1896cc 
Anti-Theft System
THE BOOT’S COSMETIC COUNTER
Volkswagen Bora (1999- 2006)
Introduction
History of the Bora
It wasn’t until the introduction of the Bora in 1999 that Volkswagen proved that a Golf with a boot could be a genuinely attractive proposition. Based on the Golf Mk IV, the Bora was, if anything, even prettier than its hatchback sibling, especially in plusher guises. Initially available with five engines, three petrols and two diesels, the Bora had an uphill task on its hands to convert buyers who were passionate for parcel shelves. The petrol engines were all tried and tested Golf units, kicking off with a 100bhp 1.6, with the ubiquitous 115bhp 2.0-litre unit and the oddball 150bhp V5 supporting it. Surprisingly, there was no place in the Bora range for Volkswagen’s ‘default’ 1.8-litre engine in either normally aspirated or turbocharged guise. Diesel buyers had the choice of two 1.9-litre direct injection turbo diesel engines, one with 110bhp, boasting Volkswagen’s innovative Pump Duse technology, the other with 90bhp, not boasting Volkswagen’s innovative Pump Duse technology. Both were well received, and the 110bhp PD engine received a small power boost to 115bhp in October 1999, with a five-speed automatic tiptronic gearbox option being offered shortly after. This engine was in turn replaced by a 130bhp TDi unit in 2001, and the 110bhp unit was reintroduced to give a three pronged diesel attack alongside the budget 90bhp versions.
January 2000 saw the introduction of the flagship model of the range, the 204bhp Bora 2.8 V6 4Motion, fitted with, as the name implies, four-wheel drive (in this instance putting this power to the ground through the Haldex-differential of Audi’s TT coupe). In December of the same year a number of changes were made across the Bora range. Volkswagen upped the power of the 1.6-litre automatic cars to 102bhp, made a number of cosmetic changes to the wheel choices available, added CD auto changers as standard to Sport specification cars and, most significantly, boosted the V5 engine’s power from 150bhp to 170bhp. A sporty ST specification was introduced in summer 2001 to sit between S and SE trim levels available with either the 1.8T engine or the TDI 130 diesel unit. The TDi diesel range was reappraised at the end of 2001 to consist of 100, 130 and barnstorming 150bhp Pump Duse variant. A value added Highline model was launched in early 2004 priced marginally above the SE but offering far superior equipment levels.
Why should I buy a Bora?
Nor is the Bora much smaller than these two rivals. As we’ve suggested, it sits on the same platform as the Golf, but there are some big differences between the pair. A nine-inch advantage in length over the hatchback gives it one obvious advantage - load space. Luggage capacity is an impressive 16cu ft - almost 50 percent more than a Golf. With the back seats folded, this rises to a cavernous 28cu ft - enough for three or four sets of golf clubs or anything else you may need to carry around. All versions get Volkswagen's 12-year anti-corrosion warranty and comprehensive 12-month overall cover and trim levels are much as you’d find on the company’s other mainstream models – which means a range from S to SE and Sport. Standard features on all trim levels include air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, power assisted steering, twin airbags plus front seat side airbags, electric windows and door mirrors and central locking.
The SE and Sport models add remote central locking, an automatic dimming rear view mirror, a windscreen wiper rain sensor, a trip computer and an alarm. They also get slightly larger, 16-inch wheels, provided in the form of racy alloys on the Sport, a trim level that also entitles you to grippy sports seats and a CD autochanger. If that’s not enough, optional extras include a satellite navigation system and electrically adjustable seats with memory facility. In a bid to compete against more upmarket German rivals, Volkswagen has splattered the cabins of higher spec models like the V5 Sport with ‘wooden’ trim and optional leather. While the soft hide compliments the nicely sculpted sports seats in this well appointed version; some customers may find the shiny, fake wood less appealing. You pays your money…
This apart, it’s hard to imagine anyone finding much else to criticise about the interior. A wide screen area and low side windows make it bright and airy and the dash layout and controls from the Golf are functional and easy to use. The adjustable front seats and steering wheel mean drivers of all shapes and sizes can find a comfortable position. Only rear seat passengers may have cause to grumble. They tend to lose out on head and legroom due to the huge boot. There's no denying that the Bora is a well thought out and beautifully built car. Just the satisfying clunk of the door as it closes tells you that this is a piece of quality engineering. And, as with the Golf, you can rest assured that it has been built to meet all existing and future crash tests and incorporates all the latest safety features.
How much could I expect to pay?
What should I look out for?
Are parts expensive?
What is a Bora like to drive?
For a bit more power, the used Bora buyer needs to look at the 115bhp diesel, which can return an average of 54 mpg or the lusty V5 and 4Motion models which can’t. The V5 is a good target – in its 170bhp form it retailed for the same price as a 105bhp BMW 316, so it’s easy to work out the value proposition there. If you do want the quickest Bora, the 4Motion is streets ahead, with a relaxed air belying its ability to sprint to 60mph in 7.4 seconds before topping out at 146mph. It never feels particularly sporting, even when used hard and may disappoint the purchaser looking for a cut price practical alternative to an Audi TT, much of whose underlying mechanicals it shares.
