1963 was the year that Vauxhall first brought out the Viva. The small family car got built over three generations, with production ending in 1979. Built in England, the Cheshire factory produced over 1.5 million Viva models. Most people assumed the Viva would never make a comeback. Especially as Vauxhall started selling the Nova and subsequent Corsa models.
So, it comes as something of a surprise when Vauxhall unveiled the “new” Viva in 2014. Today, the Vauxhall Viva is a model that sits between the familiar Corsa and the smaller Adam. By the way, we’re glad Vauxhall opted for the Viva name for this new car. In Europe, the model is known as the “Karl”!
Vauxhall is no doubt aiming to fill a gap in the market with the new Viva. But, why should you buy one? Well, the following eight reasons might convince you:
- It’s cheap
There are plenty of people out there looking for a small family car. The trouble is, they don’t have a lot of cash to pay for it! Sure, they could look at buying a used model. The thing is, it’s often cheaper to maintain a new car.
The good news is that the Vauxhall Viva is affordable. Prices start from a modest £8,745. That’s just under £3k less than the no-frills Dacia Sandero!
- It’s not a Corsa
Don’t get me wrong; I’m a big fan of the Vauxhall Corsa. In fact, I used to own one when I was a teenager! These days, the Corsa is nothing like its former self. It doesn’t offer a basic driving experience for those new to the road. And I think that’s important when you’re a learner driver.
The Vauxhall Viva is anything but a metal box on wheels, of course. But, it’s not a car that you’d likely find a plethora of gadgets in. And that should suit any new driver, especially those on a budget.
- It’s super-cheap to maintain
If you’re on a tight budget for a small car, you don’t want to pay a lot to maintain it. That’s why it makes sense to opt only for cars with low maintenance costs. The good news is that the new Vauxhall Viva is one such example.
Because it only has a modest spec list, there are fewer things to go wrong with it. Now you don’t need to sit down every time you get a call from the garage after the car has gone in for a service!
- It’s economical
There is just one engine choice for the new Vauxhall Viva. You might think that is somewhat limiting. But, the aim of the Viva is to offer an affordable hatchback. The engine that Vauxhall selected is the B10XF. It’s a 1.0-litre 12-valve unit that produces 73 bhp. Unlike the engine used in the Adam, this one is naturally-aspirated.
It boasts an impressive 65 MPG combined from the 864 kg car. Plus, it has low emissions of 104g/km.
- It’s a dream for people that hate parallel parking
The Vauxhall Viva has a small turning circle. That, coupled with its small dimensions, means it is easy to park in the tightest of spaces. This isn’t a car where you will need semi-autonomous parking technology.
You can park the good old fashioned way without getting stressed out. There is also good visibility around the car thanks to the vehicle’s design.
- You can buy one today
Some small hatchbacks have long waiting lists. To cope with demand, Vauxhall ensured dealers like the Pentagon-Group have plenty of accessible stock. That means you can choose the one you want and get it built to your spec quickly. It’s also possible to drive away the same day on ex-demo and nearly-new models too.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to wait for ages for my next new car. If you’re in a rush and need a new small family car ASAP, consider buying the Viva.
- It’s brilliant to drive around town
Let’s be honest here. If you’re looking for a “hot” hatch, the Viva isn’t it. A Corsa or Astra VXR might be more suited to your requirements. But, if you want a small car that you can drive and park around town with ease, the Viva is for you!
Despite the small engine, the car feels agile. That means it won’t take you forever and a day to climb any hills!
Conclusion
With an array of benefits, it’s no wonder the Viva is the hottest new car on the block! The low price and high availability make it an attractive option for many people. But don’t just take my word for it; I recommend checking one out in the flesh!
