New Bora & Lavida Debut @ Auto China 2008

[phaeton]

Dual world premiere in Beijing: Volkswagen remakes the mid-class
Auto China 2008



Wolfsburg / Beijing, April 2008. Volkswagen is presenting the New Bora and Lavida in a dual world premiere at Auto China 2008 in Beijing [April 20 to 28].

Both models were thoroughly tailored to the automotive wishes of modern Chinese society. Although the technical parameters of the new and very roomy mid-class models are quite similar (including six-speed automatic “Tiptronic”, front-wheel drive, optimal standards for comfort and safety, standard climate control), they differ significantlyboth conceptually and visually.

Accordingly, its positioning is different too: the New Bora is to be recommended especially for families as a practical, high-end, versatile and dynamic companion for every day of the year.

The new Lavida was laid out to be more lifestyle oriented; it is the first Volkswagen to be designed and developed entirely in China.
Both the Lavida and the New Bora ideally blend into the urban environments of Chinese metropolises like Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou.

The new models should contribute to further solidifying Volkswagen’s successful position as market leader in China.
In 2007 the Volkswagen brand sold more than 780,000 vehicles – a new record. At the same time, this sales record validates the Volkswagen strategy of systematically bringing German knowhow into harmony with Chinese culture.

The new sedans will therefore advance to become important building blocks in Volkswagen’s “2018” brand strategy.
The declared goal here: to increase global sales to 6.6 million cars annually within the next ten years.

New Bora – New generation of bestseller fully conceptualized for China

In a world premiere, the FAW Volkswagen joint venture is presenting the New Bora at Auto China 2008 – a very independently designed mid-class sedan with first-class workmanship. This successor to the successful Bora was once again systematically adapted to the wishes of Chinese customers.

Visually, German and Chinese design influences merge in this front-wheel drive car.
Clearly indicative of Volkswagen ‘design DNA’ are characteristics such as the muscular and clear modulations, an unmistakable C-pillar, the trapezoidal line of the headlights, the typical V shaped radiator grille that is integrated in the lines of the engine hood, and the car’s timeless impression.

Simultaneously, the New Bora takes on Chinese elements like the lion dance in its prominent visual alliance of headlamps, radiator grille and bumpers.
The design of the rear corresponds to that of the front mask.
No less typical is the high waist line, which emphasizes – from a purely visually perspective as well – the excellent passive safety of the New Bora.

Also typical of Volkswagen are the New Bora’s impressive quality of workmanship, high level of active safety, great comfort, intuitive controls and very good interior space.
Its size classification: with a length of 4,540 millimeters and a width of 1,775 millimeters the New Bora is close in size to the European Jetta.
The height of the Volkswagen is 1,467 millimeters. One reason for the extraordinarily good interior space is the car’s long wheelbase of 2,610 millimeters. The 450 liter cargo area also offers multi-variable utility.

New Bora – engines

At its market introduction, FAW Volkswagen will be offering the New Bora with two modern Euro-4 gasoline engines.
Both engines are distinguished by very refined performance and low fuel consumption. The four cylinder engines can be paired with a six-speed automatic (Tiptronic) as an option.

New Bora – two equipment lines

The New Bora will be available in the two equipment lines “Trendline” and “Comfortline”. Even the base version, the “Trendline”, has standard features that include ABS, driver and front passenger airbags, power steering, power windows, climate control system and a CD-Radio (MP3-capable). Also on-board in the New Bora Comfortline are 15-inch alloy wheels, sliding sunroof, chrome package, anti-theft warning system, cruise control and parking sensors.

In addition, the top version is differentiated by an extended list of optional features.
They include leather seats, side and head airbags and a navigation system.

Lavida – New sedan developed and designed entirely in China

The joint venture Shanghai Volkswagen is also showing the Lavida at Auto China 2008 as a world premier. The name “Lavida” was derived from the Spanish language and represents a zest for life, hope and passion.

The Lavida – the first model developed entirely by Shanghai Volkswagen and the first outside of Germany – is characterized by a design that is as dynamic as it is elegant.

The new sedan is a perfect example for a successful cooperation of Chinese and German designers.

It’s a fact: Thanks to its length of 4,608 millimeters and width of 1,743 millimeters, the 1,465 millimeter tall Lavida offers impressive space. The wheelbase measures 2,610 millimeters. The Volkswagen’s cargo volume is 472 liters.

The design of the Lavida does not follow any familiar pattern. Nonetheless, its design exhibits a logic of forms that is typical of Volkswagen.
The front end is marked by a design that – with its horizontal lines – represents the “Volkswagen face” of the future.

Powerfully contoured is the engine hood, distinctive is the tornado line that rises toward the rear. As a whole, the side profile expresses a decidedly sporty image.

The taillights take on the almond-shaped design of the headlights, the rear end itself on the other hand assumes the same vertical posture as the front end.

A trailing edge was integrated in the design of the trunk lid; the spoiler lip contributes to the very good aerodynamic properties of the Lavida.

Intuitive controls are to be found inside every Volkswagen. Naturally, this applies to the Lavida too. The interior is characterized by an extremely ergonomic design, and visually it reflects a perfection of details that is typical of Volkswagen with its harmonious lines, fine wood applications and high-end surfaces.

In general, the interior design and features consistently satisfy the wishes of Chinese car drivers as has been found in numerous surveys.
One of these wishes: a USB interface for an MP3 player like the one that has now been implemented in the Lavida.

Lavida – engines

Just like the New Bora, the new Lavida will also have an early introduction to the market during the summer this year. It will also be powered by two four-cylinder engines. A six-speed automatic (Tiptronic) is available on both Lavida Langyi versions as an option.
Like the engines on the New Bora, the four-cylinders of the Lavida also satisfy the Euro-4 emissions standard.

Lavida – three equipment lines

The Shanghai Volkswagen plant will offer the Lavida in the equipment lines “Trendline”, “Comfortline” and “Highline”.
The base vehicle already has ample features with ABS, driver and front passenger airbags, climate control, MP3-capable CD-Radio, power windows and anti-theft warning system.

The even more luxurious versions “Comfortline” and “Highline” also get 16-inch alloy wheels, a chrome package, sliding sunroof, leather seats, side and head airbags, cruise control, parking sensors, automatic climate control system and CD changer.

Besides the listed features, the Highline variant of the Lavida also has a DVD-supported navigation system and telephone preparation.

New Bora

[phaeton]

Lavida

[anthony]

The new Bora looks impressive.
Will this be positioned under the Sagitar,which is the Jetta A5.
And what has happened to the Bora hatchback,which was a Golf A4...
Not sure about the Lavida,looks unlike other VW S.
Will this be positioned above the Chineese Jetta,which is a Jetta A2.

[Rub-a-Dub-Dub]

???
I'm confused

Are these China only cars or the MK VI shape?

[phaeton]

The new Bora looks impressive.
Will this be positioned under the Sagitar,which is the Jetta A5.
And what has happened to the Bora hatchback,which was a Golf A4...
Not sure about the Lavida,looks unlike other VW S.
Will this be positioned above the Chineese Jetta,which is a Jetta A2.

Hi Anthony,

New Bora will be positioned below Sagitar and from what I gather Bora (MkIV) will be dropped but the hatchback will still be built by FAW Volkswagen.

Lavida is built by the other joint venture in China, Shanghai Volkswagen and is positioned between the Polo and Santana Vista formerly Santana 3000 formerly Santana 2000 all Santana's are Passat Mark 2s.

Quick Highlight of VW China Range

FAW VW
Jetta (Mk2)
Bora HS (Mk4 Golf)
New Bora (reenhanced Mk4)
Sagitar (Mk5 Jetta)
Magotan (Passat)
Caddy

Shanghai Volkswagen
Gol (not a typo )
Polo (hatch and sedan)
Santana (Mk2 Passat)
Santana Vista (reenhanced Mk2 Passat)
Lavida (reenhanced Mk4)
Passat Lingyu (reenhanced LWB B5 Passat)

???
I'm confused

Are these China only cars or the MK VI shape?

Your confusion is due to VW having two joint venture companies that are actually rivals so product overlap is exceedingly high.

Yes only for China.