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Consumer Reports Ranks Volkswagen Eos Best in Its Tests of Seven Convertibles

VW Eos narrowly outscores BMW 328i; Saab 9-3, Volvo C70 scoremid-pack

YONKERS, N.Y., April 7, 2008; The VolkswagenEos achieved the best overall score in Consumer Reports" tests of sevenconvertibles for the May issue, narrowly outpointing the BMW 328i. Bothvehicles earned "Very Good" overall scores.

Two vehicles in the group, the Saab 9-3 and Volvo C70, earned somewhatlower overall road-test scores, but were still within the "Very Good"range.

The three remaining vehicles, the Pontiac G6, Mitsubishi Eclipse, andChrysler Sebring, posted only "Good" scores and so were at the bottom ofCR"s rankings for convertibles.

Five of the seven cars tested have retracting hard tops, while two havetraditional fabric tops. All of the tops are power-operated. The vehiclesrange in price from $32,660 to $49,525.

The latest trend in convertibles, folding hard tops improve visibilityand security. But they have some downsides, too -- they take upconsiderable trunk space when open, and can"t be operated on the move.

"The VW Eos is a well-rounded automobile that works well in all seasons," saidDavid Champion, senior director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports."Volkswagen has engineered a glass sunroof into the Eos" hard-top so thatyou can enjoy just a little sun, or get the full wind-in-your-hairconvertible experience."

Consumer Reports is Recommending three of the vehicles in this testgroup, the Eos, 328i, and C70. The 9-3 and G6 are not recommended becauseof below average reliability. The Eclipse and Sebring did not score highenough in CR"s testing to be recommended. Consumer Reports only recommendsvehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least averagepredicted reliability based on CR"s Annual Car Reliability Survey of itsown subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested orincluded in a government rollover test.

Full tests and ratings of the test group appear in the May issue ofConsumer Reports, which goes on sale April 8. The reports are alsoavailable to subscribers at www.ConsumerReports.org. Road-test videos ofall the vehicles in this group are also available free of charge at CR"sWeb site.

The VW Eos, which is equipped with the same eager turbochargedfour-cylinder engine and responsive transmission found in the GTI and AudiA3, provides a good blend of power and fuel economy. CR"s engineers alsoliked the Eos"s controls and impressive interior fit and finish. But theback seat is cramped and, despite the hard top, there is notable wind androad noise. The Eos Lux ($35,829 Manufacturer"s

Suggested Retail Price as tested) is powered by a turbocharged 200-hp,2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed sequential, or automatedmanual, transmission that is one of the quickest and smoothest around. TheEos delivered 25 mpg overall in CR"s own fuel economy tests, the best ofthe convertibles in this group. Braking is very good overall.

The convertible version of the BMW 3 Series gives up very little interms of the driving experience. The body is free of the flex typical ofconvertibles, and the 328i is agile and fun to drive, with a strong andsmooth powertrain. Like the 3 Series sedan, the convertible has a supple,well-controlled ride and sporty handling. The cabin is well finished andquiet, but the back seat and trunk space are very tight. The 328i ($49,525MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 230-hp, 3.0-liter six-cylinder engineand six-speed automatic that deliver strong and smooth performance. But itweighs 400 pounds more than the sedan, which hurts both fuel economy andacceleration. Braking is very good overall.

The Saab 9-3 doesn"t stand out among sports sedans, but the pleasantconvertible version is more competitive. The ride is on the stiff side, butthe body has little flex and wind buffeting is not excessive with the topdown. Like the others in this group, rear-seat room is tight. The 9-3 2.0Tis powered by a 210-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder engine and five-speedautomatic transmission that provides a nice combination of performance andeconomy.

Volvo"s C70 convertible offers a well-finished hard top, a sleekinterior with impressive fit and finish, and many safety features includingside curtain air bags. But it"s sluggish from a stop, the ride is stiff,and it"s not very agile. Interior space is tight, with a tiny rear seat.The C70 T5 ($43,880 MSRP as tested) is propelled by a 227-hp, turbocharged,2.5-liter five-cylinder engine and five-speed transmission that providedecent performance. Braking is very good overall.

Pontiac"s four-seat convertible is the least expensive in this groupwith a retractable hard top and a rear seat that can accommodate two adultsin a pinch. The driving position is roomy and acceleration is brisk. Butthe G6 has an unsettled ride, lacks agility, and creaks and groansconstantly. Interior fit and finish is subpar, rear access is extremelydifficult, and the trunk lid is heavy. The G6 GT that CR bought ($32,660MSRP as tested) came with the Sport package, which includes a 222-hp,3.9-liter V6 that delivers lively acceleration. The four-speed automaticshifts smoothly. Braking in the G6 is also very good overall.

The Eclipse Spyder"s sporty impression is only skin deep. Whileacceleration is quick and handling seems agile at first, CR"s tests exposeddiminished handling capabilities at its limits. Its awful visibility,intrusive noise, hard ride, vestigial back seat, and wide turning circleare constant annoyances. The Eclipse Spyder GT is powered by a 260-hp,3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers strong acceleration. Its five-speedautomatic transmission is smooth and responsive. The Eclipse"s braking isalso very good overall.

Much like the sedan on which it is based, the Sebring is a mediocreconvertible. On the plus side, it has a relatively roomy rear seat andtrunk, easy-to-use controls and--in Limited trim--a strong powertrain. Butthe Sebring"s handling is clumsy, the ride is unsettled, the front seatsare uncomfortable, and the body groans and squeaks. The Sebring Limited($37,030 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 235-hp, 3.5-liter V6 enginethat delivers ample performance. The six-speed automatic transmission isneither as quick nor as smooth as most six-speeds. Braking is goodoverall.

Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information andadvice on consumer products and services. It conducts the mostcomprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site; themagazine"s auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, andreporting on cars. To subscribe to Consumer Reports, call 1-800-234-1645.Information and articles from the magazine can be accessed online atwww.ConsumerReports.org.

MAY 2008