The 2011 Volkswagen EOS Komfort is a pleasant upscale midsize automobile with a turbo engine that provides optimum performance. This feature comes in handy especially if you are caught in a traffic and jam and it is a stop-and-go driving pace. When you are on the highway, however, this car can shift to high power and it could go really fast if you pound on it. Many buyers say that they enjoy the retractable hard top and the built-in sunroof as well.

Performance

The VW EOS is a faster version of the Volkswagen GTI but it cannot join the racing competition because of its weight. When it comes to engine performance, this car’s turbo charged motor is races up the charts with its 2.0 liter four cylinder engine. Like all other cars manufactured by Volkswagen, you are assured that the EOS consumes less fuel. Furthermore, if you prefer the dual-clutch manual transmission, you can obtain that in the Lux Volkswagen models.

Exterior

The best thing about the Volkswagen EOS is that you can have the luxury and comfort of driving a two door hard-top convertible. On the outside, you can really admire the 17-inch alloy wheels. The exterior has a conservative design coupled with a clean and sports-like look. A lot of people say that this is very stylish and they really like the 3 piece hardtop which can be lowered down in just a matter of 25 seconds. The plunging grille and tail-lights completes the exterior beauty of the 2011 VW EOS.

Interior

The interior design is equally astonishing with its leather coated multi-function steering wheel. In addition, if you are a computer technology enthusiast, you will definitely appreciate the Bluetooth eight-speaker touch-screen stereo. You can enjoy listening to your favorite CD’s or MP3 collection especially if you are traveling great distances. There is no need for you to be changing the CD’s every now and then because the stereo is equipped with a 6 CD changer, an additional sound jack and even a satellite radio.

Safety

Although it is true that the Federal government has not yet tested the 2011 EOS, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety group have given a good score for the car on both front and side impact tests. The EOS is equipped with the quality head airbags for the driver and for the front passenger as well. If the impact is strong you can be sure that the additional restrain system will hold your body in place. As to reliability, Volkswagen gives their customers limited warranty within a period of three years and 60,000 miles. However, when it comes to corrosions or tearing, the customer is given unlimited mileage and a twelve year warranty.

Competition

One thing which a lot of reviewers appreciate when it comes to the Volkswagen EOS it is in fact a lot cheaper than other cars under the same class. Here are some of them: the BMW 328i Convertible (MSRP $46,450; 17 city / 26 hwy), Saab 9-3 2.0T convertible (MSRP $39,990; 20 city / 29 hwy), Volvo C70 T5 Convertible (MSRP $39,950; 19 city / 28 hwy), and the Lexus IS 350 C convertible (MSRP $46,640; 20 city / 27 hwy). If you are on a budget but you really want to drive a convertible, try the EOS!

Pros and Cons

This car gives you more protection from extreme weather conditions because of its hard top. This is a lot better than purchasing the fabric top. On the other hand, some reviewers say that this car is plain looking and they want to see more style into it. Moreover, the hardtop takes a lot of space out of your small trunk.

Overall Rating
73 out of 100

What others say:

“If you’re alright sinking into anonymity but want a delightful top-down experience with an excellent all-season folding top, the 2011 Volkswagen Eos is it.”Car Connection

“Eos is satisfyingly quick, particularly in the 45-65-mph range. The engine runs out of steam at high rpm, so judicious shifting with the manual transmission is required during passing.”Consumer Guide

“Volkswagen’s The 2011 Volkswagen Eos is tailor-made for easygoing sun worshippers thanks to its retractable hardtop and built-in sunroof. As long as you don’t require driving excitement, this premium VW deserves a close look.”Edmunds

Specifications

The Iconic SLS 63 is fast becoming a legend, new design and body trim makes the 2011 MEC Design Mercedes-Benz SLS 63 AMG even hotter. With a gorgeous body and a gull wing door that opens upward, makes this car look more finesse.

The exterior design features a two piece spoiler, and a LED option with a spoiler lip and a carbon finish. While at the rear, three kinds of diffusers are available to choose from, these are GT3, Formula or Extreme. This has new side sills with optional 4 LED in each side and a two piece rear roof spoiler.

The engine has an upgrade as well and sounds more aggressive; thanks to its new stainless steel sport exhaust system. New suspension is installed, which lower the cars center, making the ride height closer to the ground of 70mm, and can do 30mm in a press of a button. An alloy wheel is at 19inch and a 20inch for option.

The interior receives luxurious pampering, the steering wheel is now equip with carbon and Alcantara trimmings, the side panels, dashboard, instrument panels, consoles, side doors, back seats, coverings and other inserts are now made of fine leather and carbon fiber materials.

The BMW 328 is one of the greatest cars that ever came out of this fabled brand’s stable. Made from 1936 to 1940, this car was ahead of its time, winning the Mille Miglia in 1938 and stamping its class all over its rivals. Now, in commemoration of this car’s 75th year anniversary, BMW created the 2011 BMW 328 Hommage.

The BMW 328 Hommage is in essence, a version of the legendary 328 using the technological advances of this era. A modern interpretation of the original design by Fritz Fiedler and Rudolf Schleicher, it incorporates the essence of the original in many ways.

This roadster’s body is made mostly of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), which gives this car a weight of 1720 pounds, an incredible value for any car of any era. The design cues of this car are created to make the impression of being flat, wide, and dynamic.

A race car inspired interior composed of carbon fiber, aluminum, and leather reminds those inside the car of its heritage. A 3.0 liter straight-6 engine was used to propel this concept, and light alloy wheels plants this car to the ground.

While this car is almost sure to never make it to the assembly line, the 2011 BMW 328 Hommage has accomplished its mission: to pay homage to one historic BMW vehicle, the legendary 328.

Many people have been searching for a luxury midsize SUV, but most brands could not offer the adequate features or top performance that they need. Here in this world, a world-class brand stands out among the rest to deliver models that bear the same meaning with the word “luxury.” This German company has focused all its development energies on making the quintessential sedans that the world requires, but one such model is the 2011 Audi Q7, which differs in a way that it has a class of its own. It is made as a luxury midsize SUV that most people would enjoy.

Performance

In terms of car performance, the Q7 does well with its new V6 engines and their eight-speed automatic transmission function. This equates to more power and even better fuel consumption despite the vehicles heavy construction.

The Audi Q7 comes in two engines each with two different trims. The first is the 3.0T. The Premium trim has a 3.0L Supercharged V6 engine capable of delivering up to 280 horsepower. It has leather-covered seats that can seat seven people, with heated, 12-way power front seats. It has the company’s signature features like the Audi Parking System, HomeLink remote, music interface with iPod and iPhone compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity for cellular phones, LED taillights, power tailgate and contrast-painted lower valances.

The Premium Plus has all the mentioned features plus the Multi Media Interface Navigation System, a BOSE Surround Sound System, Audi parking system plus, a rearview camera, xenon plus headlights with LED running lights suitable for daytime, driver memory, and panorama sunroof. The Prestige trim has a 3.0L V6 engine capable of a maximum of 333 horsepower, 20-inch wheels for all seasons, 3.0T S line, an advanced key, an adjustable steering column, a Warm Weather Package and well-ventilated front seats. The last engine is the TDI, which makes use of a 3.0 Turbo-charged V6 clean diesel engine that is capable of running at 225 horsepower, also available on the Prestige, Premium Plus and Premium trims.

Exterior & Interior

The exterior is classy and clean, but some people might consider it unappealing for a luxury car. The interior may also seem lackluster for most people because the last row may seem too cramped for normal-sized adults. The design or performance may have its weak points, but the most striking feature of this car is its safety assurance.

Safety

Although it has not yet been crash tested, this model has a lot of safety features, like the standard front passenger and driver seat-mounted side airbags, head curtain airbags for all the three rows of seats, and the ultrasonic parking system. Other optional features are the rear side airbags, a rearview camera, blind spot monitor and adaptive cruise control. The results for warranty information has not been released yet, but the reliability is somewhat expected to be mediocre. It is expected that the car will only come with the four-year or 50000-mile basic warranty, 24-hour roadside assistance for four years, and free 5000-mile or 12-month first scheduled maintenance.

Competition

The Audi Q7 has a steep price, which might lead people to look at alternatives. One candidate is the Lexus RX 350 (MSRP $40,475; 18 city / 25 hwy), which has one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class at a lower price, but it does not have a third-row seating. If the user desires an additional row, then the Acura MDX (MSRP $54,455; 16 city / 21 hwy) may be a wise choice. It has a lower price compared to the Q7, but its fuel economy is not as good as the two models.

Pros & Cons

Some may be negatively affected by the high price, tight third row seating or confusing navigation system, but the large cargo room, promising safety assurance and excellent handling makes the 2011 Audi Q7 a worthy luxury SUV contender.

Overall Rating
74 out of 100

What others say:

“The Q7 is no brutish off-roader, nor is it a blingy hip-hop street machine. It’s simply stated, elegant while not looking feminine or masculine.”Car Connection

“Q7 is more agile and car-like than most large SUVs. Still, its elevated stance and high weight demand slowing for tight corners despite the modest body lean vs others in this class.”Consumer Guide

“Gauges are easy to read but the controls are needlessly complex. A central knob surrounded with four selector buttons controls navigation, audio, and other functions.”Consumer Report

“Well-crafted interior; Autobahn-bred high-speed stability; available diesel engine; top safety scores.”Edmunds

Specifications

The prestigious Volkswagen Company has introduced another refined people carrier to the market. It is the 2011 Volkswagen Routan. Its name is said to be derived from a small golf-based people carrier known as Touran (available in Europe). The built of this minivan is almost synonymous to other vehicles, the Chrysler Town & Country (MSRP $30,260; 17 city / 25 hwy) and the old Dodge Grand Caravan (MSRP $TBD; 17 city / 24 hwy). And just like these two, this Volkswagen minivan offers an aura of luxury inside and outside and has the same powerful and efficient 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 engine. Its six speed automatic transmission pushes out a lusty 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which implies that it has much pulling power, even with a full load aboard. This 2011 Routan model has been upgraded and offers a more upscale interior, therefore enhancing the driving experience of its consumers.

Exterior

Outside, the Volkswagen Routan displays a convincingly German look as it features boxy and functional lines, simple but handsome looking five-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin rubber, and a bold and stacked grille style design Volkswagen logo. Additionally, the eye catching headlights and fog lamps integrated into the lower front bumper which contain quad halogen lamps (High Intensity Gas-discharged (HID) units on a SEL Premium) lend the minivan a mean look.

The matte body color, chrome side mirrors, auto dimming rearview mirror and door handles make it even more attractive. Also added to this new version of Volkswagen Routan are the towable roof racks which are intended for convenient transformation. It also practically features a step plate on an extra low bumper for easier loading or unloading of items. Splash guards and full running boards with skid resistant surfaces can also be ordered to add accent to its exterior.

Interior

The interior is astonishing. The very generous and premium seating space for seven includes adjustable captains’ chairs and third row bench. The well designed three row seats are wrapped in kid-friendly leatherette and fine vinyl. The high density carpet and matching floor mats on its flooring and the front row seating with pillow top armrest add comfort and luxurious appeal. The third row seat is intentionally split folding to provide enough room for luggage. For the family’s entertainment needs, Bluetooth digital music storage, nine speaker sound system, satellite radio, iPod or touch screen audio interface, voice controls, 12V power outlets and 115V AC outlet for powering up phones, MP3 players and game consoles are included. Moreover, it is also equipped with automatic three zone climate control, real time traffic, airline style LED reading lights and Chrysler-sourced navigation system.

Safety & Maintenance

In terms of safety, the Volkswagen Routan comes with anti lock disc brakes, electronic stability and side curtain airbags. And it was also given by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety a good rating in the frontal-offset and side crash tests. Though the Reliability score by J.D. Power and Associates is minimal at best, the Routan is covered with a three year basic warranty and Carefree Maintenance program.

Competition

While Volkswagen Routan is a good choice, many reviewers find its counterparts a second look. They may consider both 2010 Toyota Sienna (MSRP $21,588; 17 city / 23 hwy) and Honda Odyssey (MSRP $22,341; 16 city / 23 hwy) for their better reliability and safety ratings. Most consumers also say that the Honda Odyssey is the best driving vehicle in the minivan class. And the Kia Sedona is also considered for its low purchase cost.

The 2011 Routan may still have an unrefined engine sound unlike the Japanese cars- Honda Odyssey & Toyota Sienna and limited seating features as compared to that of Chrysler, however, it is praised for its elegant interior and exterior styling and the comfortable seating experience that it provides. Also, the powerful, smooth and responsive six speed automatic transmission offers good gas mileage for its class.

Overall Rating
75 out of 100

What others say:

“The Routan’s been praised as a higher-quality version of the Chrysler minivans, but with the improvements to those vans, we’re eager to see photos of the Routan.”Car Connection

“The 2011 Volkswagen Routan gets a substantial freshening, including revised styling and a new engine.”Consumer Guide

“While it has certain advantages over the Chrysler minivans upon which it is based, the 2011 Volkswagen Routan still doesn’t stack up to the best-in-class models.”Edmunds

“Although the Routan did not get the dashboard overhaul and styling revisions of its 2011 Chrysler and Dodge siblings, it does get the new V-6, whose horsepower and torque outpace those of the 2010’s 3.8-liter and 4.0-liter V-6s.”Cars.com

Specifications