Although the Bora is basically a Golf with a boot, clever styling means there are few visual cues connecting the two cars

The narrow, 15 degree V-shaped engine block is spanned by a one- piece cylinder head casting

The simple head design uses single overhead camshafts and two valves per cylinder

The long-stroke engine configuration assists low-speed torque production

The four-cylinder version uses the same 2.0-litre, 85kW engine seen in the Golf and the New Beetle

Power is relayed to the front wheels by a five-speed manual transmission

Suspension is by independent MacPherson struts and coil springs at the front and torsion beam axle, trailing arms and coil springs at the rear

The Bora uses four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock and electronic brake force distribution

The steering wheel is adjustable for both height and reach

VW claims the V5 Bora can accelerate to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds

16-inch alloy wheels are standard on V5 Bora

Both four-cylinder and V5 Boras comes with dual front airbags and side airbags as standard

The split/fold rear seats feature three removable headrests

Bora's blue back-lit illumination and red instruments are also found in the Passat

The Bora is fully galvanised, allowing Volkswagen to offer a 12- year warranty against rust protection

Seatbelt pretensioners with belt force limiters and web-lock elements are standard