[LateBar]

Looking at the recently launched new Golf, Polo and Scirroco all with the new headlamp and grill arrangement, it makes me wonder how far down the line before VW take the same treatment to the EOS.

I've not seen any news from VW on the subject, but the EOS has been 3 years+ since launch now so a facelift can't be too far away. Maybe before the current model is 5 years old it will go under the knife?

 

[Kieranol]

I know there has been some talk of axing the model from the range. It will be interesting to see what happens. If they were to discontinue the model the EOS could become a bit of a collectors item.

 

[drbass]

Hi all,

Interesting question.

I don't have a definitive answer but I have two intriguing "rumours" from a German car forum website (if you want to have a look for yourself:
http://www.motor-talk.de/forum/endlich-facelift-ab-2010-t2348258.html).

First one is that there will be a facelift to bring the Eos in line with the "new" design (think Golf VI, Scirocco, you get the idea).

Second one (or maybe it's an extension of number 1, it's not entirely clear to me) is that there will be a re-design resulting in a "cooler, more sporty and unique" car with a rear that will appear flatter than it is now. Apparently the poster of the second "rumour" has seen a close-to-production concept.

Take this with a grain of salt, as I said above I'd call these rumours at this stage, and of course completely unconfirmed by any official sources. Make of it what you will.

Seeya,
Michael

 

[Janizary]

I know there has been some talk of axing the model from the range. It will be interesting to see what happens. If they were to discontinue the model the EOS could become a bit of a collectors item.

That would be a sad day for the Eos. I know that sales figures drive model continuance, but the Eos is a great little car for the price point (with its retractable hard top). Its next closest RHT here in the states, the 328i RHT runs $13K USD over the cost of the Eos (for the base model) or $12K USD more for the G37 RHT (base model). And I'm not even going to discuss the wretched G6 RHT or {{vomit}} Sebring RHT...

 

[silvershadow]

My opinion is the Eos will become to Volkswagen what the MX5/Miata is to Mazda - a niche model that is not subject to major changes to bodywork/mechanicals over the years to keep costs reasonable. The only changes I expect will be engine/transmission/electronic upgrades shared with the high-volume models.

However, I do expect there will be some significant price hikes to bring prices closer to those of its up-market competitors thus improving profitability and to justify retention of the model. If the worst was to happen and VW discontinue the Eos; look after your car as it will be a future classic car for collectors.

 

[justcarkits]

Generally, car manufacturers face lift at 4 years - it is a relatively cheap way of keeping the model looking fresh, even though the mechanicals may be the same. Normally, you find a complete revision at 6 to 7 years.
As a niche vehicle, can't see a whole new model appearing soon, though there is a Golf MK6 convertible coming.

 

[Chipontheroad]

Hi all,

There was a minor facelift (change of grille layout, wing mirrors changed to align with Passat, that sort of thing) for the '09 model in the UK, but nothing serious.

I had also heard there was a potential axe, but (now I cannot recall where I saw it, I think in a french car magazine, but don't quote me) more because the replacement Audi A4 might have gone from ragtrop to tintop (i.e. EOS gets restyled and re-badged as an Audi A4). That would overcome the price point issue, so makes sense, also ragtops are going out of fashion big time in the UK (tintops are perceived to offer better security, and all the rest I don't have to sell to this forum!). However, the new Audi A4 is out, and is still a ragtop, so, I guess if that was ever a plan, it isn't now.

There was no advertising spend for the EOS in the UK (well, apart from on the web, which I know can be singificant), but when I ordered mine, I found out why - best part of three months' wait - and it seems that they are discounting it less than the rest of the marque. As long as they can sell every one they have, at a relative premium, then it must make sense...

So, I guess it is likely to stay, but, as someone on this thread says, subject to minimal and slow changes...

Cheers

Chip

 

[neh321]

Bearing in mind VW are supposed to be bringing out a cabrio version of the Golf Mk6, just how many Golf-sized cabrios do they need? Do they need a soft-top AND a hard-top? Maybe that's their thinking; Piech likes to cover EVERY niche possible!

 

[eos3]

I see more likely a completely new car, upper scale, like based on Passat CC, and possibly a Golf 6 soft or hard top as replacements to the EOS, our favourite baby not being facelifted... Unless it's became a cash-cow for VW...

 

[neh321]

I see more likely a completely new car, upper scale, like based on Passat CC, and possibly a Golf 6 soft or hard top as replacements to the EOS, our favourite baby not being facelifted... Unless it's became a cash-cow for VW...

I'd be surprised if they engineered a completely new car. They are moving away from the old-style grille on new models and a facelift to the front-end to incorporate the new-style grille (as per Golf Mk6, Scirocco and Polo) would be easy and relatively cheap for them.

I reckon that's what they'll do (if anything at all).

 

[LateBar]

...ragtops are going out of fashion big time in the UK (tintops are perceived to offer better security... Chip

That certainly was the case a few years back when the new folding hardtops were the newest show on the road and satisfied the security fears. But things have moved on and much has been written in the motoring press and on TV shows about the weight of the metal roofs and how they're not really 'proper' cabriolets and I actually think the tide is turning back towards softtops.

Note the Audi A5 didn't go hardtop, the BMW and Mercedes (4-seat) haven't bothered either. Also Renault are fading out the Megane CC and not replacing it.

I didn't know that the Golf was coming out as a soft-top. I guess the success of that might be very significant.

I think time will tell. We don't know how these roofs will fare after 10 years of life. Older Meganes and Pug 307s have problems, those seals can't last forever. I think the ageing will decide the EOS's future, but I hope it stays around for quite a while yet.

 

[Eosman]

Bearing in mind VW are supposed to be bringing out a cabrio version of the Golf Mk6, just how many Golf-sized cabrios do they need? Do they need a soft-top AND a hard-top? Maybe that's their thinking; Piech likes to cover EVERY niche possible!

It would be very easy for VW to make a convertible version of the current Golf since the Audi A3 Cabrolet has the same floorplan, bulkhead and running gear. It would be cheaper to make than the Eos and subsequently more profitable. Would it replace the Eos - anyone's guess.

 

[grotbag]

VAG currently make 5 convertables, A3, A5, TT, Beetle and of course EOS.
The EOS is the only one with a hard top.

 

[davidp]

the downside to the hard top though is the extra 200 kilo that we carry around in the boot. all the hard top convertibles suffer from squeaks and occasionsl leaks, all fixed by proper lubrication of seals but maybe manufacturers find it less hassle to stick to rag tops!
be a shame as even three years on folks are still amazed when my 'coupe' suddently transforms into an open top whiz mobile.
extra feeling of security with the hard top is a big bonus as well.

 

[eos3]

extra feeling of security with the hard top is a big bonus as well.

And not to forget the great looks of the car with roof up... Very few soft top cabrios can claim to look as good up as they do down!!! And the heat in the winter for us leaving elsewhere than Australia or California or Hawaii!!!
And Ferrari has just introduced their FIRST hard folding car... Much like Lexus has as well a few weeks ago... So not sure there are trends... Rather room for different styles... What drives Audi or BMW to release soft tops on Series 1 and A3 is rather cost driving price... They would not compete with more costly cars...
Fred