What's all this about?

The Vauxhall Viva is back, but it's very different from the last time we saw this nameplate on a three-box saloon in 1979.

How so?

It's now a tiny, Korean-built five-door hatchback.

Hold on, Vauxhall already makes the Adam and Corsa. What's the purpose of this?

Representing the entry point to the Vauxhall range, Luton's small cars offering is certainly comprehensive, but perhaps a touch congested. The Viva will start from £7,995 for an SE model, with a luxury SL (again recalling a trim from the old Viva) following on. Vivas will be in showrooms from June. The Corsa starts from £8,995 while the Adam kicks off at £11,445. The Viva's 'exceptional build quality and packaging will appeal to buyers looking for value, simplicity and a high degree of functionality' according to Vauxhall.

Is it just a shrunken Corsa?

Sort of, as the styling is very similar to the, er... 'bigger' Vauxhall, although some observers reckon the Viva is the better-looking of the two. We're not sure about that; neat design touches like the 'blade' lower door sweep and side strakes are welcome, but both the front- and rear-end designs are understandably conservative. The Viva is just 3.68 metres long and will be offered in ten exterior colours with wheels ranging from 14- to 16 inches in diameter.

So the cabin is cramped, right?

No, it isn't actually; the Viva, making clever use of what space it has, looks like it could genuinely seat four six-foot adults. Anyone taller than that will require the front seats adjusting just so, but the boot is useable and there's very little exposed metal to spy.

What's the quality of the interior like?

Perfectly acceptable. It's not as swish as the Hyundai i10 or Volkswagen Group's up!/Mii/Citigo siblings, but it's probably comparable to the cabins of the Toyota Aygo/Peugeot 108/Citroen C1. Vauxhall says it is 'durable and hard-wearing' within, with soft-touch surfaces eschewed due to the value price point. Like all Vauxhalls, it will offer a lot of specification for that modest cash, including IntelliLink infotainment, ESP with traction control, ABS with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Hill Start Assist, City mode steering and the option of upmarket toys like Park Assist, cruise control, heated seats and steering wheel, fog lights and Lane Departure Warning.

And can you tell me about the engine?

Yes, it's a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder Ecotec petrol unit, here without a turbocharger and making 75hp. It's mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and in Ecoflex guise the Viva will give owners 99g/km CO₂ emissions and up to 66mpg. Meanwhile, the chassis and steering have been 'developed to provide exceptional safety and class-leading comfort'.

Anything else to add?

Tim Tozer, Vauxhall's chairman and managing director, said: "Short, crisp and full of character, Vauxhall's new entry-level model is a proper small car and will hold great appeal in this rapidly growing sector. On sale later this year at an extremely attractive price point, Viva joins new Corsa and Adam in a compelling small car portfolio, giving Vauxhall an unrivalled position in the small car market."

Bear in mind that, as of January 2015, Vauxhall has scrapped the Lifetime Warranty, meaning the Viva will have a 'standard' three-year/60,000-mile guarantee. That doesn't compare well to those offered by Korean rivals.