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.[4] 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.

Volkswagen Bora (A4, Typ 1J)
2002 Volkswagen Jetta, 1984 cc
Overview
ManufacturerVolkswagen
Also calledVolkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen Bora Classic (China, 2006–2008)
Volkswagen City Jetta/Jetta City (Canada, 2007–2010)
Volkswagen Clásico (Mexico, 2010–2015)
Production1999–2006 (Europe)
1999–2015 (Mexico)
2001–2008 (China)
Model years1999–2005 (US)
1999–2010 (Canada)
2000–2015 (Latin America)
AssemblyGermany: Wolfsburg[1]
Poland: Poznań[2]
Slovakia: Bratislava[1]
China: Changchun (FAW-VW)[1]
Mexico: Puebla[3]
South Africa: Uitenhage[1]
DesignerHartmut Warkuß
Freeman Thomas
J Mays
Body and chassis
Body style4-door notchback sedan / saloon
5-door wagon / estate
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive
PlatformVolkswagen Group A4 (PQ34) platform
RelatedVolkswagen Golf Mk4
Audi A3 Mk1
SEAT León Mk1
SEAT Toledo Mk2
Škoda Octavia Mk1
Powertrain
Engine1.4 L I4 16V (petrol)
1.6 L SR I4 8V (petrol)
1.6 L I4 8V (petrol)
1.6 L I4 16-valve (petrol)
1.6 L FSi I4 (Petrol)
1.8 L I4 20-valve (petrol)
1.8 L I4 20-valve turbo (petrol)
2.0 L I4 (petrol)
2.3 L VR5 10-valve (petrol)
2.3 L VR5 20-valve (petrol)
2.8 L VR6 12-valve (petrol)
2.8 L VR6 24-valve (petrol)
1.9 L I4 SDI (diesel)
1.9 L I4 TDI (diesel)
Transmission5-speed manual (02J)
6-speed manual (02M)
4-speed automatic (01M)
5-speed automatic Tiptronic (09A)
6-speed automatic (09G)
Dimensions
Wheelbasesedan: 2,510 mm (98.8 in)
estate: 2,520 mm (99.2 in)
Lengthsedan: 4,380 mm (172.4 in)
estate: 4,410 mm (173.6 in)
Width1,730 mm (68.1 in)
Heightsedan: 1,440 mm (56.7 in)
estate: 1,490 mm (58.7 in)
'08 City Jetta sedan: 1,445 mm (56.9 in)
Chronology
PredecessorVolkswagen Vento (A3)
Volkswagen Citi Golf (China)
SuccessorVolkswagen Jetta (A5)
Volkswagen Bora (second generation) (China)
Volkswagen Bora

The Mk4 debuted shortly after its larger sibling, the Passat, with rear passenger doors differing from those of a five-door Golf. The car was also offered as an estate/wagon. Options included rain sensor-controlled windshield wipers and automatic climate control.

Two new internal-combustion engines were offered, the 1.8-litre turbo four-cylinder (often referred to as the 1.8 20vT), and the VR6. The suspension setup remained much as before. However, it was softened considerably in most models to give a comfortable ride, which was met with some criticism as it was still quite hard in comparison with rivals such as vehicles offered from French carmakers.[5]

Diesel

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2002 Volkswagen Jetta TDI turbodiesel (US)

In 2004, a new range of Pumpe-Düse (PD) Unit Injector diesel engines was offered. The design employed unit injectors along with additional electronics and emissions equipment to meet emissions standards in Europe and North America, and is more complex than diesel engines previously offered. To accomplish the task of producing sufficient power while meeting emissions standards, the "PD" technology injects fuel directly into the combustion chamber at pressures up to 2,050 bar (30,000 psi).[6] The purpose of the high pressure is to promote fine atomisation of the fuel, which supports more complete combustion. To reduce noise, the engine employs a "pilot injection" system that injects a small amount of fuel prior to the main injection. All of the new generation of diesel engines required a special motor oil to meet Volkswagen oil specification 505.01 (or newer), noting that serious damage to the engine, particularly the camshaft and injectors, will result if oil not meeting this standard is used.

Safety

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The car was manufactured using highly mechanised presses, improved measuring techniques, and laser welding of the roof. In crash tests, the fourth-generation car received very good marks. In the New Car Assessment Program tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the car received five out of five stars for both driver and passenger protection in a 56-km/h (35-mph) frontal impact.[7] New side-impact tests at 62 km/h (38.5 mph) awarded the car four out of five stars for both driver and rear-seat passenger protection. Side-curtain airbags became standard in the 2001 model year. In the more severe 64-km/h (40-mph) offset test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Mark 4 was awarded the highest score of "Good".[8] Injury, collision, and theft losses were low for a car of its class.[9]

The Bora in its most basic Latin American market configuration with 2 airbags received 3 stars for adult occupants and 3 stars for toddlers from Latin NCAP in 2012.[10]

Testing and review

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The Bora/Jetta A4 was praised for its adequate handling and a moderately comfortable ride.[11] Other reviewers noted the car to be a somewhat expensive choice in the compact-car segment.[12] Some complaints were made that the back seats lacked adequate room for two adults.[13] Some found the seat cushioning too firm. The interior was praised for the high level of fit, but is sparsely equipped.[14] New in this generation was Volkswagen's signature blue and red instrument lighting, which became standard in all models in 1999. The climate controls were placed low on the console. The recirculation mode cannot be turned on when air is vented to the windshield, and if the driver changes the climate control to vent air to the windshield, an internal mechanism would turn off the recirculation mode. The power outlet is recessed next to the ash tray and is covered with two flaps, one of which is shared with the ash tray. Retractable cup holders were placed directly above the stereo, obscuring vision of the stereo display and could allow beverages to spill on the stereo, gear selector, and other sensitive components during vehicle movement. Rear passengers have a pair of retractable cup holders located under the cylindrical ash tray on the center console. These problems were rectified in 2003 for the US market by placing two recessed cup holders in tandem in the center console and another behind the arm rest pedestal for rear passengers. The driver must raise the arm rest to access the center cup holder, and a large beverage occupying the front cup holder obstructs the driver's ability to pull the hand brake. European cars were given a redesigned retractable cup holder in front.

The front bumper cover offered inadequate ground clearance to clear a curb in a parking space, whereby the bumper cover could hook onto the curb and be torn off the vehicle. In the US, a class-action lawsuit regarding this problem was filed in 2009,[15] and a settlement was reached awarding owners a $140 reimbursement for repair costs.[16]

Owners reported windows falling into the doors, electrical problems, body panels rusting from the inside out, especially on the front wheel arches and wagon lift door, and emissions system defects.[17][18] The fourth generation takes approximately 52 hours per vehicle to assemble in the Puebla factory.[19]

Engines

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Model Years Engine and code Displacement Power Torque
Petrol
1.4 1998–2005 I4 16V AHW/AXP/BCA 1,390 cc (85 cu in) 55 kW (74 hp; 75 PS) @ 5,000 rpm 126 N⋅m (93 lb⋅ft) @ 3,800 rpm
1.6 1998–2000 I4 8V AEH/AKL/APF 1,595 cc (97.3 cu in) 74 kW (99 hp; 101 PS) @ 5,600 rpm 145 N⋅m (107 lb⋅ft) @ 3,800 rpm
1.6 2000–2005 I4 8V AVU/BFQ 1,595 cc (97.3 cu in) 75 kW (101 hp; 102 PS) @ 5,600 rpm 148 N⋅m (109 lb⋅ft) @ 3,800 rpm
1.6 2000–2005 I4 16V AUS/AZD/ATN/BCB 1,598 cc (97.5 cu in) 77 kW (103 hp; 105 PS) @ 5,700 rpm 148 N⋅m (109 lb⋅ft) @ 4,500 rpm
1.6 FSI 2001–2005 I4 16V BAD 1,598 cc (97.5 cu in) 81 kW (109 hp; 110 PS) @ 5,800 rpm 155 N⋅m (114 lb⋅ft) @ 4,400 rpm
2.0 1998–2001 I4 8V APK/AQY 1,984 cc (121.1 cu in) 85 kW (114 hp; 116 PS) @ 5,200 rpm 170 N⋅m (125 lb⋅ft) @ 2,400 rpm
2.0 2001–2005 I4 8V AVH/AZG/AZH/BEV 1,984 cc (121.1 cu in) 85 kW (114 hp; 116 PS) @ 5,400 rpm 172 N⋅m (127 lb⋅ft) @ 3,200 rpm
1.8 2001–2005 I4 20V AGN/BAF 1,781 cc (108.7 cu in) 92 kW (123 hp; 125 PS) @ 5,900 rpm 170 N⋅m (125 lb⋅ft) @ 3,500 rpm
1.8 T 2000–2005 I4 20V AWD/AWW/BAE 1,781 cc (108.7 cu in) 110 kW (148 hp; 150 PS) @ 5,700 rpm 210 N⋅m (155 lb⋅ft) @ 1,750–4,600 rpm
1.8 T Bora R 2005–2007 I4 20V BTH 1,781 cc (108.7 cu in) 132 kW (177 hp; 179 PS) @ 5,700 rpm 235 N⋅m (173 lb⋅ft) @ 2,000–4,700 rpm
2.3 V5 1998–2001 VR5 10V AGZ 2,324 cc (141.8 cu in) 110 kW (148 hp; 150 PS) @ 6,200 rpm 209 N⋅m (154 lb⋅ft) @ 3,300 rpm
2.8 V6 1999–2001 VR6 12V AAA/AFP 2,792 cc (170.4 cu in) 132 kW (177 hp; 179 PS) @ 5,800 rpm 245 N⋅m (181 lb⋅ft) @ 3,200 rpm
2.3 V5 2000–2003 VR5 20V AQN 2,324 cc (141.8 cu in) 125 kW (168 hp; 170 PS) @ 6,200 rpm 220 N⋅m (162 lb⋅ft) @ 3,300 rpm
1.8 T 2001–2005 I4 20V AUQ 1,781 cc (108.7 cu in) 132 kW (177 hp; 179 PS) @ 5,500 rpm 235 N⋅m (173 lb⋅ft) @ 1,950–5,000 rpm
2.8 V6 2001–2004 VR6 24V AQP/AUE/BDE 2,792 cc (170.4 cu in) 150 kW (201 hp; 204 PS) @ 6,000 rpm 270 N⋅m (199 lb⋅ft) @ 3,200 rpm
Diesel
1.9 SDI 1998–2005 I4 8V AGP/AQM 1,896 cc (115.7 cu in) 50 kW (67 hp; 68 PS) @ 4,200 rpm 133 N⋅m (98 lb⋅ft) @ 2,200–2,600 rpm
1.9 TDI 1998–2003 I4 8V AGR/ALH 1,896 cc (115.7 cu in) 66 kW (89 hp; 90 PS) @ 3,750 rpm 210 N⋅m (155 lb⋅ft) @ 1,900 rpm
1.9 TDI 2000–2005 I4 8V ATD/AXR 1,896 cc (115.7 cu in) 74 kW (99 hp; 101 PS) @ 4,000 rpm 240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) @ 1,800–2,400 rpm
1.9 TDI 1998–2001 I4 8V AHF/ASV 1,896 cc (115.7 cu in) 81 kW (109 hp; 110 PS) @ 4,150 rpm 235 N⋅m (173 lb⋅ft) @ 1,900 rpm
1.9 TDI 1998–2000 I4 8V AJM 1,896 cc (115.7 cu in) 85 kW (114 hp; 116 PS) @ 4,000 rpm 285 N⋅m (210 lb⋅ft) @ 1,900 rpm
1.9 TDI 1999–2001 I4 8V AUY 1,896 cc (115.7 cu in) 85 kW (114 hp; 116 PS) @ 4,000 rpm 310 N⋅m (229 lb⋅ft) @ 1,900 rpm
1.9 TDI 2001–2005 I4 8V ASZ 1,896 cc (115.7 cu in) 96 kW (129 hp; 131 PS) @ 4,000 rpm 310 N⋅m (229 lb⋅ft) @ 1,900 rpm
1.9 TDI 2000–2005 I4 8V ARL 1,896 cc (115.7 cu in) 110 kW (148 hp; 150 PS) @ 4,000 rpm 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) @ 1,900 rpm

Bora Variant (wagon/estate version)

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Volkswagen Jetta wagon (US)

Volkswagen introduced an estate/station wagon version of the fourth-generation car at the 2001 Los Angeles Auto Show[20] as the first C-segment wagon Volkswagen offered in North America — the body style solely manufactured in Wolfsburg.[21] The wagon offered 963 L (34 ft3) of volume with the rear seat up, and with rear seats were folded provided 1,473 L (52 ft3).

In Europe, the estate version was at times marketed as a Golf wagon, either in addition to or instead of the Bora. Other than different front bumpers, fenders, headlights, and hood, the cars were identical. In some countries, VW marketed both Golf Variant and Bora Variant, with the Bora Variant being more upmarket than its counterpart.[22]

Extended production

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2008 Volkswagen City Jetta (Canada) Front
 
2009 Volkswagen Clásico (Mexico) Rear view

As of 2008, the fourth-generation car marketed alongside the fifth-generation due to higher pricing of the fifth-generation in some countries such as Colombia, China, Canada, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. Like its second-generation predecessor, the Mark 4 continued to be manufactured and marketed in China by Volkswagen Group's joint venture partner FAW-Volkswagen.

In October 2006, Volkswagen re-released the fourth-generation Golf and Jetta in Canada (for the 2007 model year) as the City Jetta,[23] to allow Volkswagen to be more competitive in the compact class. In 2008, the car was restyled to bring its looks up to date with the Volkswagen range. Its engine was the 2.0-l, eight-valve SOHC 85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) gasoline four-cylinder with an available six-speed tiptronic (with Sport mode) that was added as an option in 2008. In 2009, both model names were changed to Jetta City and Golf City. The two models were discontinued, the Jetta City for 2010 MY and Golf City for MY 2011. The MK4.5 City Jetta (Clásico/Bora) was manufactured alongside the fifth generation in the Puebla Assembly Plant in Mexico.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d ETKA[clarification needed]
  2. ^ "EXCLUSIVE: BREAKING NEWS! – VW plans to make new van only in Poland". 14 March 2001.
  3. ^ Volkswagen Group. "Volkswagen Group 50 years of Volkswagen de México". Archived from the original on 8 April 2016. Retrieved 29 March 2016.
  4. ^ Grieger, p. 168
  5. ^ Simister, John; Morgan, Andy (October 2003). "VW Golf 2.0 FSI". evo Car Reviews. Dennis Publishing Limited. Retrieved 29 May 2007.
  6. ^ "Volkswagen Diesel Technology" (Press release). Volkswagen AG. 7 April 2004. Archived from the original on 30 November 2007. Retrieved 3 September 2009.
  7. ^ "NCAP ratings for tested vehicles". National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2000. Archived from the original on 5 February 2008. Retrieved 3 September 2009.
  8. ^ "Frontal Offset Test". Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. 1999. Retrieved 15 April 2007.
  9. ^ "Injury, Collision, & Theft Losses" (PDF). Highway Loss Data Institute. September 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 May 2007. Retrieved 3 September 2009.
  10. ^ "Official results of the Volkswagen Clásico (Bora) + 2 Airbags 2012". LATIN NCAP - PARA AUTOS MAS SEGUROS.
  11. ^ Brown, Warren (10 January 1999). "A Car to Touch the Soul". The Washington Post. pp. C.25.
  12. ^ "Consumer Reports". May 1999: 55. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  13. ^ Harper, Brian (October 1999). "Jetta TDI, the miser: Review". National Post. pp. E.12.
  14. ^ Kenzie, Jim (11 September 2004). "Well-dressed Jetta wagon worth $37,000". Toronto Star. pp. G.23.
  15. ^ Hess v. Volkswagen of America, INC. Justia US Law
  16. ^ "Client Settlement Site > Home". Archived from the original on 22 March 2014. Retrieved 21 March 2014.
  17. ^ "Volkswagen Jetta Windows". 2003–2007. Retrieved 15 April 2007.
  18. ^ "VW Fined $1.1 Million for Clean Air Violations". 15 June 2005. Retrieved 15 April 2007.
  19. ^ "Harbour Report" (PDF) (Press release). Harbour Consulting Inc. 31 May 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 July 2007. Retrieved 3 September 2009.
  20. ^ Williams III, G. Chambers (2 March 2001). "Definitely not your father's . . . . . . station wagon". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. pp. 01.S.
  21. ^ "Volkswagen of America Concentrates on Process Rolls out new, dealer-friendly distribution system". January 2002. Archived from the original on 17 April 2007. Retrieved 3 September 2009.
  22. ^ "Volkswagen Golf et Bora breaks : bonnet blanc et blanc bonnet..." www.largus.fr. Retrieved 2022-09-06.
  23. ^ Wilson, Greg (20 September 2006). "Preview: 2007 Volkswagen City Golf & City Jetta". Canadian Driver.
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