Is the Bora from Shanghai Volkswagen?
2 Answers
Bora does not belong to Shanghai Volkswagen; it is a product of FAW-Volkswagen and is positioned as a compact sedan. The Bora has a wheelbase of 2614 mm, with length, width, and height dimensions of 4562 mm, 1793 mm, and 1468 mm respectively. The front suspension of the Bora uses a MacPherson independent suspension, while the rear suspension employs a torsion beam non-independent suspension. The Bora is equipped with two engines: a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine. The 1.4-liter turbocharged engine delivers 150 horsepower and a maximum torque of 250 Nm. This engine features direct fuel injection technology and uses an aluminum alloy cylinder head and block. It is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The Bora isn't actually a Shanghai Volkswagen model; it belongs to FAW-Volkswagen. I've driven the older Bora, and the steering wheel clearly bears the FAW-VW logo. Volkswagen in China is divided into two entities: Shanghai Volkswagen (now called SAIC Volkswagen), which mainly produces models like the Lavida and Passat, and FAW-Volkswagen in Changchun, which manufactures the Bora and Sagitar. It's somewhat like how KFC has different franchisees—though they're all Volkswagen, the production lines and model divisions are clearly demarcated. The Bora sells particularly well in northern China. My neighbor emphasized when they bought the car last year that it was from FAW, and the rear badge clearly states 'FAW-Volkswagen.'
