- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
1.8i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
89kW, 169Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 8.1L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Holden Viva Hatch
Looking for a Corolla-sized small car but don't want to step up to today's surprisingly effective but costlier premium small cars? Then Holden wants your business.
But not with its usual small car, the Astra. With the European model rising above its budget roots, the Australian manufacturer has had to look to Korea to keep its foot in the door of the lucrative sub-$20,000 segment.
The result is the Viva, available in a choice of hatch, sedan and wagon, and all less than 20 grand. In its sights are the all-conquering Corolla and other no-frills players, leaving the Astra to take it to the upmarket crowd.
In truth, the Viva is reconstituted small-car matter. The late Daewoo marketed the sedan version here as the Lacetti in 2003-04, while the Viva nameplate appeared on small Holdens in the 1960s.
Holden has been busy making detail changes to ensure the Viva is not viewed as reheated Daewoo soup. Outside, changes are limited to bumpers, headlights, wheeltrims and the like, but the suspension and steering have been revised and the value equation reassessed.
It's this latter point that will be of most interest to potential buyers. The five-speed manual hatch and sedan cost $17,990 and the wagon $19,490 yet standard equipment is decidedly generous. Air-conditioning, power front windows, heated power mirrors, remote central locking, MP3-compatible CD player with remote controls on the steering wheel and four airbags are included.
The four-speed automatic adds $2000, while ABS, rear power windows and alloy wheels can be optioned as a package for $1290. Wagon buyers pay $1190 because it has power rear windows.
The Viva has ample space up front, good seat and steering wheel adjustment and the back seat is up to scratch. The boot in the hatch we tested is respectable but there's always the wagon for those seeking ultimate capacity.
But dig deep and the Viva is less impressive. Some of the materials and controls (such as the flimsy indicator stalks) betray the budget roots. And because the seats are flat and unsupportive, comfort tends to dissipate over the long haul.
The Viva's 89 kW 1.8-litre 16-valve four also disappoints. While low-rev pulling power is reasonable and noise levels hushed in relaxed urban driving, put the foot down and it shows a distinct lack of enthusiasm. It's breathless and boomy when pushed and throttle response is doughy.
Not helping matters is the sloppy five-speed manual shift. But at least the Viva is reasonably thrifty, the manual sipping about 7.4 L/100 km in combined urban/highway driving.
Ride quality is good and quietly soaks up all but the worst road surfaces, and mechanical, wind and tyre noise are subdued. In unchallenging conditions it's a quiet, low-impact device.
While the Viva is a respectably capable cornerer, displaying good grip and an inherent sense of predictability, it's also inherently unremarkable. The steering is vague and rubbery, response leisurely and balance one-dimensional, showing a stolid preference for pushing the nose wide at the limit. Given its price-led positioning, this is unlikely to upset many potential buyers.
So is the Viva the small-car revolution that Holden claims? Judged purely in product terms, not by a long shot. But on the sales charts, where things like space, value and features generally count for more than sharp handling, swish design and sophistication, the Viva is likely to make an impact.