Anticipation Builds Ahead Of New Vauxhall Viva Release

Even though it hasn't been fully revealed to the public, the new Vauxhall Viva is already managing to turn heads in an impressive fashion. The marque's hotly anticipated new five-door entry-level model, due for release in 2015, has been nominated for the latest What Car? reader vote to find the most eagerly-anticipated vehicle of 2015. The winner of the category isn't set to be announced until January 7, but the accolade has only helped to create even more of a buzz around Vauxhall's new model.

• Following the announcement of Viva's place on the awards shortlist, Vauxhall chairman and managing director Tim Tozer said: "We're delighted Viva has picked up its first award nomination ahead of its launch next summer. Offering an extremely attractive price point, Viva will be well specified and come in a range of trims and equipment levels, which will hold great appeal in this rapidly growing sector."

  The new Vauxhall Viva is due to arrive in Pentagon Vauxhall showrooms next summer and will join current models including the ADAM and the much-loved Corsa in the manufacturer's small car range – sitting beneath these models as the company's most affordable entry-level option. It will come with a five-door body style and a choice of either four or five seats. According to Vauxhall, the model will boast high specifications for the price point and there'll be a wide selection of trims and equipment levels to choose from.

  Although the 2015 new Vauxhall Viva will be exactly that, new, the name is not and has been used by the company before. Back in the 1960s, Vauxhall began producing an exceptionally popular family car that offered a solid and reliable option to UK drivers. The original Viva was in production between 1963 and 1979 and during that time more than 1.5 million cars were manufactured at the company's factory in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, making it a regular sight on the country's roads. The original car was also the forerunner to the incredibly popular Vauxhall Astra.

  The new model is likely to be a little more expensive than the original Viva, which motorists could pick up for just under £800. However, according to the manufacturer, it will still be made available at "an extremely attractive price point" – likely to be in the region of £7,000. The availability of new technology will also ensure that the new Viva will be a lot cheaper to run and kinder to the environment. It's anticipated that the model will be able to offer excellent fuel efficiency, managing up to an impressive 70mpg. The 60s Viva was more likely to offer in the region of 30 to 37mpg, so while the price of fuel has certainly risen in the intervening years, the Viva should still stand as a highly economical option for families.

  The design of the Viva has moved on considerably from that of its predecessor. Highlights include sweptback headlight clusters and LED daytime running lights to help make the new Viva really stand out on the roads, all sitting astride a new-look grille that will help to give the model some extra personality. Technology features such as iPod and Bluetooth connectivity will also feature. Space and comfort are set to be central to the design of the model, with the aim of offering consumers an affordable, highly attractive and wonderfully practical city car. Drivers can also expect a substantial boot, ensuring this small car will be capable of handling a wide variety of everyday tasks with no problems.

  The car is set to be manufactured outside of Britain, in South Korea, although a British-led team is undertaking its design. The Viva is expected to go on display at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2015, before arriving in showrooms in the UK later in the summer. When it does make it onto forecourts it's likely to find itself in direct competition with other city options such as the Ford Ka, the Hyundai i10 and Volkswagen up!

  And while the car's chosen name will certainly resonate with UK buyers of a certain age, models produced for the European market will be sold under a different name. It will be the first time in more than two decades that Vauxhall in the UK and sister company Opal in Europe have opted for different naming strategies.

  Of course, the arrival of the new Vauxhall Viva is not the only change that's taking place within Vauxhall's small car range. The firm's brand new Corsa model was officially revealed at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. While various features such as the overall dimensions and the shape of the car are set to remain, updates will come in the form of higher quality interior finishes and better handling across the range. And although the measurements of the vehicle aren't altering much, the look will, as every exterior panel has been replaced. The first deliveries of the new Corsa are expected to begin at the start of 2015. Meanwhile, the Vauxhall Adam has been roundly praised for its great sense of style, well-equipped and classy interior and a huge array of personalisation options. The city car has plenty of character, and as is to be expected with a Vauxhall, offers low running costs, making this a distinctive and practical small car that's exceptionally easy to own.

  To get further details on the wide range of Vauxhall models currently on the market and to arrange a test drive, simply contact a member of the team at your nearest Pentagon Group showroom today. Browse the latest selection of vehicles online or alternatively, give us a call on 0330 390 6849.