What transmission does the Bora use?
4 Answers
The Bora is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, a 6-speed automatic manual transmission, and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Bora comes with two engines: a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine and a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. The 1.4-liter turbocharged engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine is matched with either a 6-speed automatic manual transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission. The Bora is a compact sedan under FAW-Volkswagen, with dimensions of 4562 mm in length, 1793 mm in width, and 1468 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2614 mm. It features a MacPherson independent front suspension and a torsion beam non-independent rear suspension.
Last week I just helped a friend inspect a 2019 Bora, and I need to clarify the transmission details. The early models used Aisin's 6AT (model AQ160), known for its incredibly smooth shifting, especially when paired with the 1.6L naturally aspirated engine—this combo is as reliable as an old ox, averaging around 10L/100km in city driving. Don’t overlook the manual transmissions either; the MQ200/MQ250 5-speed manuals can still be found in the used car market, offering a satisfying gear engagement that driving enthusiasts will love. Here’s the key point! The newer Bora 1.2T/1.4T models all come with VW’s in-house DQ200 dry dual-clutch transmission, which shifts as fast as a fruit-slicing game. However, be mindful of heat buildup during stop-and-go traffic with frequent 1st-to-2nd gear shifts. If you spot a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine paired with a CVT, that’s a Jatco transmission—smooth and fuel-efficient but lacking punch. When picking a used Bora, pop the hood to check the transmission nameplate; configurations can vary drastically between model years.
As a veteran driver who has owned three Bora models, let me share some insights. The manual transmission offers pure driving pleasure, with the MQ series gearbox featuring short-throw shifts and a clutch as light as stepping on cotton. Downshifting and rev-matching at traffic lights can give you a racing car feel. The automatic versions are interesting: my friend's 2018 1.5L model with Aisin 6AT maintains a rock-steady 2000 rpm on highways, though it's a bit sluggish during sudden acceleration. But the new 1.4T with DQ200 dual-clutch I test-drove last year was different - the S mode produces satisfying pops during downshifts, and the 7.8-second 0-100km/h acceleration provides thrilling G-force. One warning though: dual-clutch transmissions hate prolonged partial engagement, so switch to manual mode in city driving to reduce wear. The new 1.5T engine now comes with a more stable wet dual-clutch, but unfortunately at a higher price.
The transmission collection seen in repair shops could make up an exhibition. The 2009-era Bora Classic mostly used the 5MT manual gearbox, with gear ratios specifically designed for highway cruising - running at 80 mph at 3000 rpm with fuel consumption under 6L. Among automatic transmissions, the most problematic were the pre-2015 7-speed dry dual-clutch (DQ200) models, especially when the clutch plates wore thin causing vibrations like sitting on a massage chair. Later 1.5L naturally aspirated models switched to CVT, whose steel belt structure delivers EV-like smoothness but suffers from cold-start knocking noises. The newest 1.2T models surprisingly returned to an improved DQ200, adding active cooling fans and upgrading transmission fluid from mineral to full synthetic. For used car buyers, pay special attention to any oil seepage around the transmission valve body connectors.
