Volkswagen Bora 1999–2006 car dimensions: 4376 mm long, 1735 mm wide and 1446 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,165 kg. Braked towing is 1,400 kg.
The cabin offers height-adjustable front seats, electric windows all round and manual air conditioning as standard across the range. Higher grades add Climatronic automatic climate control, a multifunction steering wheel with cruise control and rear parking sensors. Controls are simple and ergonomic with a clear instrument panel. No modern electronic driver aids beyond basic ABS and ESP appear in the equipment lists.
The boot holds 455 litres with seats up and expands to 785 litres when the 60/40 split rear seats fold flat. Four lashing points and a carpeted floor help secure loads. A full-size spare sits under the floor.
Braked towing capacity reaches up to 1400 kg depending on engine and gearbox, with unbraked limited to 600 kg. Payload sits around 400 kg. The car suits light trailer work but no heavy-duty cooling or reinforced suspension packages are listed in the brochures.
The cabin offers supportive front seats with height and lumbar adjustment on higher trims, paired with a height- and reach-adjustable steering wheel for a good driving position. Manual air conditioning is standard across the range, with Climatronic automatic climate control on Sport and above. Split-folding rear seats, a centre armrest and electric windows front and rear add everyday ease. Materials feel solid with options for velour or leather, and the interior stays quiet thanks to the rigid body.
Petrol and TDI diesel engines available. 1.9 TDI 130 PS returns 51.4 mpg combined.
LongLife Servicing regime. 3-year/60,000-mile warranty and 12-year body protection.
Fully galvanised body with 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.
ABS, ESP with EDL and ASR, dual front airbags and front side airbags standard.
Isofix child seat preparation and three rear three-point belts standard.
Curtain airbags optional. related Golf IV scored 4 stars Euro NCAP.
Engine choice covers efficient 1.6 and 2.0 petrol units plus 1.8T options, alongside 1.9 TDI diesels from 100 to 150 PS that deliver strong economy on the combined cycle. Fuel tank capacity is listed at 55 litres on most models.
Servicing follows the LongLife system with intervals guided by the onboard computer. The car carries a 3-year/60,000-mile mechanical warranty plus 3-year paint and 12-year body protection cover, backed by fully galvanised construction.
Safety equipment is comprehensive for the era: ABS with EBD, ESP, driver and passenger airbags plus front side airbags are standard on every model, along with seat-belt tensioners, Isofix mounts and a rigid cell with crumple zones. Curtain airbags were an option. The platform achieved strong results in contemporary tests, with the related Golf IV rated 4 stars by Euro NCAP and high marks in NHTSA frontal and IIHS offset evaluations.
Day-to-day ownership benefits from remote central locking with alarm, electric heated mirrors, a multifunction computer and split rear seats. Regular maintenance keeps the galvanised body and mechanicals reliable over high mileages.
Length 4376 mm, Width 1735 mm, Height 1446 mm, Wheelbase 2519 mm (Bora 1999–2006)
Sources: manufacturer data, VW UK Bora technical specification brochure/press kit, auto-data.net and Automoli.