New year, new engine for Eos

The 2011 Model Year Volkswagen Eos range will receive an engine upgrade before the year's end, the popular convertible model now offering the turbocharged four-cylinder as found beneath the bonnet of the brand's famed hot hatch, Golf GTI.

The 2.0-litre high output TSI petrol engine will see Eos deliver 155kW and 280Nm for a claimed 0-100km/h sprint of just 7.8 seconds. A wide torque curve (from 1700 to 5200rpm) will provide excellent throttle response and improved in-gear acceleration.

Available with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed DSG (automatic) transmissions, the revised powerplant sees Eos achieve a CO2 emissions ouput of just 173g/km (184g/km in DSG) and fuel economy returns as low as 7.4L/100km (combined ) for manual models and 7.9L/100km in the DSG-equipped variant.

Eos's TSI engine features a number of technical revisions including modified pistons and piston rings, a new induction system and a high-pressure fuel pump. Volkswagen says the new engine was designed to comply with strict Euro V emissions regulations and provide ease of servicing. The more compact unit allows better under bonnet space for servicing as well as appropriate under-bonnet space for engine movement and crumple zones.

The Volkswagen Eos remains available with a 2.0-litre TDI (diesel) engine offering 103kW when mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG (automatic) transmission.

2011 Model Year Eos is further enhanced by standard Vienna leather upholstery with heated front seats, new 17-inch alloy wheels, new chrome grille strips, cherry red taillights and a refreshed colour palette.

All manual models also offer Hill Start Assist (HSA) as standard. The system holds the vehicle when the foot brake is released by temporarily locking the brake pressure (for a maximum of 1.5 seconds) to provide comfortable starting-off without rolling back. Hill Start Assist (HSA) operates on inclines greater than five per cent.

Eos 103TDI manual is priced from $46,990 while the new Eos 155TSI starts at $48,990.

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