The first coupe-convertible with integrated sliding/tilting glass roof as standard comes to the Middle East

Dubai, 20 February 2007: After more than one million VW convertibles of the Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Golf and New Beetle series, the region's leading fashionistas can embrace the hottest new coupe-cabriolet from Europe's streets, the Volkswagen Eos, now available in the Middle East.

Following a hugely successful launch phase in Europe, the Eos is expected to play and win in both coupe and cabriolet segments on the region's roads; it offers the best of both worlds.  Sporty, powerful, and unique; the new Eos is a breakthrough in the automobile industry, designed for alternative young individuals looking for a real adventure. This comes as refreshing news to the Middle East as it has undergone a significant change in recent years, with a growth in the numbers of urban professionals in the major cities. Fully loaded, highly specced and boasting a unique five-piece folding-roof technology, the Middle East will finally be privy to Europe's fastest moving urban style icon.

World first CSC-Design

As a world first, the four-seater EOS is equipped with a stunning hardtop dual technology design, boasting an integrated sliding/tilting glass roof as standard making it the perfect choice for this region's climatic extremes.  Moving from coupe to cabriolet has been made effortlessly simple through the integrated electro-hydraulics system giving the Eos the sleekest of maneuvers in just 25 seconds. The CSC-roof (convertible, sliding and coupe roof) of the Eos is made of steel and glass components; never before has a hard top technology of such complexity and reliability been put into practice.

The Eos roof offers not only visual, but also practical advantages. Firstly, a pure convertible feeling. Unlike other convertibles, the front section of the Eos' roof is held in a transpa­rent glass look and can be used as a panorama sun roof opening it either completely or tilting it upwards by 35 millimeters. Even in the closed mode the roof creates a bright, friendly and fresh atmosphere in the interior. Secondly, the shorter windscreen frame makes it easier to get into the Eos when the roof is open as the driver or passengers do not have to maneuver their heads past the frame. Thirdly, the large sliding/tilting glass roof captures light, air, and a good mood regardless of whether or not there is sun. In addition, the CSC-roof offers the advantages of suitability throughout the year as well as low noise levels even at higher driving speeds and with the roof closed.

Iris Kraska, Marketing and PR Director, Volkswagen Middle East says, "The Eos is a unique car designed for urbanites looking for stylish and powerful vehicles that reflect their distinctive personalities. This is the first car in the world to feature a five-piece hardtop - reflecting the heritage and spirit of Volkswagen engineering and innovation."

Very wide and powerful

When it comes to appearance, the Eos is wide and powerful, a piece of art. The coupe-convertible is 1.79 meters wide, 4.41 meters long and 1.44 meters high. In their relationship to each other these dimensions affect the dynamics of the Eos: due to the relatively broad width in comparison with the length and height, the Eos sits powerfully on its wheels. The considerable track width (more than 1.55 meters) doesn't just look good; it rather adds to the agility and road handling. The result is a fun driving experience, whether the top is up or down.

Sporty-elegant and spacious interior

The interior of Eos is a new and sporty-elegant design, spaciously equipped to comfortably seat 4 adults. While the details for function and use (e.g. lights, air conditioning; radio systems) are familiar from other models, many of the Eos elements have been newly developed. These include the cockpit, door and side cover as well as the rear seats and an air conditioning automatic specifically designed for a convertible. For the first time Volkswagen optionally features electrically activated easy-entry-seats: they 'remember' the driver's and front passenger's longitudinal seating position and return to it - just by pushing a button - after the rear passengers have gotten in or out.

Three engines with a performance spectrum from 150 hp to 250 hp

The Eos is available in the Middle East with three strong engines ranging from economic 150 hp (2.0 litre) to a powerful 250 hp (3.2 litre). As one of very few manufacturers, Volkswagen features economic direct fuel injection in all four cylinder gas engines. The particularly agile and high torque turbo charged 200 hp (2.0 litre) engine has already advanced to become a kind of a cult engine in the Golf GTI.

Another masterpiece is the 250 hp strong six cylinder engine which made its debut in the Golf R32.  This engine gives the Eos a Teutonic muscle that propels the coupe-cabriolet way ahead of the crowd, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds. With a top speed of 247 km/h, and a dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) distributing drive power to the front wheels via six forward gears, the Eos is a unique demonstration of the hallmarks of classic German innovation and engineering.

Comprehensive equipment

Sporting 17" alloy wheels for the V6 model, a cabriolet-specific Climatronic system, on-board navigation, cornering headlights, the Eos also comes with a Dynaudio 600-watt, 10 speaker stereo, with enough volume for a small party.

Safety equipment

The Eos is equipped with a whole range of systems that ensure passive safety; these include a roll bar system which shoots up after 0.25 seconds after the transverse acceleration or if the vehicle incline in the back head rest area exceeds a fixed mark.

Also as standard, the Eos has safety optimized head rests and four airbags on board. Parallel with the front airbags, Volkswagen equipped this convertible with special lateral airbags -so-called head-thorax airbags. During a collision they open horizontally and vertically and cover the entire lateral window band. From a conceptual approach, this way they also perform the tasks of conventional head or window airbags, which could obviously not be stored in an open roof.

Since its launch, the Eos topped the German convertible market and was more than 100% ahead of its nearest competitor, marking it as one of the sharpest movers in its class. Volkswagen is continuing to invest in design and innovation and the Eos is a clear demonstration of this with the inclusion of the world first integrated sliding/tilting, five piece roof hardtop.

-Ends-

For more information contact:
Mona El-Mahdi
Public Relations Manager
Volkswagen Middle East
Tel: +971-4-204 5888
Fax: +971-4-204 5898
E-mail: mona.elmahdi@volkswagen.avme.ae

Amanda Reed
Senior Account Executive
Impact Porter Novelli
Tel: +971-4-330 4030 Ext:  417
Fax: +971-4-330 4031
E-mail: a.reed@ipn.ae

Please also register on Volkswagen's international press website at www.volkswagen-media-services.com.

© Press Release 2007