IT is a happy coincidence that the Golf is also called the Rabbit in the US because the current model seems to be proliferating as rapidly as the furry little creature.

The versatile platform of the Volkswagen Golf has been the basis for numerous bodystyles and the latest is the attractive Eos cabriolet-coupe. As VW's first rigid-roof convertible, it is also its most clever.

While some coupe-convertible makers talk about how their three-section retractable steel roofs are more curvaceous and, hence, look nicer than two-section tops, VW nonetheless has managed to come up with an attractive profile for what is essentially a two-piece mechanism but with five sections - one of which is a very large glass sunroof.

Press the small lever under the centre armrest and the sunroof slides into the U-shaped metal top, before the whole upper section retracts together with the rear windscreen into the boot within 25 seconds.

Pleasing proportions

Because of its five sections, the Eos can also be driven as a coupe with a very big electric sunroof, either fully open or tilted upwards like a conventional sunroof.

For most of its buyers, all this talk about sections and retractions may be as interesting as a bowl of cold oatmeal porridge. But it does result in making the Eos an extremely practical convertible. And it still has what the German carmaker calls a 'dynamic roof line'.

Few would argue with this because with the roof up, the car does look pretty. It has pleasing, well-balanced proportions, unlike more bottom-heavy alternatives on the market.

The cabin seats four adults fairly comfortably and the driver enjoys the same excellent ergonomics found in all Golf models. Like the other models too, the interior design of the Eos is similar to every Golf and Passat variant you've been in except that the convertible's dashboard has been spiced up with chrome-rimmed trapezoidal airvents and funkier leather seat colour combinations.

Under the Eos hood lies the same impressive turbocharged engine from the Golf GTI, mated to the brilliant dual-clutch DSG direct shift gearbox. As in the hot hatch, there is also a pair of steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts for quick manual changes.

Smooth ride

But one big difference between the Eos and a Golf is the former's rear suspension. The Eos has a rear multi-link axle derived from the Passat and it helps to give the cabriolet-coupe an unusual smoothness of ride. This is only disturbed by uneven road surfaces but it rarely gets unsettled.

Also on rougher roads, there is slight body flex but it is unlikely to be noticeable unless you're driving it like a tank commander overrunning enemy trenches.

But if you choose to, the bi-xenon headlamps with its dynamic and static cornering lights - standard on the Eos - will certainly come in handy.

In Greek mythology, Eos is the name for the goddess of the dawn. For Volkswagen with its plethora of dynamic new products, it could well be the dawn of a new era in Singapore.

Volkswagen Eos 2.0T FSI

Engine: 1,984cc turbocharged
Gearbox: 6-speed DSG transmission
Max power: 200 hp @ 5,100-6,000 rpm
Max torque: 280 Nm @ 1,800-5,000 rpm
0-100 kmh: 7.8 secs
Top speed: 232 kmh
Price: $154,800 (with COE)
Distributor: Volkswagen Group Singapore. Tel: 6474-8288