Test model

Actual 0-60: 8.5
Obtained MPH: 142mph

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.

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.

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.

Overall