volkswagen Eos updated with GTI engine, crisper looks

The trouble with hard-top convertibles – four-seat cabrios especially – is the added weight penalty. German automakers in particular have proven adept at counteracting the dynamic drawbacks that open-air flexibility brings, but sooner or later you're just going to need more power. And that's exactly what Volkswagen is doing with the Eos.

Often derided as a "hairdresser's car", the 2012 Eos has been treated to one of our favorite engines: the 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder from the Golf GTI. This 208-horspower engine – available with either a six-speed manual or dual-clutch transmission – can now take the Eos from a full stop to highway pace in 7.8 seconds. Overseas buyers can also specify the 138-hp 2.0-liter diesel (with the same transmission choices). Volkswagen has also included Hill Start Assist standard on the 2012 Eos, along with Vienna leather upholstery, heated seats, 17-inch wheels and some sheetmetal enhancements that brings its look in line with the rest of the brand's small car lineup.

Details have only been announced for foreign markets, and we've included the Australian press release after the jump while we wait for confirmation from Volkswagen of America. In the meantime you can check out the high-res images in the gallery below.

Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2012-...n-eos/#3446236

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/07/v...crisper-looks/

 

Booooooooooooooooring front end styling again. Another VW ruinned. How on earth is one big, plain, gaping opening for a front intake look sporty or luxurious? It's about as plain and dead as one can get. Check this car in a light color to really see it stand out. R.I.P. sporty VW. This company is now self-destructing.

 

I'm not sure anybody will notice or care (regarding changes) unfortunately, even though the improvements are nice.

 

still 100% chic car, altho I have seen 1 with 19s that looked pretty cool.

 

If it's about the new front grille, then it's an interesting discussion. I say that cause it seems that it works well with the new Touareg yet seems to fail on other vehicles.......

 

While the upper grille is plain and unimaginative, it's the lower grille that fails most. This area is where most car companies have capitalized on and made their vehicles look stylish or aggressive. It's usually done with large, seperate intake holes on each side of the bumper or where the foglights are. VW once had this area covered nicely, but their new design theme on this area look completely lifeless and boring. BMW is doing the same thing with the new 5 and 7. Just one big, long, black opening with no variance or pieces to break it up. Nothing sporty, nothing aggressive, and not even a touch of luxury. It doesn't get much more basic and boring than that. What a shame and wasted chance.