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Volkswagen Bora 1J2 2.3 VR5 20V (170 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 220 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1433 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.5 s). The top speed reaches 224 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 20V (170 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A strong performer with a distinctive VR5 engine note, offering brisk acceleration and good high-speed cruising ability.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is acceptable for its power output, though still a petrol engine with a larger displacement.
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:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(1J2: 1999 - 2001).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Bora |
| Generation: | 1J2 |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.3 VR5 20V (170 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2000 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 170 Hp @ 6200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 73.1 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 220 Nm @ 3200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | AQN More details about the engine AQN |
| Engine displacement: | 2324 |
| Number of cylinders: | 5 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| 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: | 10.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 224 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.4 kg/Hp, 118.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.5 kg/Nm, 153.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1433 |
| Max. weight: | 1840 |
| Max. roof load: | 75 kg |
| Max load: | 407 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 785 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 455 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1500 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 650 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 75 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4376 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1735 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1446 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2519 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2018 mm |
| Front track: | 1513 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1494 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.9 m [above average] |
| 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 [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| 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 |
Does the Volkswagen Bora live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!