Vauxhall’s revived Viva shows its self
2015-01-21 16:37:33
This is the new Vauxhall Viva five-door city car that will compete with the likes of the Hyundai i10 and Skoda Citigo. On sale from the spring, it will replace the current Agila and will become the cheapest model in the company’s range.
Only one engine will be offered - a naturally aspirated 74bhp version of the excellent 3-cylinder 1.0-litre Ecotec petrol unit that is already used in the company’s larger Adam and Corsa. Vauxhall say it has been specially developed for the Viva. It will be mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
The company is keen to point out that the chassis has been tuned for “exceptional safety and comfort”, coming equipped with electronic stability control, traction control and hill start assist.
With the new Viva being very much a city car, it shares the Adam’s and Corsa’s City mode. At a push of a button, this ensures the steering is lighter to making parking less of a strain.
The Viva will be available in both four- and five-seat versions and is said by Vauxhall to provide “more than enough room for five people”
Higher-specification models will come with Vauxhall’s Intellilink Infotainment system which is capable of connecting both Apple and Android devices, as well as providing customers with access to the company’s own satnav app.
Despite its diminutive external length of 3,680mm, the Viva will be available with some big-car options, including parking sensors, lane departure warning system, cruise control, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Other options will include a sunroof and front fog lights.
A palette of 10 exterior colours will be available and a “variety of 14-inch to 16-inch wheel” designs.
Vauxhall’s chairman and managing director, Tim Tozer, told EcoCars4Sale: “Short, crisp and full of character Vauxhall’s new entry-level model is a ‘proper’ small car and will hold great appeal in this rapidly growing sector.”
Prices will not be announced until nearer the on-sale date. EcoCars4Sale forecast that it will be cheaper than the Agila’s current entry-level price of £8,695. We estimate a starting price of about £7,500, meaning it should be cheaper than all of its rivals.
The return to the Viva name follows a gap of 35 years. It was last used by Vauxhall in 1979 on what proved to be the last car to be engineered solely by the company before it started to adopt rebadged and re-engineered Opels. Opels version of the city car will have a different name to Viva.
This article was prepared by First4Auto the car news and road test specialists
Reported By
Andrew Merritt-Morling
Chief Editor
