It is not the first time that we hear about VW’s plans to axe the Eos convertible from its lineup, but this time a new report from German weekly Der Spiegel also offers a timeframe, with the carmaker said to end production of the coupe-convertible model at the end of this year. Demand for the Eos is said to be weakening, with just 8,000 units being produced last year.
For this reason, VW has decided to discontinue the nameplate, avoiding significant investment to develop a next-generation model. Despite the fact that the Eos is based on the same platform as the Golf, its convertible hardtop system and structural reinforcements represent major challenges for engineers.
Since the introduction of the Golf Cabriolet in 2011, the Eos has seen stiff competition from inside the company, with VW also offering the choice of the Beetle convertible. In 2013, Beetle convertible sales were 15,547, while Eos sales were only 2,280. The fact that worldwide sales of convertible models are suffering doesn’t help the Eos’ case either.
The model is offered in Germany with three engine options, a 1.4-liter TSI petrol with 122PS (121hp), a 2.0-liter TSI with 210PS (208hp) and a 2.0-liter TDI diesel with 140PS (138hp). In the U.S., the Eos is available with one engine option, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit producing 200 horsepower.
Volkswagen is expected to officially announce the Eos’ demise later this year.
By Dan Mihalascu
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