Volkswagen Bora 1.6 Firstline Review

Good Points
As well built as a Golf, a bit better to drive and better equipped. Fully justifies an enviable reputation for quality, reliability and safety.

Bad Points
Doesn't really fulfil the small executive sporting saloon brief, and loses money faster than the Golf on which it's based on.

General Comments
Performance
The Bora aims to be small sporting saloon in BMW 3-series mould, and so it's engines are strong performers - the 2.3 V5, 2.8 V6 in the 4Motion and 115bhp 1.9 turbodiesel are all decently quick. Even the 2.0 from the Golf GTi has mid-range strength. A 1.6 and a 90bhp TD provide good driveability at a more affordable price.
Ride & handling
The Bora is stiffer than the Golf it's based on, and this improves things for keen drivers. On smooth, flowing roads it is well controlled and decisive, although an underdamped ride and reluctance to change course on bumpy or twisty tracks are disappointing. The four-wheel-drive 4Motion is sharp, but it's no BMW 3-series.
Refinement
Generally, Boras have the Golf's classiness about them, keeping external noise to aceptable levels and having light, smooth controls, though the gearshifts could be slicker. The V5 is not as smooth as it should be, though, and the 2.0 and diesel engines get boomy when reved.