What's all this about?
It's a new small car from Vauxhall, reviving a nameplate we've not seen for a few years - the Viva is back. And this is our first look at its design.
Right, so where does it fit into the range?
Umm, sort of below a Corsa and alongside an Adam, in a new three-car small models portfolio. Be thankful you don't live outside the UK, though, because it's not called the Viva outside our boundaries.
What is it called?
The Opel Karl.
What?!
Well, the Adam was named after Adam Opel, the founder of the company. This one is named in homage to Opel's son, Carl. And yes, they've spelled it wrong, if you want to be picky.
What can you tell me about the design?
The car looks more like the Corsa than it does the Adam, featuring the same chrome grille and hawk-eye headlights, while the side is dominated by two slashes cut into the doors and the 'blade' feature near the sills that has been seen on other Vauxhalls, such as the Astra GTC. The Viva is just 3.68 metres long but can apparently seat five, while Vauxhall promises it will be offered with the sort of standard and optional equipment you'd expect on a car from a much bigger market segment. There will be 10 exterior colours on offer and wheels ranging from 14- to 16 inches in size.
What's under the bonnet?
The absolutely excellent 1.0-litre, three-cylinder Ecotec engine that we've already seen in the Adam Rocks Air and the new, fifth-generation Corsa. It was actually developed specifically for the Viva, running here in 75hp format with a five-speed manual gearbox.
And when will it join Adam and Corsa?
The Viva is slated for a summer 2015 appearance in showrooms.
Matt Robinson - 3 Dec 2014