Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Volkswagen Bora 1J2 2.3 VR5 (150 Hp)
Overall Rating
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 205 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1302 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.1 s). The top speed reaches 211 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.
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.
2.3 VR5 (150 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Provides a smooth, characterful power delivery, offering decent acceleration for a naturally aspirated engine.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is quite high, making it less economical than the turbocharged petrol or TDI options.
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): | 2.3 VR5 (150 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 150 Hp @ 6000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 64.5 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 205 Nm @ 3200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | AGZ |
| Engine displacement: | 2324 |
| Number of cylinders: | 5 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.9 l |
| Coolant: | 9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90.2 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.1 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 211 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.7 kg/Hp, 115.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.4 kg/Nm, 157.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1302 |
| Max. weight: | 1935 |
| Max load: | 633 |
| 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 Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
Is the Volkswagen Bora worth every penny? Give us your honest ROI.