She was a Greek goddess. Her brother, Helios, was the sun. So that Helios could shine brightly every day, Eos made sure the heavens opened up at dawn. If you lived in ancient Greece and believed in the Titan gods, you'd believed she was the reason each day arrived.
And if you live in today's era (as most of us do, hopefully), you'd believe Eos was a vehicle made by the German automaker, VW.
Bear with me, there is a connection here. While some automakers arbitrarily name their vehicles, or make up words, VW called their four-seater the Eos on purpose. When the car was first introduced in 2005, VW marketed the Eos as being the “dawning of a new era” for VW. And I think on some level they were right, but more than anything, the fact that the Eos is a convertible makes the name oh-so fitting.
Coupled with the huge, panoramic glass sunroof that can also be opened separately, the Eos offers driver and passengers alike the opportunity to open up to the heavens, let the sunshine in, and really take in the day. It is in the Eos that the heavens open up to you, and the sun is let in – just like the dawn in ancient Greece.
Alright, enough with the analogies. What the hell am I going on about? Well, I'm waxing lyrical about the new 2012 Volkswagen Eos which isn't a goddess at all, really. In fact, it's far from it. While the connection is there in the opening of the heavens and all that jazz, that's pretty much where the analogy comes to a screeching halt.
Of course, some may disagree with me (after all, isn't that the nature of our business?), but hear me out: It isn't that the VW Eos is boring – please don't misunderstand me – because it's not. No, the reason it hasn't quite reached goddess status and ultimately blends in so well with every other car on the road is because it's just so nonchalant, so gentle, and so unassuming. This car doesn't try to eat up all the attention; it doesn't try to steal the spotlight (like the goddess Eos who let her brother Helios do all the “shining”), which is rare for a convertible.
Consider most convertibles on the road today; what do you think about their drivers? Come on, be honest. They're looking for attention, being all exposed and in the open like that. Add to that that most convertibles are usually sporty (read: MX-5, Z4, Camaro Convertible, MINI Cooper Cabriolet) and they're just asking for heads to turn.
But not the VW Eos.
Granted, my tester for the week was painted black which didn't help its wallflower status, but even if it had been bright red it wouldn't have made a difference. There's something subtly elegant about the Eos’ design that I absolutely love. It's distinctly Volkswagen from nose to tail with a simple front grille, no-nonsense headlights, simple 17” alloy wheels and a simple body crease down the sides that offers just a hint of sportiness.
And if you live in today's era (as most of us do, hopefully), you'd believe Eos was a vehicle made by the German automaker, VW.
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| When the hardtop descends into the trunk, letting the sunlight stream in, you'll be glad to hand over the near $40,000 starting price just to enjoy some time behind the wheel. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
Bear with me, there is a connection here. While some automakers arbitrarily name their vehicles, or make up words, VW called their four-seater the Eos on purpose. When the car was first introduced in 2005, VW marketed the Eos as being the “dawning of a new era” for VW. And I think on some level they were right, but more than anything, the fact that the Eos is a convertible makes the name oh-so fitting.
Coupled with the huge, panoramic glass sunroof that can also be opened separately, the Eos offers driver and passengers alike the opportunity to open up to the heavens, let the sunshine in, and really take in the day. It is in the Eos that the heavens open up to you, and the sun is let in – just like the dawn in ancient Greece.
Alright, enough with the analogies. What the hell am I going on about? Well, I'm waxing lyrical about the new 2012 Volkswagen Eos which isn't a goddess at all, really. In fact, it's far from it. While the connection is there in the opening of the heavens and all that jazz, that's pretty much where the analogy comes to a screeching halt.
Of course, some may disagree with me (after all, isn't that the nature of our business?), but hear me out: It isn't that the VW Eos is boring – please don't misunderstand me – because it's not. No, the reason it hasn't quite reached goddess status and ultimately blends in so well with every other car on the road is because it's just so nonchalant, so gentle, and so unassuming. This car doesn't try to eat up all the attention; it doesn't try to steal the spotlight (like the goddess Eos who let her brother Helios do all the “shining”), which is rare for a convertible.
Consider most convertibles on the road today; what do you think about their drivers? Come on, be honest. They're looking for attention, being all exposed and in the open like that. Add to that that most convertibles are usually sporty (read: MX-5, Z4, Camaro Convertible, MINI Cooper Cabriolet) and they're just asking for heads to turn.
But not the VW Eos.
Granted, my tester for the week was painted black which didn't help its wallflower status, but even if it had been bright red it wouldn't have made a difference. There's something subtly elegant about the Eos’ design that I absolutely love. It's distinctly Volkswagen from nose to tail with a simple front grille, no-nonsense headlights, simple 17” alloy wheels and a simple body crease down the sides that offers just a hint of sportiness.
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| The Eos is distinctly Volkswagen from nose to tail. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |