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Used Vauxhall Viva: Buyer's Guide


The Vauxhall Viva is a competent and mature city car that revives a classic nameplate to offer a no-nonsense driving solution prioritising low running costs and everyday usability. With a fuel economy of up to 65.7 mpg, it represents an exceptionally logical financial decision for budget-conscious drivers. If you want a small car that offers a level of maturity and refinement often lacking in this segment, the Viva is a fantastic choice.


Used Vauxhall Viva Popular Trims

  • * SE: The sensible entry point. Includes cruise control, lane departure warning, and front fog lights as standard. SE Nav: The tech lover's choice. Adds the brilliant 7-inch IntelliLink touchscreen with Sat Nav and smartphone integration. SL: The premium choice. Enjoy electronic climate control, a leather-covered steering wheel, and stylish 15-inch alloys. Rocks: For the urban adventurer. Features unique bumper styling, roof rails, and a higher seating position for better visibility.


Used Vauxhall Viva Popular Battery & Drivetrain Options

  • * 1.0i (75PS): A peppy 3-cylinder engine that feels eager around town. It delivers linear power delivery and proven reliability, avoiding the complexity of turbochargers.

Running Costs:

  • Real-World MPG: Owners consistently report between 45 and 55 mpg.

  • Road Tax: Pre-April 2017 EcoFLEX models are tax-free (Band A), while standard models cost just £20 (Band B). Post-2017 models attract the standard £180 rate.


Used Vauxhall Viva Practicality

The Viva's packaging is a lesson in efficiency, offering maximum interior volume within a minimal footprint. Boot Space: Offers 206 litres of space with seats up, expanding to a substantial 1013 litres with rear seats folded. Passenger Space: Genuine accommodation for five adults, a significant advantage over four-seat rivals. Rear Access: Five doors as standard mean easy access for passengers or loading child seats without any hassle.


Used Vauxhall Viva Key Features

Key Features:

  • City Mode Steering: Lightens the steering at the touch of a button for effortless parking.

  • IntelliLink Infotainment: A 7-inch touchscreen that mirrors your phone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for music and maps.

  • Cruise Control: Standard on most models, a rare find in this class that aids motorway efficiency.

Desirable Options:

  • Winter Pack: Treat yourself to heated front seats and a heated steering wheel - a game-changer on cold days.

  • Spare Wheel: A full-size spare was an option; check the boot floor as standard cars have a tyre inflation kit.


Used Vauxhall Viva Reliability Rating

The Viva benefits from a simple, non-turbocharged engine that has proven to be robust and dependable.

What to Check on a Test Drive:

  • Gearbox: Check that the gear stick moves smoothly into reverse and first gear without crunching.

  • Clutch: Ensure the bite point is consistent and there is no judder when pulling away on a cold start.

  • Infotainment: Check that your phone connects quickly to the IntelliLink system and the touchscreen responds to your touch.


Used Vauxhall Viva Safety Rating

The Viva achieved a 4-star Euro NCAP rating in 2015, highlighting its solid structural integrity. Airbags: Six airbags are standard, including curtain airbags for side impact protection. Lane Assist: Lane Departure Warning keeps you safe on the motorway by alerting you if you drift.


Awards for the Used Vauxhall Viva

  • * Value Champion: Frequently cited in buying guides for its low cost of ownership and high standard equipment levels. Connectivity Star: Praised for bringing big-car tech like Apple CarPlay to the affordable city car segment.


Who is the Used Vauxhall Viva Best For?

  • * First-Time Drivers: Low insurance groups (3-5) and easy driving dynamics make it perfect for learners. City Dwellers: Its compact size and City Mode steering make it the ultimate tool for urban living. Value Seekers: Drivers who demand the most car for their money will find the Viva's proposition compelling.

Key Alternatives to Consider:

  • Hyundai i10: Offers a slightly larger boot and a longer warranty period.

  • Volkswagen Up: Provides a more premium interior feel but typically only seats four.


Frequently Asked Questions about the Used Vauxhall Viva


Is the Vauxhall Viva a good car for first-time drivers?

The Vauxhall Viva is an excellent choice for new drivers, offering a blend of manageable dimensions and user-friendly features. Compact Dimensions: With a length of just 3675mm and width of 1595mm, it is easy to manoeuvre and park in tight spaces. Manageable Power: The 1.0-litre 74bhp engine provides smooth and predictable power delivery, ideal for building confidence behind the wheel. Safety Features: Standard equipment includes six airbags, Lane Departure Warning, and Electronic Stability Program for added reassurance.

How much does it cost to tax a Vauxhall Viva?

The Vauxhall Viva offers very competitive road tax rates, with costs depending on the specific model and registration date. EcoFLEX Models: Cars registered before April 2017 with 99g/km CO2 emissions fall into Band A, costing £0 per year. Standard Models: Versions with 104g/km CO2 registered before April 2017 are in Band B, costing just £20 per year. Post-2017 Models: Cars registered after April 1, 2017, attract the standard flat rate of £180 per year.

Does the Vauxhall Viva have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes, smartphone connectivity is a key feature on higher specification models of the Vauxhall Viva. IntelliLink System: The R4.0 IntelliLink infotainment system features a clear 7-inch touchscreen display. Smartphone Integration: This system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless access to maps and music. Model Availability: Look for SE Nav and SL trim levels to ensure this advanced connectivity is included.

Is the Vauxhall Viva suitable for long motorway journeys?

While designed primarily for the city, the Vauxhall Viva is capable of handling motorway trips with reasonable comfort. Refinement: The cabin is surprisingly quiet at 70mph, with wind and engine noise well suppressed for a car of this size. Stability: The suspension setup absorbs bumps effectively, and the car feels stable, though body roll is controlled. Performance: The 74bhp engine can maintain motorway speeds, though you may need to use the rev range for overtaking.

How does the City Mode steering work on the Vauxhall Viva?

The City Mode steering function is designed to make urban driving and parking significantly easier. Activation: Press the dedicated ""City"" button on the dashboard to engage the system instantly. Assistance: The system increases power assistance to the steering, making the wheel very light to turn. Benefit: This allows for effortless manoeuvring into tight parking spaces and navigating busy city streets.

What is the real-world fuel economy of the Vauxhall Viva?

The Vauxhall Viva is designed to be economical, delivering impressive fuel efficiency figures in daily driving. Official Figures: The standard 1.0i engine has a quoted combined figure of 62.8 mpg, rising to 65.7 mpg for SE ecoFLEX models. Real-World Driving: Owners typically report achieving between 45 and 55 mpg in mixed driving conditions. Efficiency Tech: EcoFLEX models feature optimised aerodynamics and low rolling resistance tyres to maximize every drop of fuel.

Does the Vauxhall Viva come with a spare wheel?

The standard equipment for the Vauxhall Viva typically includes a tyre inflation kit rather than a spare wheel. Standard Kit: Most models are supplied with a compressor and sealant kit to temporarily repair punctures. Space Saving: This approach helps to maximize the 206-litre boot capacity and reduce overall vehicle weight. Optional Extra: A spare wheel was available as an option, so it is worth checking the boot of specific used examples.

How many Isofix points does the Vauxhall Viva have?

The Vauxhall Viva is equipped to safely carry younger passengers with secure child seat mounting points. Rear Seats: There are two sets of ISOFIX mounting points located on the outer rear seats. Safety: These points ensure child seats are anchored directly to the vehicle's chassis for maximum security. Accessibility: The five-door layout makes accessing the rear seats to install or remove child seats straightforward.

Is the Vauxhall Viva cheap to insure for young drivers?

The Vauxhall Viva sits in some of the lowest insurance groups available, making it a cost-effective option. Insurance Groups: Most models fall into groups 3E to 5E on the 1-50 scale, which is very low. SE Trim: The popular SE trim typically sits in insurance group 3 or 4, helping to keep premiums down. SL Trim: Even the higher-spec SL trim is rated in group 5, ensuring it remains affordable to insure.

Used Vauxhall cars and locations