2012 VW Eos Camper Van

The Eos might not be an enthusiast’s dream car, but it’s a solid value if you’re in the market for a convertible with a real back seat. The base model undercuts the price of several other four-seat, retractable-hard-top convertibles while delivering an excellent open-air experience. Riding on the same versatile platform that underpins VW’s other compact offerings, the Eos handles well and rides with a pleasant suppleness, and engineers were able to keep the loss of structural rigidity to a minimum. But it’s the engine—a refined and energetic turbocharged four-cylinder—that gives the Eos its star quality. Volkswagen’s six-speed dual-clutch transmission is a sporty, engaging alternative to a conventional automatic. Inside, the Eos boasts a level of refinement that transcends its price; the cabin far surpasses that of the Chrysler 200 convertible in terms of fit and finish. The five-piece glass-and-steel roof lowers in twenty-five seconds with the push of a button. If you’re in the mood for a bit less wind and sun, this Volkswagen can manage that, too. All Eos models come with a sunroof that tilts and slides open. At 44 inches wide, it’s larger than the sunroofs in most fixed-roof cars. Cargo space is generous with the top up, but top-down weekend trips with four people will require packing lightly, as trunk space shrinks significantly with the top stowed.