Used Volkswagen Eos CC 2006 - 2016 review

This classy coupe convertible gives you the best of both worlds. With its folding metal roof up it's refined and airy, thanks to the built-in glass sunroof, you can go alfresco with style at the push of a button.

Convertibles often trade dynamics for style, but not the Eos. The structure feels solid, there's loads of grip, while body lean is kept to a minimum. Depending on your choice of engine, you can also get impressive performance.

The Eos can double as a family car because there are four full-sized seats, and while boot space is reduced with the roof down, it's surprisingly large with the roof up.

Build quality is up to VW's usual standard with quality materials and construction used throughout. The Eos also gets a decent amount of safety and security kit.

The 2.0-litre diesel is the most economical with an official average of 47.1mpg. The next best is the 120 and 158bhp 1.4-litre TFSI model at 42.2mpg. However, some owners have told us that the 1.4-litre struggles to get close to this in real-world driving. Both 2.0-litre petrols average around 34mpg. The V6 petrol comes in at 30.7mpg.

Resale values for the Eos are strong, so while that will keep the purchase price high, you shouldn't lose too much through depreciation. This makes the Eos a safer bet than coupe-convertible rivals such as the Peugeot 307 CC and Volvo C70.

Road tax rates aren't too bad for this class of car, with the diesel emitting 158g/km of CO2 and the 1.4-litre petrols 159g/km. The other models range from 194g/km to 219g/km. Servicing and insurance costs are in line with rivals'.

The Eos was originally available in just standard and Sport trim. The former comes with alloy wheels and electronic stability control, while Sport gets firmer suspension, larger alloys and aluminium interior trim.

From late '07, the trim levels were reorganised as S, SE and Sport. The S is broadly the same as the old standard trim, while the SE gains goodies such as parking sensors and a heated rear screen, and upgraded cabin trim.

A 1.6-litre FSI petrol engine was available until late '07, when it was replaced with a turbocharged 1.4 TFSI unit. The FSI feels underpowered, while the TFSI, with either 120bhp or 158bhp, is much more up to the job. The 148bhp 2.0-litre petrol is reasonable, but the best petrol is the 2.0-litre TFSI - the same engine as used in the Golf GTI. Top of the range is a 247bhp 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine that is fast but thirsty and comes as an automatic only.

The 2.0-litre diesel produces 138bhp and offers decent pace and efficient motorway cruising.