Volkswagen Bora (99-05) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Bora is a good all-rounder and injects some much-needed style into the small family saloon sector. It’s based on the Golf, so shares some its best attributes, like a pleasant interior, direct steering and some punchy PD diesel engines for performance and economy. The only thorn in its side is Seat's Toledo, which offers the same, while undercutting it on used market.
3 out of 5

Other Volkswagen reviews

2.5 out of 5

Running costs

Depreciation occurs quicker than with a Golf, but otherwise day to day running costs are reasonable with diesels offering the best economy.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,574 - £2,455 *

Diesel

£1,187 - £1,526 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

Variable servicing (up to approximately 19,000 miles or two years) or fixed servicing (at every 10,000 miles or 12 months) can be chosen when new. It is possible to change from one to another during the vehicle’s life, but it can only be done when a full inspection service is due.

Warranty

Mechanical 3 years Bodywork 12 years

Road tax (12 months)

£120.00 - £270.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

3 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
    140
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M
    266

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

Bora is relatively green and easy on the environment. With an average of 181 g/km CO2 across the model line-up, its emissions are quite low for a small family saloon. However, it's worth noting that the line up has a high number of diesel models, bringing the average down and giving buyers more choices of low-emission versions. Diesels typically produce less CO2 than petrol engines with similar power outputs. The range is also fairly economical, averaging 40 mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2