WIRRAL'S Volkswagen dealer Smith Knight Fay, of Mount Road, Bebington, are delighted to announce the arrival of the new Bora saloon 1.6 S, and 2-litre TDI in the showroom.

With the introduction of this latest model, Volkswagen now offers customers buying a mid-size saloon two alternatives - the larger and more mature Passat, or the compact and sportier Bora. Both give customers a level of quality and attention to detail that no other rival can match.

The new Bora, named after an Adriatic wind, competes against mainstream rivals from Toyota, Nissan and Ford. Like the Lupo and Golf, the Bora's body is fully-galvanised and comes with 12 year's cover against internal corrosion. Like the Passat, the Bora carries a high level of standard equipment - four airbags and anti-lock brakes are standard on all versions. The Bora's engine line-up gives the customer a choice of two diesel units and three petrol, all with the option of automatic transmission.

The entry-level Bora S, offered with either the 100bhp petrol or 90bhp diesel engines, has electric windows on all four doors, central locking, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, interior light delay and even carpet mats to name some of its more unusual standard features.

Whatever the driver's size, a height adjustable seat and a steering wheel alterable for height and reach ensure a comfortable driving position. Bora S prices start at £14,395, including a three year unlimited mileage warranty. A TDI 110 SE automatic is priced at £18,505.

The Bora is also available with a Sport package restricted to the 2.0-litre petrol or TDI 110 units priced at £17,505 and £18,625 respectively. Externally, the Sport is denoted by new 16in six-spoke alloy wheels with anti-theft wheel bolts - front fog lights are also fitted. The interior is very different from that of the SE with upholstery and sports front seats shared with the Golf GTI, plus a walnut wood gear-knob and walnut trim inserts on the dashboard and door-pulls.

Top of the current Bora range is the 2.3-litre 150bhp V5, due in the coming months at Smith Knight Fay. This will feature 'set-and-forget' Climatronic air conditioning. Manual and automatic transmission variants are offered.

The entry-level petrol engine for the Bora is Volkswagen's 1.6-litre, achieving 0-62 mph in 11.7 seconds and a top speed of 117mph. Despite its enthusiastic engine note, the Bora 1.6 will give an average fuel consumption of 36.7 mpg. The 2.0-litre 115 bhp engine from the New Beetle also finds its way into the Bora, with 0-62 mph in 11 seconds, with a top speed of 121mph and a combined fuel consumption of 35.3mpg. A Bora V5 will accelerate to 62 mph in 9.1 seconds with a top speed of 134mph.

Contact Smith Knight Fay, Mount Road Bebington, on 608-6466.

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