ROAD TEST/VW Bora 1.8: Michael McAleer drove the curiously named Bora, and discovered that it has much to offer
An unfortunate name, but we guess there's nothing can be done for it now. This late in the day we can only hope that, come the next generation, it will be the primary focus for change.
What do you drive?
A Bora...
Did you see the match last night?
For the etymologists in the audience, Bora is a violent, cold, northeasterly winter wind on the Adriatic Sea (where else but in Motors can you learn such utterly useless information?) There are others who may suggest links to French Polynesian islands, but a quick slap across the face brings them back to reality.
It's the phonetic similarity to "boring" that must surely have struck the VW powers that be, and went straight over their heads like a violent northeasterly wind. It's not the sort of nomenclature that leads to friendly inquiries about getting a quick spin around the block. Which is wrong.
If VW plans to continue with saloon versions of its popular hatchbacks, it will have its work cut out to improve dramatically on what's on offer now. This car has got the performance and enjoyable ride, even if it does have that boot at its rear.
First launched in 1999, the Bora replaced the less than successful Vento - an earlier model of the "Golf with a boot" format. VW has tried to separate the Golf from the Bora with a distinctive grille and headlight treatment, but the public knows better.
Some readers have asked us why European carmakers who successfully develop a hot hatch and gain great kudos for both design and handling, then go and turn out a banal booted hybrid. The inherent problem with simply changing the rear end design is that it takes from the initial stylish lines of the hatchback.
It would seem car firms are chasing after the gap between the confirmed sales representative and the youthful junior staff member. The aim of creating multiple niche vehicles is to get the most out of a small number of platforms and respond to the demand for maximum interior space or more room for the golf clubs. Let us not forget that the Golf has now become a sworn member of the small family car brigade. So a saloon version was never beyond the bounds of credibility.
There is, of course, the fact that the Bora offers a sharper driving experience than its sibling. So, while your office car park persona is one of serious intent, on the road you can return to your true character; impish youth. The Bora is, after all, built on the same floorpan as the Golf, so changes are limited to reworking the space allocation towards the rear. The cabin space is not significantly larger than the hatchback model, though the Bora is slightly higher than the Golf, and 227 mm longer. It does suffer from the same rather cramped rear legroom as its sibling.
So what has us sitting behind the wheel of a car that's been on the market for three years? VW, like many of the other manufacturers, likes to stagger their model range introduction.
The latest addition to the Bora range is aimed at filling a power vacuum that has existed since its introduction. Previously the petrol variants were 1.4, 1.6 and then a significant jump to a 204 bhp two-litre unit.
This power chasm meant an important segment, particularly in the company car fleet, was omitted. The 1.8-litre market is one of the most popular in the saloon segment, and for private Irish motorists offers that extra power without jumping into the higher tax and insurance bracket of the two-litres. In addition, VW's 1.8-litre offering combines with a turbo to offer an impressive level of horsepower and torque for its cubic capacity.
It's a four-cylinder, 150 bhp 1.8-litre turbo unit that's already established itself in the Audi A3 and A4. In comparison to the Bora's lesser power units, the 1.8-litre has a significant difference in torque and horsepower.
With a top speed of nearly 135 mph and a 0-60 mph of under nine seconds, it is no slouch in performance terms. While it may not match the Ford Focus for sheer driver enjoyment, it did impress on a quick trip down some shaded twisting Kildare roads.
It was clear from the first stretch of open road that we were never going to be left wanting for power. The handling and cornering are precise and it is very direct into and out of corners, with only the slightest oversteer.
Overall, the suspension on the test car was nice and stiff with responsive steering keeping us in touch with the road. The gear change is precise and the brakes, fitted with ABS and EBD, are powerful.
Inside, the first thing that strikes you are the bucket-like seats, which hold both front seat occupants firmly in place. Before you even turn the engine on, you get that sense of fun. Visibility is good, as is the driving position.
The Bora we drove came with a specification that included alloy wheels and a sunroof. It also featured wood trim on the dashboard, strangely out of place amid the oceans of blue and bucket-like seats.
Ergonomically the controls were easily to hand and obvious, and there's plenty of oddments space in the cabin. One criticism would be the radio, which is mounted low in the centre console, where it is a bit of a stretch to use. Another dislike was the blue lighting of the dials, which we found too harsh. In safety terms, all versions of the Bora have twin airbags, sidebags and anti-lock brakes as standard.
As a car for the junior executive, it has impressive performance and is enjoyable to drive. So, ignoring the name, perhaps it is on this basis that you should flaunt your new car. If asked, tell colleagues you drive a 150 bhp turbocharged Volkswagen Golf . . . with a boot.
FACTFILE:
ENGINE: 1,781cc turbo-charged unit developing 150 bhp and 210 Nm of torque.
PERFORMANCE: 0-60 mph in 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 134 mph.
SPECIFICATION: Electric sunroof, bucket-like sports seats, radio/CD changer.
FUEL: Urban 26.2 mpg; extra-urban 44.8 mpg; combined 35.3 mpg.
PRICE: €30,210
THE COMPETITION:
VW Bora 1.8t comfortline. 1781cc; 8.9 (0-60); 134 max speed; 150 bhp. 35.3 mpg combined; €30,120.
Toyota Avensis 1.8 WT-i. 1974cc; 9 (0-60); 127 max speed; 127 bhp; 38.2 mpg combined; €23,545.
Skoda Octavia 1.8 T elegance. 1781; 8.4 (0-60); 146 max speed; 150 bhp; 35.8 mpg combined. €24,370.
Seat Toledo 1.8 Signo. 1781; 9.5 (0-60); 125 max speed; 125 bhp; 35.3 mpg combined; €23,150.
Nissan Primera 1.8 4dr Acenta. 1969; 1.8 (0-60); 116 max speed; 114 bhp; 38.2 mpg combined; €25,495.