LONG a purveyor of quality cars, Volkswagen has shot into the fast lane as the manufacturer of some of the most exciting cars on the market.
Backed up by some of the best residual values around, the Volkswagen range is studded with stars of true driving enjoyment and individuality.
One of the latest is the Bora 1.8 T - a saloon that has perfected turbo technology.
The ST model as tested shares this engine with Golf, Passat and Sharan plus the new Beetle. Main characteristic of this 20v 150 bhp power unit is a flat torque curve with peak pulling power on tap from 1,750 rpm right through to 4,600 rpm.
Such is the subtle character of the light pressure turbocharger, the driver will suffer little or no hint of the old menace of turbo-lag.
In the Bora, the engine is mated to a well-suited five speed manual gearbox which helps to make the 1.8T a talking point of the range. It delivers as much oomph as a V6 despite its relatively small capacity.
The Bora is placed between the Golf, with which it shares many features, and the larger Passat. It has injected much style into the saloon market and features tremendous grip and a well-equipped and planned interior. There are a number of rivals on the market but, interestingly, one of the most formidable contenders comes from Volkswagen's Spanish arm, SEAT - the new Toledo, which is cheaper.
But the Bora 1.8T is very much a car for the passionate driver seeking attention to detail to the n'th degree with an interior that is the equal to many much more expensive cars.
Named after the often wild Adriatic wind, the Bora features a massive 455 litre boot which can be increased to 785 litres with the rear seats folded and it is in this area that it will win many friends.
Our test car, which costs £16,905 on the road, is capable of a blistering 142 mph and can zoom to 60 mph from standstill in 8.2 seconds. For all that it is remarkably economical with a combined mpg reading of 32.8mpg.
FAST FACTS
Volkswagen Bora ST 1.8T
Price: £16,905
Mechanical: 150bhp, 1,761cc four cylinder turbocharged petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox.
Maximum speed: 111 mph
0-60mph: 8.2 secs
Combined mpg: 32.8
Insurance Group:
Co2 emissions: 206 g/km
BiK rating:
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles;12yrs anti rust