Revived Vauxhall Viva Makes Brilliant First Impression

It’s been “absent since 1979” but now Vauxhall is “reviving the Viva” with a budget city car that offers “a very different proposition” to the firm’s existing two superminis, says the Daily Express. “While the Corsa is a traditional mass-market supermini, and the ADAM a fashion statement, the Viva is for those with a keener eye than most on their purse strings,” writes Nat Barnes. The Viva, which starts from £7,995, is “inoffensive to the eye” and “boasts smart and clean lines”. Available in only five-door form, its rear doors have fully opening windows unlike the pop-out versions on many of its rivals, “a minor detail perhaps but a small boon to anyone transporting small children prone to car sickness”. Vauxhall’s “much-acclaimed” 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine is under the bonnet. Producing 75bhp, it takes the car from 0-60mph in a “reasonable 13.1 seconds” and “boasts 62.8mpg and emissions of 104g/km. For an extra £175, an Ecoflex version takes those figures to 65.7mpg and 99g/km.” The engine “impresses” with a performance that is “extremely refined, smooth and quiet”. The Viva’s “good” interior is “very well made and laid-out and the build quality is good”, which Barnes according to Barnes puts it “head and shoulders above the likes of the Suzuki Celerio”. Head and leg room is “good”, the amount of storage space is "OK”, and Vauxhall “offers an optional full-size spare wheel for £99 instead of the emergency filler”. Barnes concludes: “As a package there is a lot to like, especially when you remember that it could set you back as little as £99 a month. Add to that Vauxhall’s comprehensive 400-odd dealer network and there is little doubt that the Viva will be a success."