Volkswagen has managed to square the circle with the Eos, a fully fledged coupe that includes a sliding/tilting glass sunroof and a stylish, elegantly designed four-seater convertible. The key to this achievement is the unique CSC roof system which combines the qualities of a coupe roof, a sliding sunroof and a convertible roof. Both the long, flowing C-pillar and arched roof line bear the classic hallmarks of a coupe. When the CSC roof is down, the visual effect is spoiled neither by roll-over protection bars nor by a high rear.
Whether the roof is up or down, the lines remain coherent and harmonious. The shut lines along the sides of the hood flow into the dynamically rising lower window line and are smoothly taken up by the roof compartment lid. The Eos owes this sleek silhouette to the roof’s compact folding dimensions and innovative engineering design. The luggage compartment does not rise above the elegant side line, but nevertheless offers a practical volume for everyday needs of 0.29 m³ (with the roof down: 0.18 m³).
Volkswagen’s development engineers have achieved this exploit by creating a five-piece roof system that gives the Eos the advantages of both a coupe with sliding sunroof and a convertible. As an alternative to lowering the entire roof, the sunroof is handy for short journeys or for times when it's not quite warm enough outside to drive convertible-style. Its tilting function provides additional ventilation to improve the occupants' comfort.
The Eos was designed with uncompromising openness in mind. A convertible’s large windscreen frame, extending deep into the interior, often makes entering difficult and impairs the authentic open-top feeling. Not so in the Eos. Because the A-pillar and the roof cross member are positioned well away from the front occupants’ heads, they can enjoy a genuine open-air driving sensation and easy access to the interior. In the Eos, there is nothing between you and the sky – as long as the CSC roof system is open.
