After more than one million VW convertibles of the Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Golf and New Beetle series, the new Eos is set for a flying start this summer in Canada.

Volkswagen's all-new 2007 Eos hardtop convertible will begin at $36,900 in Canada, the auto maker says.

It's said to be the first fully retractable hardtop convertible with an integrated glass sunroof.

The four-seater Eos will be powered by VW's new 2.0-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder gas engine, rated at 200 hp and 207 lb.-ft. of torque.

A six-speed manual transmission will be standard; a DSG (direct shift gearbox) automatic, with Tiptronic clutchless shifting, will be an option.

Other standard features will include ABS, traction control, electronic stability program, front-side airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, a/c, cruise control, remote locking, power windows and heated front seats.

Eos, named for the Greek goddess of the dawn, debuted in Canada at le Salon International de l'Auto de Montréal (SIAM) in January.

The new Eos represents the world's first car to offer a folding hardtop roof with an integrated sunroof. This groundbreaking design allows the Eos to not only offer the benefits of both a convertible and a hard top coupe, but also shines with an integrated sunroof that can be opened for those sunny yet chilly days that won't allow for a full open-air experience. Moreover, this tinted glass sunroof offers the advantage of allowing sun light to penetrate the interior, even when the roof is fully closed. Speaking of which, the top operation takes a mere 25 seconds to fully raise or lower.

The 2007 Eos benefits from its laser-welding production process, class-leading fit and finish, tremendous body strength, crash protection, driving dynamics, and low interior noise. Drivers of the Eos will benefit from its fully independent suspension system that uses a multi-link rear and optimized front strut setup, as well as a standard six-speed manual transmission or, as an option, Volkswagen's highly acclaimed six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox automatic transmission with Tiptronic. Also among the most impressive standard driving advancements is an electro-mechanical steering system. The Eos is powered by a standard 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder that develops 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque.

Even with its folding hard-top folded, the Eos offers a surprising 205 litres of trunk space. With the top up, the trunk can accommodate 380 litres.

For added assurance, the Eos will come with 24-hour Roadside Assistance for four years with unlimited distance and new vehicle warranties including:

- Five-year/100,000 kilometres (whichever occurs first) Powertrain Limited Warranty

- Four-year/80,000 kilometres (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty with wear and tear items and adjustments excluded after the initial 12 months/20,000 kilometres

- 12 year unlimited distance Limited Warranty against corrosion perforation