2012 Volkswagen Eos Executive SULEV

The 2012 Volkswagen Eos Executive SULEV 2-door Convertible is an intriguing blend of sporty drop-top fun and everyday usability—an upscale, hard-top convertible that offers some unexpected practicality along with distinctive character.


Powertrain & Driving Feel


Under its hood sits a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine making roughly 200 horsepower and about 207 lb-ft of torque. The engine delivers good responsiveness for its class, especially in mid-range thanks to the turbo. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed DSG (dual-clutch / automated manual) transmission. Fuel economy is respectable for a convertible: in the ballpark of 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway (about 25 mpg combined in EPA terms).


Driving the Eos isn’t about blistering sports-car dynamics—it’s more about a comfortable, refined open-air experience. The steering is adequate and the chassis reasonably composed; but you’ll feel body roll in sharper turns, and the front-wheel-drive layout limits how “tail-happy” or sporty it gets compared to exotic or rear-drive convertibles. With the roof up, it behaves like a closed coupe; with the roof down, it shifts into more laid-back, scenic-driving mode.


Convertible Roof & Practicality


Perhaps the Eos’s most distinctive feature is its retractable hardtop roof (in fact, a multi-piece folding roof), which gives it better noise insulation, security, and year-round usability compared to many soft-top convertibles. On top of that, the roof includes an integrated sunroof section (so even when the main roof is up you still get partial open-air feel). As a result, you get a convertible experience without some of the compromises typical of soft-tops (like heat, leaks, noise).


Trunk space is modest—typical for a convertible. With the roof up you have more cargo volume, but once the roof folds away it eats into the space. The Eos is more practical than many pure drop-tops, but you still make some trade-offs.


Interior & Features


As an “Executive” trim, the car tends to come well-appointed. Expect leather (or leather-style) upholstery, upgraded audio (in some cases a premium Dynaudio system), 18-inch wheels (versus smaller on lower trims), and sport suspension tuning. The cabin fit and finish is strong by convertible standards, with high-quality materials, well-laid ergonomics, and a solid feel. Front seats are comfortable and supportive enough for longer drives. Rear seats are present but best for occasional use—adult comfort in back is limited due to the car’s dimensions and the roof mechanism.

Tech features are generous: you’ll typically see things like dual-zone climate control, power seats up front, a premium sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, and more. As with many cars of this era, the more loaded the trim the more features—so the Executive stands out compared to base trims.


Styling & Character


Visually the 2012 Eos gets refreshed styling compared to earlier years: updated grille, headlamps and taillights, and more modern wheel designs. It brings a somewhat restrained yet elegant look—less shouty than some performance convertibles, but refined and understated. With the roof down it takes on a sleek profile; with the roof up it appears as a proper hardtop coupe. This dual-nature appeals to someone who wants convertible fun but isn’t willing to sacrifice all practicality or year-round comfort.


Trade-Offs & Considerations


The rear seating is tight—fine for kids or short rides, but not ideal for adults on long trips.

While the turbo engine is punchy, the front-wheel-drive layout and weight of the folding roof mean it doesn’t handle like a lightweight roadster. If you’re looking for razor-sharp sportiness, this might feel a bit soft.

Maintenance and reliability of convertibles (especially with complex roof mechanisms) warrant careful inspection. Roof components, hydraulics, seals and motors can introduce added points of potential wear or repair