Skip advert
Advertisement

Vauxhall Viva: full details on new city car

Everything you need to know about the upcoming Vauxhall Viva city car, including prices and trim details

Prices and specs for the new Vauxhall Viva have been revealed – following the city car’s debut at the Geneva Motor Show last month. 

Only one engine will be available from launch, with a choice of SE and SL specifications. The entry-level 1.0-litre SE model will cost from £7,995, with the top-spec SL priced at £9,495.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Not all cars will benefit from air conditioning. In order to stay cool this summer you’ll need to spec the SE Air Con trim – or opt for the more expensive SL. That said, all models do get kit such as tyre pressure monitoring, lane departure warning, cruise control and front fog lights as standard.

Read our first drive review of the Vauxhall Viva here 

Electric front windows, heated door mirrors, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a multi-function trip computer are also included, as is a height-adjustable driver’s seat and tiltable steering column. 

The more expensive SL trim adds climate control, USB connectivity, Bluetooth for your mobile phone and a six speaker stereo. It also gets a leather-covered steering wheel, tinted rear windows and 15-inch alloy wheels. Options include a Winter Pack offering heated seats and a heated steering wheel, as well as rear parking sensors and an electric sunroof.

The standard 74bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine will do 62.8mpg and emit 104g/km, but buyers can also spec it as an ecoFLEX model for tax-busting sub-100g/km CO2 emissions. The addition of both front and rear spoilers, as well as low rolling resistance tyres, helps the Viva SE ecoFLEX emit just 99g/km and return 65.7mpg. 

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The small city car, which will go up against a growing pool of talented rivals including the Skoda Citigo and new Toyota Aygo, revives the Vauxhall Viva name after a 35-year absence. It’s been designed to slot below the stylish Adam and popular Corsa superminis in an ever-expanding Vauxhall range.

Most economical cars

While the Viva name will be reserved for UK buyers, the car will also be sold in mainland Europe badged as the Opel Karl. It’s the first time in more than 20 years that Vauxhall and Opel will use different names for a car in this country and on the Continent.

Vauxhall claims there is more than enough room for five people inside, but if carrying passengers isn’t your main concern, it’ll also be available with only four seats – allowing for more shoulder room for adults in the rear. Legroom should be good, too, given that the Vauxhall is 15mm longer than the new Hyundai i10, and a whopping 200mm longer than the Peugeot 108.

• The cheapest cars to run

On the outside, the front end echoes the latest Corsa’s with swept-back headlights and a bold single-bar grille, while the rear offers few surprises. Down the side, Vauxhall has included three sharp creases in the bodywork, with a high shoulder line that rises at the back.

Vauxhall has high hopes for its revamped small car range, hoping to capitalise on Ford’s current weak spots. Tozer said: “We have three small cars and Ford doesn’t. I don’t think it’s a great idea to say can we outsell Ford, but we can give it a good run for its money.”

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The original Viva was one of Vauxhall’s most popular cars between 1963 and 1979. At the time, the small saloon rivalled established models like the Ford Anglia and Morris Minor, selling more than 1.5 million units in just over 15 years. It was replaced by the Astra at the end of the seventies, long before the family car ballooned into the Volkswagen Golf rival we know today.

The new Vauxhall Viva's key rivals

There’s more choice of small budget cars than ever before and the Viva will have its work cut out in making an impact. Here are five of Britain’s cheapest...

SEAT Mii (from £8,195)

Based on the VW up!, the Mii is more than £500 cheaper than the basic VW. You’ll have to spend extra if you want air-con, though.

Skoda Citigo (from £8,210)

The Citigo comes in at £15 more than the equivalent entry-level Mii – although Skoda beat SEAT in our Driver Power 2014 survey.

Kia Picanto (from £7,895)

Kia Picanto 1 1.0 front cornering

The Picanto packs loads of big car features including electric front windows, a trip computer and an MP3-compatible stereo.

Suzuki Alto (from £7,199)

Suzuki Alto 1.0 VVT SZ front cornering

Set to be replaced next year by the Celerio, the Alto is available VAT-free until the end of 2014. That cuts price to £5,999.

Dacia Sandero (from £5,995)

Since its arrival in 2012, the Sandero has held the title of Britain’s cheapest car. Access models do without air-con or even a radio.

Find out more about the Vauxhall Viva's key rivals in our best city cars round-up.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Renault 5 is one of the cheapest EVs in the UK
Renault 5 Geneva - front

New Renault 5 is one of the cheapest EVs in the UK

The Renault 5 starts from just under £23k and will be available to order from January next year
News
19 Nov 2024
The death of the Geneva Motor Show can't be considered as progress
Opinion - Geneva Motor Show

The death of the Geneva Motor Show can't be considered as progress

Mike Rutherford laments the demise of the iconic Geneva Motor Show
Opinion
16 Jun 2024
The Geneva Motor Show is dead, but Qatar spin-off still on for 2025
Geneva Motor Show

The Geneva Motor Show is dead, but Qatar spin-off still on for 2025

A “lack of interest shown by manufacturers” and competition with other motor shows were among the reasons given for the demise of the Geneva Motor Sho…
News
31 May 2024
"BYD, Dacia, MG and Renault are among the most impressive and in-touch car brands in the world"
Opinion - MG3

"BYD, Dacia, MG and Renault are among the most impressive and in-touch car brands in the world"

Mike Rutherford is confused as to why so many car manufacturers avoided the 2024 Geneva Motor Show
Opinion
3 Mar 2024

Most Popular

New Audi Q5 Sportback returns with an even sleeker look
Audi Q5 Sportback - front

New Audi Q5 Sportback returns with an even sleeker look

Designed from the word go this time around, Audi’s sleek Q5 Sportback is back and looks better than ever
News
26 Nov 2024
New Hyundai Ioniq 3 to bring unique style to crossover class
Hyundai Ioniq 3 exclusive image

New Hyundai Ioniq 3 to bring unique style to crossover class

Sibling to the Kia EV3 set to lower the entry-point to Hyundai’s successful Ioniq range, with modest specs and an affordable price
News
27 Nov 2024
Ford Puma alternatives: cars you could buy instead of Ford's popular little SUV
Ford Puma alternatives

Ford Puma alternatives: cars you could buy instead of Ford's popular little SUV

The Ford Puma is a brilliant small SUV, but it’s not for everyone. Here are the best alternatives to choose from
Features
25 Nov 2024