Bora 1.8T 180 bhp: More Power And Value From Compact Saloon

Volkswagen has added even more sporting flavour to the Bora range, with the introduction of a 180 bhp version of the proven 1.8T engine. This powerful petrol unit, which was first seen earlier this year in the Golf GTI Anniversary, is available in ST and Sport models.

In ST trim, the Bora 1.8T 180 bhp offers compelling value – and performance – for the money. For an ‘on the road’ price of £16,305 (until 31 December 2002 at participating retailers), standard equipment includes ABS with ESP; a CD player; air conditioning; 16” ‘Le Castellet’ alloy wheels; sports seats; plus rain sensing wipers and an auto dimming rear view mirror. Many of these items have been added from August 1st, as part of value enhancements across the Bora range.

The 1.8-litre 20-valve powerplant develops not only the high-revving power expected of a turbocharged petrol, but also the low-down flexibility of a turbodiesel. This is because its maximum torque output of 173 lbs ft (235 Nm) is produced on a ‘flat curve’ from just 1,950 rpm right through to 5,000 rpm.

A six speed gearbox is fitted as standard – the first time this transmission has been used in a four-cylinder petrol Bora. On the road performance is convincing, with a 0-62 mph time of just 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 142 mph. Yet despite these figures, the Bora 180 bhp returns 32.8 mpg on the combined cycle.

Technical Specification – Bora 1.8T 180 bhp

• Cubic capacity – litres/cc 1.8 / 1781
• Output – bhp/rpm 180 / 5500
• Max torque – lbs ft/rpm 173 / 1950-5000
• Gearbox 6 spd manual
• Top speed – mph 142
• 0-62 mph – secs 8.2
• Economy – mpg urban 23.7
• extra urban 42.2
• combined 32.8
• CO2 – g/km 206
• On the road price* – - ST - 16,305; Sport – 17,405

* at participating retailers until 31 December 2002

The new unit joins a host of high performance engines available to Bora customers, including the 150 bhp 1.8T, the 130 and 150 bhp TDI PD turbodiesels, the 170 bhp V5 and the range-topping 204 bhp V6 4MOTION.

In ST guise, the 1.8T with 150 bhp is also an attractive choice. For just £15,355 at participating retailers until 31 December 2002, it comes with all the standard equipment of its 180 bhp sibling.

The Bora TDI PD 150 is unrivalled in its class for its blend of impressive flexibility and high performance with low fuel consumption and emissions. The figures that prove the point are: a top speed of 134 mph, a 0-62 mph time of 9.0 seconds, combined mpg of 51.4 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 149 g/km – the latter putting this Bora into the lowest company car tax rating possible for a diesel car.