The 2008 Volkswagen

Looking to buy a speedy, versatile sports car that won't put a dent in your wallet? The 2008 Volkswagen Eos is fun to drive, has an upscale interior and is practical. Named after the mythical Greek goddess of dawn, the car is designed as a convertible, with no coupe or sedan counterpart. The car's body features attractive, clean lines, and well-balanced angles with a three-part, automatically retractable hardtop. The roof is operated by eight hydraulic cylinders and folds away in about 25 seconds at the push of a button.

The 2008 Volkswagen Eos is a well-engineered automobile, with a reassuring sweep of safety features. The Eos, for 2008, comes in four different trim levels - the Turbo, Komfort, Lux and VR6. All Eos models are equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 200-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 21 mpg city/ 29 mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission is optional. The VR6 is equipped with a more powerful standard 3.2-liter, V6, 250-horsepower engine that achieves 19 mpg city/ 26 mpg highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The base-model Eos was designed as a two-plus-two seater and offers plenty of standard amenities to satisfy most customers. Options can add further upgrades. Key features include the Adaptive Front Lighting System with Bi-Xenon headlamps, rain sensing wipers, LED lights, side door beams, automatic door locks, a convertible roof, heated washer nozzles, integrated mirrors, 12 way power adjustable seat, automatic climate control, 4 cupholders, 4 airbags, Homelink garage door opener, theft immobilizer, multifunction steering wheel, Electronic Stabilization Program, and Park Distance Control (standard on Lux and V6). The space in the back seat is suitable for kids, and the trunk space is smaller than normal since its taken over in order to store the retractable roof.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Eos a rating of "good" - the highest possible, for frontal and side-impact crash tests. The Eos is covered by a four-year, 50,000-mile basic warranty.