VW Eos 3.2L -- fast and loose?

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Eos, the goddess of dawn from Greek mythology, was apparently quite the wanton type, eager to discard her top at the drop of a hat. So perhaps it’s appropriate that Volkswagen named its current coupe/cabriolet after her. The folding roof is not only a feat of sheet-metal oragami that includes a sunroof, it gives year-round insulation when required and exposure to the elements whenever possible. It’s a twofer car.

The top-of-the-range version has VW’s highly respected 3.2-liter V-6 engine, developing 250 horsepower and 236 pounds-feet of torque. The culmination is a zero to 60 mph time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. Not only that, it sounds great when revved hard. On the move, the engine’s weight makes itself felt, lending a nose-heavy attitude to the car, but the attendant performance is welcome.

Especially when VW’s DSG gearbox is in the mix. This six-speeder selects cogs sequentially. It can be put in D and left to its own ingenious devices, or the driver may like to indulge in a little paddle shifting for a bit more involvement.

VW cars aren’t renowned for their razor-sharp handling and piquant driving thrills, but they do the basics well. The combination of stalwart suspension hardware and 235/45/17 tires means a comfortable yet fairly grippy ride -- quite fun on fast, sweeping corners. The interior is suitable for anyone from Zeus down, with plenty of high-class plastics, although a little divine intervention would help with tall adults forced to sit in the back.

The 2008 VW Eos 3.2L starts at $36,970 and claimed fuel consumption figures are 22/26 mpg, city/highway. Yes, there is a little body flex -- the consequence of not having a fixed roof -- and, once freeway speeds are reached, a faint whistle coming from somewhere. But an Eos lover would probably accept those things as part of the deal. No one’s perfect, not even a Greek goddess.

-- Colin Ryan