DETROIT — The hardtop convertible goes mainstream this year, as an engineering marvel only the rich could attain a decade ago becomes commonplace.
This year's roundup of new convertibles includes three with hardtops: the Chrysler Sebring, which offers a hardtop as well as vinyl and cloth; the Volkswagen Eos, which has a unique glass hardtop, and the popular Mazda MX-5 Miata.
For years, you couldn't buy a hardtop convertible at any price from any automaker. A folding, stowable metal roof was too heavy, complicated and delicate for any company to attempt, even though it had been done successfully in the past.
The Mercedes-Benz SLK rewrote the rules for what was possible, introducing luxury buyers to the convenience and comfort of the retractable hardtop, which provides better insulation from noise and outside temperature than cloth or vinyl.
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The Pontiac G6 became the first affordable modern hardtop convertible when it debuted last year, and several competitors join it this summer.
*Prices exclude destination charges
2007 Volkswagen Eos
Base price/as tested:* $29,900 / $31,065
Engine: 200-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 23 mpg city; 31 mpg highway
Seats: Four
Raising the roof: Power hardtop with glass sunroof. Good visibility with top closed.
Bottom line: Meet the first convertible with a glass sunroof. That may sound like overkill, but VW has never been shy about engineering features you never thought to ask for. Watching the Eos' five-panel roof flip and fold open is like seeing robots waltz, as the pieces glide into place to nearly fill the car's small trunk.
The cost for all that sophistication shows up in the Eos' sticker and curb weight. The base price will strike the Eos from many shopping lists, but the model I tested was well-equipped and comfortable, although rear legroom is limited.
The Eos' fuel-efficient 200-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides plenty of power, but the car's 3,505-pound curb weight makes itself felt in fast corners and on twisting country roads.