Volkswagen Bora 1J2 1.9 TDI (90 Hp)


Overall Rating

8 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine N/A / 5
Not Rated
Value N/A / 5
Not Rated
Performance N/A / 5
Not Rated
Comfort N/A / 5
Not Rated
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Volkswagen Bora:

The Volkswagen Bora is a small family car, the fourth generation of the Volkswagen Jetta, and the successor to the Volkswagen Vento. Production of the car began in July 1999. Carrying on the wind nomenclature from previous generations, the car was known as the Volkswagen Bora in much of the world. Bora is a winter wind that blows intermittently over the coast of the Adriatic Sea, as well as in parts of Greece, Russia, Turkey, and the Sliven region of Bulgaria. In North America and South Africa, the Volkswagen Jetta moniker was again kept on due to the continued popularity of the car in those markets....(Read more on Wikipedia)

1J2 Overview:

Volkswagen Bora (1J2). With 202 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~6.6 l/100km). With a weight of 1325 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.9 s). The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Euro NCAP Year 1998
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars 4
Expert Note:
Based on the Golf IV platform, the Bora 1J2 achieved a respectable 4-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection, reflecting solid structural integrity for its era.

1.9 TDI (90 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 8 stars

Performance Verdict

A legendary TDI engine, known for its incredible reliability and excellent fuel economy, with adequate power for most.

Fuel Economy

Outstanding fuel economy, making it one of the most economical choices in the lineup.

Best Use Case: Commuter / Economical Daily Driver

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Wide range of efficient and reliable engines, especially TDIs
  • • Solid build quality and durable interior materials
  • • Comfortable ride quality, suitable for long journeys
  • • Good trunk space for a compact sedan
  • • Optional 4MOTION all-wheel drive for enhanced traction

Cons:

  • • Some petrol engines can be quite thirsty (e.g., VR5, V6)
  • • Older automatic transmissions can be slow and impact economy
  • • Interior design can feel dated by modern standards
  • • Rear legroom is adequate but not generous for taller passengers
  • • Some models prone to rust in certain areas (e.g., front wings)

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Bora
Generation:1J2
Modification (Engine):1.9 TDI (90 Hp)
Start of production:1998
End of production:2002
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:90 Hp @ 4000 rpm.
Power per litre:47.5 Hp/l
Torque:202 Nm @ 1900 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:AGR, ALH
Engine displacement:1896
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Direct injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger, Intercooler
Valvetrain:OHC
Engine oil capacity:4.5 l
Coolant:6 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:79.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:95.5 mm mm
Compression ratio:19.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:6.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:4.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:4.8 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:12.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:12.9 sec
Maximum speed:180 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:14.7 kg/Hp, 67.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.6 kg/Nm, 152.5 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:12.3 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1325
Max. weight:1820
Max load:495
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:785 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:455 l
Fuel tank capacity:55 l
Size:
Length:4376 mm mm
Width:1735 mm mm
Height:1446 mm mm
Wheelbase:2519 mm mm
Width including mirrors:2018 mm
Front track:1513 mm
Rear (Back) track:1494 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.9 m
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/65 R15
Wheel rims size6J x 15
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionSemi-independent, coil spring

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