VW Eos 2.0 T-FSI Sport

Replacing the old Golf soft-top in the line-up for class honours, the Eos aims to take on bigger coupé-cabriolets from premium brands. Auto Express grabbed the keys to see if the newcomer will be a drop-top champ this summer.

Unlike its mainstream competitors, the Eos isn't based on a single existing model, allowing designers to give it a unique look. While it uses a combination of Golf and Passat underpinnings, it's 20cm longer than the firm's compact family hatchback, and more than 3cm wider. The now-familiar VW grille dominates the front end, but smart headlights and Porsche Cayman-style foglamps help distinguish the model from its more practical siblings.

A gently rising waistline and subtly flared wheelarches lend a purposeful stance, while the clean lines of the rear end make for handsome viewing from most angles, especially with the roof down. And dropping the hard-top couldn't be simpler, thanks to the slick, fully automated mechanism, which takes only 25 seconds to open or close.

Rather than bill its newcomer as a CC-style car, Volkswagen describes it as a CSC. That stands for Convertible, Sliding and Coupé, and it's the middle attribute that sets this model apart.

Not only does it offer open-top and coupé motoring, but the front half of the centre section also slides back to form a huge sunroof with the hood in place. In common with traditional CC models, though, boot space is compromised, dropping from 380 litres in the hatchback to only 205 here.

Access is affected as well, and you often have to erect the roof to retrieve items trapped by the concertina of metal and glass. Look inside, however, and Golf owners will recognise most of the switchgear and instruments, while the dark rooflining helps to give the interior a classy atmosphere.

Roof-up refinement is impressive and rear space adequate for two, but headroom is at a premium, and tall passengers won't enjoy long trips.

Still, those in the front fare better, and needn't worry about turbulence. Even at motorway speeds, occupants don't have to shout to be heard. The wind deflector that fits behind the front seats limits draughts even further, but also renders the rear chairs useless.

We tested the 200bhp T-FSI, which uses the Golf GTI's turbo engine. In the Eos, the extra weight blunts the unit's performance, and it has to be worked hard to make speedy progress.

Yet such machines are designed for cruising. The chassis delivers a decent drive and even the Sport suspension set-up fitted to our test model offers a smooth, comfortable ride. Precise steering and strong, progressive brakes complete the dynamic package.

With clever integrated curtain and side airbags, ESP and parking sensors as standard - as well as its unique roof - the Eos goes on sale in July, priced from £19,410. It's a must for anyone keen to be noticed in the sun.