14 Sep 05
The Concept-C, in production form: a four-seater with a five-section folding hard-top system dubbed CSC (coupe, sliding, convertible). This design allows for a short windscreen frame and compact rear end - and for the roof panels to be glass, rather than metal. The roof retracts or closes in around 25 seconds, and folds away neatly to create a practical 205-litre luggage space; with the roof in place, the boot can hold up to 380 litres. Access to and from the rear seats is aided by electrically-operated sliding front seats.
Larger than a Golf but smaller than a Passat, the Eos will be priced between those two models when it goes on sale in spring 2006. It'll come with a choice of four petrol engines (115bhp, 150bhp, 200bhp and 250bhp, the latter two the new turbocharged 2.0 T-FSI as in the Golf GTI and the latest 3.2 V6) and the 140bhp 2.0 TDI diesel will also be offered. Just one high-spec version will be offered, with air conditioning, alloy wheels, ESP and all the usual expected kit; options will include leather upholstery, a 600-watt stereo and bi-xenon headlights. Eos, by the way, was the ancient Greek goddess of the dawn, who rose with her chariot to bring the daylight every morning, and the mother of the wind and stars.
