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Driver’s Seat
Dreamy Summer Drives
With human sacrifice no longer an acceptable method for celebrating the sun, society has had to adopt other, more politically correct customs. Some, such as reclining on a blanket at the beach, are relatively inexpensive, while others, such as zipping around town in an imported drop top, require spending a few bucks. Even among convertibles the cost for the opportunity to have your forehead sunburned can vary wildly.
By Russ Heaps
VW EOS
Available in four trim levels priced from $29,680 to $38,790, Volkswagen offers a nicely equipped Eos in the $31,390 Komfort package. What sets Eos apart from most convertibles is its folding hardtop. Offering superior sound insulation and better security than a soft top, the folding hardtop operates quickly and quietly. And unlike many soft-top convertibles, Eos looks good with the top raised as well as lowered.
Control Center
Steering wheel-mounted shift paddles give the driver the option of selecting shift points in versions equipped with the available six-speed automated-clutch automatic transmission.
Sunroof
When all you want is a little fresh air, the highlight of the folding hardtop is a power sunroof.
 Interior atmosphere
An eight-speaker audio system with CD player and auxiliary input for a personal listening device is standard.
Storage Space
With the top lowered trunk space shrinks from 9.3 cu.-ft. to 5.4 cu.-ft.
Spinners
The 16-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in all-season rubber.
Personal Safety
Standard safety features include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, stability control and head-torso front and side-impact airbags.
Power Forward
All versions but the most expensive
trim level generate front-wheel thrust via a 200-horsepower two-liter turbocharged four.
BMW 650i CONVERTIBLE
 In most consumers’ minds, BMW represents the cutting edge of performance engineering and high-tech wizardry. This tandem goal drives everything in its products. Although elements of the technology, such as the distracting i-Drive and the annoyingly invasive active cruise control, may be over the top for some drivers, BMW doesn’t shirk from what it sees as its role to raise the technology bar. The $84,775 650i convertible is handsomely styled and comfortable, yet it delivers top-notch performance and, yes, all the eye-popping technology you can stuff into one automobile.
Mission Command
The computer-based i-Drive
controls the more complex functions of the 10-speaker audio system, climate control and the DVD-based navigation system.
pop Tops
The power-operated soft top lowers or rises in less than 30 seconds with the push of one button.
control
Either a six-speed manual or a six-speed driver-shiftable automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters hustle engine power to the rear wheels.
Well Built
The four-wheel independent suspension architecture includes aluminum front and rear subframes, twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers and active roll stabilization.
Lighten Up
Xenon adaptive headlights with dynamic auto leveling also feature a washing system.
smooth Stops
Eighteen-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tires sit in front of anti-lock disc brakes with stability control, traction control and dynamic brake control.
 Speed Freak
A 350-horsepower 4.8-liter V8 generates scalded-cat acceleration.
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