Test model
Volkswagen Bora TDI 150 Sport
Reg No. FA03 FUM
UK model RHD
Mileage 45,000
Actual 0-60: 8.5
Obtained MPH: 142mph
Volkswagens answer to the four door saloon based on the Golf Mk4 came in the guise of the Bora in 1998. Although this is not the first time that VW have ... Read review
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Advantages: Affordable premium car with some excellent quality a quick engine! Disadvantages: Unfortunatly not all the power can be unleashed because of handling!!
Test model
Volkswagen Bora TDI 150 Sport
Reg No. FA03 FUM
UK model RHD
Mileage 45,000
Actual 0-60: 8.5
Obtained MPH: 142mph
Volkswagens answer to the four door saloon based on the Golf Mk4 came in the guise of the Bora in 1998. Although this is not the first time that VW have tried the smaller 4 door saloon, see the Vento and Jetta (Bora's worldwide name). The model I purchased ... ...when I bought it and is metallic black.
I have to say the Bora isn't the best looking car on the road but if you want a foor door golf saloon with a bigger boot then it is just what you are looking for. I bought this car for £9995, which with the generous spec and mileage was good. It was bought from Black Horse Car sales who actually own the cars and they are used as company cars or short term lease cars. Although that fact that ... more
Test model
Volkswagen Bora TDI 150 Sport Reg No. FA03 FUM UK model RHD Mileage 45,000
Actual 0-60: 8.5 Obtained MPH: 142mph
Volkswagens answer to the four door saloon based on the Golf Mk4 came in the guise of the Bora in 1998. Although this is not the first time that VW have tried the smaller 4 door saloon, see the Vento and Jetta (Bora's worldwide name). The model I purchased is a 2003 03 plated model which had 42,800 miles when I bought it and is metallic black.
I have to say the Bora isn't the best looking car on the road but if you want a foor door golf saloon with a bigger boot then it is just what you are looking for. I bought this car for £9995, which with the generous spec and mileage was good. It was bought from Black Horse Car sales who actually own the cars and they are used as company cars or short term lease cars. Although that fact that it was a lease car put me off a bit I also thought about the fact that it would have been looked after regularly and serviced properly. I will have to admit when I first saw the car I was won over. Inside was absolutely immaculate and it looked of a very high standard. Outside was in excellent condition although there were a few scratches here and there and it need some new tyres. After a 25 minute consideration and a promise of all work needed to be done to be done on it I signed on the dotted line. I collected the car a week later and they had replaced the tyres and it had been re-sprayed where the scratches once were. Excellent.
The nitty gritty
My previous car was a Seat Cordoba SE TDI 130 so I already knew what I was in for. Although the extra weight of the wider and longer VW initially restricts the TDI 150s wealth of torque the car soon becomes a bit of an animal. This car is my fourth diesel and is by far one of the best cars I have ever driven. The punch from the 150 TDI is immense and even at high speeds you can keep up with most high powered sports cars with very little effort and the beauty of it is you are still getting 40mpg compared to their 15mpg. The Sport version comes with integrated front fog lights and 16" alloy wheels so is doesn't altogether look too executive but still very smart. The TDI 150 version also has more airflow holes on the bottom of the front valance. This is a very smart and premium looking car for the money and in a rear view mirror has a bit of a powerful stance.
As I have already mentioned before the TDI 150 is a beast of an engine and the pull even at low revs is amazing. From a stand it needs a bit of a chance to work from 800-1800 rpm after that it is a screamer pulling the car forward like a roller coaster ride. To say that the mid range torque of this engine would leave our Audi TT behind is an understatement. You do not have to work this engine hard at all it is effortless to drive, especially with the close ratio 6-speed gearbox. The car has ESP with traction control and it is forever coming on when you put a firm foot down from a stand while you go over shiny or wet road. But the question I can hear you all ask is so it has power so what of the control? Well this is where the Bora's flame burns out a bit despite the masses of torque that pulls the big lump it is after all a big lump and is more focused on being a comfortable family car so has a softer although firm suspension and doesn't quite have the stability for some extreme sports car fun. Don't get me wrong the cars handling is really good, with pin point sporty steering and there is minimal roll when it comes to going round bends at medium speeds but it needs bigger wheels and a much firmer suspension for sports car handling. I am considering lowering the ride and putting on R32 alloys but I feel that it will ruin the cars image.
Interior
The Sport trim level on the Bora is a similar spec to the Golf GTI. The seats are Alcantara velour sports seats which both of the front have height adjustment and lumber support and are lovely and soft which make them really comfortable to sit in for long journeys. There is a walnut wood finish effect around the centre console facia, the door handles and the gear stick which gives the interior a more premium look. It has a lot of soft touch plastics and rubbers giving the cabin an air of quality. The car has a 6CD in dash changer and a separate Radio/tuner, with 6 speakers which sound fantastic. There is easy to use climate control and the windscreen wipers are automatic in intermittent mode. Also there is a centre arm rest and a push out drinks holder for two in the centre console on the dash. A new toy for me is the automatic anti glare rear view mirror, which is a nice gimmick. There is a multi function computer which gives a very accurate account of the cars economy. In the rear there are three three point seat belts and there is plenty of head and leg room for the rear occupants. The rear also has a centre ashtray and foldout drinks holder for two. The boot is massive and the only real restriction is juts the height but has plenty of width.
Inside is very nice and is of a high standard and still feels really modern and newer then most cars which nowadays have a lot more plastic in. It is a breath of fresh air to not have that cold plastic feel when in a car. It is comfortable on long journeys and the driving position is very adaptable with the reach and rake steering wheel.
Overall
This car looks smart and certainly is quicker than its looks portray. I can imagine that the TDI 150 in a Golf GTI or Seat Leon would be outstanding, but in the Bora is just a bit of kit to make your car feel more luxurious and to help drive more comfortably. Handling is good with soft suspension which absorbs speed bumps with no real problem. It has a good high standard feel all round and has a solid build with good reliability, not a classic but if you need a 4 door saloon with some pull, good economy and most importantly a bit of premium quality then you wouldn't go far wrong then pick up one of these babies.
Advantages: Good looking, great fuel economy Disadvantages: Cheaper similar cars available
I have recently bought a second hand Bora 1.9 SE TDI (130bhp). We had been looking for one of these for several months and finally found what we were looking for several weeks ago and I must say I am soooo pleased with her.
I do approx 15k business miles a year so needed a car with good fuel economy and high comfort, aswell as being well built with a good life expectacy as we are not planning on changing this for a good 5 or so years, but it also ... ...of a family (when it arrives).
I couldn't be more pleased with "Dora". I have done approximately 1,500 miles in her since we bought her and have averaged about 50 mpg over this time. The 6 speed gear box also aids the great fuel economy. She is incredibly comfortable and although she has alot of power (being 130 bhp) I haven't found this too much. I was a bit worried that I was going to find it too easy to go too fast and although she is more than ...
dmwilson 03.10.2006
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Volkswagen Bora 1.9 S TDI
Advantages: Great drive, well made, quick Disadvantages: Cornering, depreciation
...unfamiliar to cars as I, Volkswagen is a major German car manufacturer with a first class reputation. Most famous for the VW Beetle (think Herbie goes to Monte Carlo and all that malarkey) and you start to put into context the long-term nature of a top draw operator.
Both the personal and company car market are ultra competitive these days. What with the government’s desire to bring prices in line with Europe and the desperation of the major manufacturers ... ...of comforts for passengers.
Volkswagen are renowned for their obsessive attention to detail. Smart trim surfaces, tightly fitting panels that don't rub or squeak and a classy ambience mean it's still unrivalled in its class. The mechanicals seem every bit as durable, too, and are backed by a three-year warranty
***Economy***
With the cost of fuel, ever more important as well as the implications of emissions on personal tax bills, I wanted a diesel ...
Marandina 21.08.2003 (22.08.2003)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Volkswagen Bora 1.9 S TDI
Advantages: Looks, Space, motorway performance Disadvantages: Cornering and Louder than your average car
I've had one of these for 2 years now. First of not many complaints at all.
You'll find the following
Fitted Alarm with features.
Key Controlled central locking.
Side Airbags(Driver and passenger).
Dashboard journey statistics.
Outside Temperature.
Fully adjustable seats( forward - Back , Up - Down, upright- flat).
Lockable glove compartment.
Cup holders.
Exceptional fuel consumption.
Good Casette stereo.
Traction Control
Automatic Windscreen ... ...Great on the motorway; solid as a rock.
Looks Great inside and out.
Gear change is smooth and accurate.
Cup holders and slick.
dashboard statistics computer.
Red and Blue dashboard lighting.
Cons
Doesn't corner well.
1-2nd gear power loss.
No rear wiper
A little more explanation.
When you put your foot down in this fella you feel like your driving a 7 series BMW. By this i mean you know you are in charge of something with power. The noise ...
tombarnes 03.03.2004
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Volkswagen Bora 1.9 S TDI
Advantages: Climate control, Speed, Economy Disadvantages: The name
The Bora is Volkswagen's attempt to rival the BMW 3 series and Audi A3 and makes a good attempt.
I traded in my wife's cherished Golf GTI for the Bora 1.9 TDI (diesel) Sport (150bhp) because :-
a) we needed a bigger boot
b) we had just bought a tent which wouldn't fit in the Golf
c) the Golf was making a few dodgy sounds
d) diesel sounded more economical
~~ First Impressions ~~
I actually think that the Bora looks quite sleek and sturdy with ... ...are prominent giving the impression of good road-handling and the overall impression is one of a solid, reliable motor.
One thing I noticed was the "clunk" of the door being shut - like a bank vault being sealed.
~~ In The Driving Seat ~~
The driving position is comfortable with good vision both to the front and rear and is helped by the adjustable steering column.
The seat can be adjusted up, down, forward, back - there is alos a lumbar adjustment ...
nigeofnewbury 24.03.2005 (20.05.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Volkswagen Bora 1.9 S TDI
Advantages: Good looking car, some nice touches, it's a volkswagen Disadvantages: slightly dull interior
...is the successor to the Volkswagen Jetta, i.e. it's the Golf with a boot. Working off the chassis of the Golf, these cars have always been good and the Bora is no exception.
I don't personally own one but have had the use of my uncles on a regular basis and can testify that it is as good a car as is on the market in this sector. It is spot on in the looks department with a styling which gives it a look of strength about it, its kept simple but sophisticated ... ...to it. This is a Volkswagen after all. Little things like the spring dampered handles above the door smack of quality which belied the price of the car, folding back smoothly instead of snapping back like the would on a lesser make of car. You have a few nicely designed cup holders and everything else you would expect depending on the model you choose, though look out for those with air conditioning when buying second hand, it's worth it.
The alacantra ...
cokane 14.12.2005
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Volkswagen Bora 1.9 S TDI
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