Overview

Released in December 1999, the Volkswagen 1J Bora was compact, front-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Wolfsburg, Germany, the VW Bora range initially consisted of the 2.0i and 2.3i V5 variants, but was expanded in June 2001 with the 2.8i V6.

Compared to its 1H Vento predecessor, the Volkswagen 1J Bora was 4 mm shorter (at 4376 mm), 40 mm wider (1735 mm), 41 mm taller (1446 mm) and had a 38 mm longer wheelbase (2513 mm). Based on the Mk.4 Golf, the Bora had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.

4-Motion all-wheel drive system

For the VW Bora 2.8i V6, the ‘4-Motion’ all-wheel drive system consisted of a Haldex coupling that was mounted in front of the rear axle differential. As such, the 4-Motion system provided front-wheel drive in normal conditions, but utilised hydraulic and electronic systems to detect a loss of traction at the front wheels; the clutch plates would then engage to direct up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear axle.

Safety equipment

Initially, standard safety equipment for the VW Bora 2.0i and 2.3i V5 included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. From June 2001, the 2.3i V5 was fitted with traction control and the 2.8i V6 was also fitted with electronic stability control. From August 2004, the 2.3i V5 was also fitted with electronic stability control, while the 2.8i V6 gained brake assist.

Features

Standard features for the Volkswagen Bora 2.0i included 15-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, contoured sports seats, cruise control, a 60/40 split and folding rear seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, height adjustable front seats, an alarm and immobiliser.

The Bora 2.3i V5 was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, front fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, manually adjustable front seat lumbar support and woodgrain interior trim.

June 2001: Bora 2.8i V6 and update

In June 2001, the Bora 2.3i V5 gained gained a six-stack CD player, leather seats and heated front seats; the newly-introduced 2.8i V6 was further equipped with a power sunroof.

August 2004: Bora update

In August 2004, there was another update for the Bora range: the 2.0i was fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning and heated mirrors, while the 2.3i gained 17-inch alloy wheels; the 2.8i V6 was unchanged.

2001 Bora 2.8i V6 Sport

In October 2001, a limited-run Sport edition of the Bora 2.8i V6 was released. Compared to the standard 2.8i V6, the Bora 2.8i V6 Sport was distinguished by its 17-inch Vortex EVOLO STP alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 225/45 R17 tyres, black leather seats, Black Myrtle woodgrain trim, mesh grille and Oettinger spoiler.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Volkswagen 1J Bora

Recalls: Volkswagen 1J Bora

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Volkswagen 1J Bora

• In March 2002, a recall was issued for 2001 and 2002 model year Volkswagen 1J Bora vehicles due to potential overheating of components within the ABS Control Unit as a result of an electrical fault (PRA 2002/5237).

Problems and faults: Volkswagen 1J Bora

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Volkswagen 1J Bora

• The throttle pedal may vibrate and there may be a rapping noise under the bonnet due to the throttle cable coming into contact with the engine cover.
• The clutch pedal may not fully return to its original position due to the return spring becoming dislodged.
• Rattling noises from the door speakers may be due to loose rivets or the wiring harness coming into contact with the speakers; if so, new fasteners are required and the wires may need to be re-routed.
• For Volkswagen 1J Bora vehicles with automatic transmissions, a humming noise when cornering may be coming from the differential – draining the transmission fluid and replacing it with a synthetic fluid may alleviate the problem.

Released in December 1999, the Volkswagen 1J Bora was compact, front-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Wolfsburg, Germany, the Bora range initially consisted of the 2.0i and 2.3i V5 variants, but was expanded in June 2001 with the 2.8i V6. For the 2.8i V6, the ‘4-Motion’ all-wheel drive system consisted of a Haldex coupling that was mounted in front of the rear axle differential… Read full Volkswagen 1J Bora review

volkswagen_bora_1j_ser1_01

volkswagen_bora_1j_ser1_02

volkswagen_bora_1j_ser1_03

volkswagen_bora_1j_ser1_04

volkswagen_bora_1j_ser1_05

volkswagen_bora_1j_ser1_06

volkswagen_bora_1j_ser1_07

volkswagen_bora_1j_ser1_08

volkswagen_bora_1j_ser1_09

volkswagen_bora_1j_ser1_10

volkswagen_bora_1j_ser1_11

volkswagen_bora_1j_ser1_12