How to Use the S Gear in Bora?

[SanAubrey]

The method to use the S gear in Bora is to directly push the gear lever into the "S" position while the car is moving. It shifts up slowly and down quickly, providing good power but consuming more fuel. Here are some additional details: 1. S Gear: The S gear is the sports mode of the car ("S" stands for "Sport"). In S gear sports mode, the transmission can shift freely, but the shifting timing is delayed, keeping the engine at high RPM for a longer time. This allows the car to move at high RPM in lower gears for an extended period, resulting in greater torque output and acceleration. 2. Bora: The Bora (Bora) is the first independently designed model by FAW-Volkswagen and is hailed as a new car that "inherits and surpasses the classic." The Bora offers a sense of speed akin to a sports car, with its 1.8T engine capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in just under 9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 221 km/h.

[StJameson]

I've been driving my Bora for several years now, and the S gear is basically the sport mode. I use it most often for overtaking or climbing hills. You can simply switch to it by pulling the gear lever back from D, no need to press the brake or anything. The engine automatically revs higher in this mode, transforming the power delivery from feeling like stepping on cotton to stepping on a spring—throttle response becomes much quicker, making it a breeze to climb steep hills. It's especially satisfying when overtaking large trucks on the highway; just a tap on the gas and you dart forward, much more decisive than in D gear. However, I rarely use it in city traffic jams since the higher RPMs increase fuel consumption a bit, and the engine noise becomes more noticeable. Another practical tip is using S gear on long downhill stretches to utilize engine braking, reducing wear on the brakes. Overall, it's a great tool for a temporary power boost—just don't use it all the time.

[DiAlice]

I researched the S mode before buying my car, and the Bora's design is quite user-friendly. You can switch anytime while driving—just gently pull the gear lever back from D, and the dashboard will display S to indicate activation. Immediately, the car feels more aggressive, with the engine holding back power, waiting for the throttle. In city driving, it gives you a quicker start off the line. I usually use it on roads with fewer traffic lights, like suburbs or expressways, to avoid the jerky feeling during stop-and-go traffic. I remember once when I was in a hurry, using S mode on the highway for consecutive overtakes felt exceptionally stable. It also provides more controlled acceleration on wet roads, reducing tire slippage. Although fuel consumption increases by about 0.5 to 1 L/100km, it can enhance safety in critical moments. The transmission also delays upshifting, maintaining high torque, similar to the feel of lower gears in a manual transmission.

[DeAndres]

Operating the Bora's S mode is actually super simple—just gently push the gear lever backward while driving in D mode. I often use it on mountain roads, where the engine automatically maintains over 3,000 RPM, making climbs especially powerful. I rarely use it during daily commutes, but on weekend mountain drives, I switch to it—the power is instantly available when cornering without any delay. The transmission hesitates to upshift in this mode, and the acceleration kick is noticeably stronger than in D mode. Once, with five people on board climbing a steep hill, switching to S mode made it effortless, whereas D mode would have struggled. However, be mindful as the engine temperature tends to rise—use it sparingly with the AC on in summer. It’s perfect for short overtakes, and switching back to D mode afterward is seamless. Over time, you’ll find this feature is like a shot of adrenaline for the car, especially useful for emergency acceleration.

[SophiaLynn]

My Volkswagen Bora is mainly used for picking up and dropping off my kids, but I occasionally use the S mode. It's most commonly used for overtaking on highways, and the gear shifting action is very simple: just pull the gear lever backward from D mode. Immediately, the throttle feels lighter, acceleration becomes quicker and safer, especially when overtaking large trucks, reducing the time spent side by side. It's also useful for climbing hills on rural roads when returning to my hometown—the engine roars but doesn't struggle, which feels more comfortable than stomping on the throttle in D mode. Once, during heavy rain on a waterlogged road, starting in S mode actually felt more stable, possibly due to the linear torque output. However, I avoid using it when driving with family, as the aggressive acceleration can easily make the kids carsick. Long-term use does increase fuel consumption slightly—my tests showed about 0.5 liters more per 100 kilometers. Additionally, the transmission oil temperature rises, so I switch back after continuous use for half an hour.

[VanJuniper]

Practical experience sharing on using S mode: When driving a Bora, simply pull the gear lever directly backward from D mode, and the S indicator on the dashboard will light up, ready for use. I particularly love its performance in two scenarios: first, when accelerating to merge onto expressway ramps, the throttle response is half a beat faster, making it easier to control the distance between cars; second, when starting on steep slopes, like the incline at underground parking exits, engaging S mode prevents the car from rolling back and makes it feel especially nimble. The principle is to keep the engine in the high RPM range, delivering power on demand above 2,000 RPM. Once during a road trip, I encountered a long uphill stretch, and switching to S mode made it noticeably easier to climb compared to the car ahead. However, be aware that in city driving, the low-speed jerkiness is more pronounced than in D mode, which can be tiring in traffic jams. Additionally, when RPM exceeds 4,000, the engine noise increases, so remember to switch back to D mode early when entering residential areas at night.