It was only a matter of time before VW got in on the market for folding metal. And we all suspected that when they did, it would be with something that pushed the market that little bit further.
Welcome to the Eos with its new five-part roof that also houses a large sunroof. Competitors have all opted for a three-part folding metal roof. So what, I hear you ask? Well, it makes a lot of difference when all that metal has to be housed in the boot.
For us these hardtop convertibles offer two questions: first the issue of long-term reliability of the relatively complex roof mechanisms; and secondly from an aesthetic point of view, the over-extended rumps that were added to such cars to accommodate the folded metal. VW has overcome that problem and with the roof down, the Eos doesn't look like a snail trailing its house behind it.
The snail analogy has also been cruelly used in reference to the performance of some of these hard-topped convertibles. The hydraulics and safety features required for a convertible always make them significantly heavier than their regular counterparts. That means the entry-level engines are usually for owners resigned to pottering around town.
So the Eos has overcome the problem of the oversized rear, even if it hasn't managed to shed too many pounds. Despite being the official replacement for the Golf cabriolet, the Eos actually weighs in at just 100kg less than the new Passat. Unlike the Cabrio Golf it is really only a two-seater, with little room in the back. For all that, the higher-powered engines are well capable of pulling it along with aplomb. While we never got the chance to test the entry-level 1.6-litre 115bhp version, for our money we'd opt for the higher-end 2-litre petrol or diesel. If you have to opt for the 1.6-litre, don't be expecting any fireworks.
On Greek roads at the weekend, the Eos handling was precise and the ride comfortable. The roads were slippery, thanks to the building materials used by our Mediterranean colleagues, but the stability control kept any scares at bay.
Going back to our concerns over long-term reliability of the roofs, only time will tell but the VW badge at the front does provide some comfort.
Apart from a very smart and well-proportioned design, the big attraction of Eos is the price - and the fact that VW has seemingly broken its cardinal rule in Ireland by offering a very impressive standard specification to buyers here. Prices start at €36,880 for the 115bhp 1.6-litre FSI and even the 200bhp 2-litre turbocharged petrol comes in at a rather respectable €46,400.
The great thing about the Eos is that it looks as good with the roof up as it does with the roof down, and that's largely down to the five-stage folding roof.
While the pricing might be premium compared to its French and German rivals, the Eos is smart enough to take on premium rivals like the C70.
Against it, the Eos is a seriously good contender - for now. Just around the corner there's a host of premium marques preparing to introduce hard-topped coupé convertibles in the coming months.
Buyers won't be disappointed with the Eos, but be aware this market is changing as quickly as the weather.