Much of the buzz at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show concerns the North American launch of the Volkswagen Eos. It's the first new convertible from VW since the golf Cabriolet and the first sporty convertible since the long-lamented Karmann-Ghia. Though based on the Golf/Jetta platform, the Eos features distinctive styling and an unusual convertible top.

The retractable metal roof (further leading us to the day when "softtops" are consigned to history) has a built-in sunroof for those times when weather discourages top-down driving or, as sometimes happens, when traffic noise and dirty air makes it unappealing. Engine choices for the Eos in Europe start at 115 hp and go all the way to 250 hp.

Volkswagen promises to introduce ten new models by 2009 and could certainly do with some hits, as the new Jetta and Passat haven't been as successful in North America as expected. Depending on price, the handsome Eos could be the start of a new era for the company, especially when the belated new Golf arrives here.