Holden Viva Sedan 2006 Review

7-day Test

Upon handing over the Viva sedan's keys to the Langham Hotel's Valet, 'Frank' says: "So this is the new small Holden sedan." "Of sorts, yes. They wear the badge..." "Yeah (he knows that it's GM Daewoo stock already) but as long as it does the job, my wife and I just need a neat, good-sized runabout."

To Frank who's encountered everything from bubble cars to Bentleys, and for buyers on a budget, the Viva's parentage is a moot point. More importantly the sub-$20k sedan represents value in the small and mid-size segments where shoppers are generally looking to keep it real.

Holden keeps the Viva so real it's offered in only one spec level, but it's generous. Apart from the items we have come to expect -- regardless of price point -- like air-conditioning and remote central locking, Viva includes essentials such as height and reach adjustable steering, front (at least) power windows and front passenger and front side impact airbags. Like baby brother TK Barina, Viva is packed with sweeteners, all of them handy and upping the value vibe. See CarPoint's Barina/Viva launch review for the list...

The cabin is a pleasant surprise with good passenger room and an attractive colour and trim scheme, obviously aimed at 'next step' purchasers, post p-plate age. Dash controls are laid out logically, nothing rattled, and for short trips the Viva was efficient transport. Travellers may grow weary of the somewhat spartan seats over longer distances, however.

While handling is competent with good turn-in, steering is vague and too light on high speed roads. Basically (and considering its brief, obviously) it's not to be pushed. Viva reacts well over potholes or broken surfaces however and around-town driving is comfortable. Viva is also easy to park and has good rear-ward vision and boot space; the perfect shopping trolley and sacrificial lamb for schoolchildren pick-up duties.

Viva's four-wheel disc brakes have reasonable feel and react smoothly. But on the other foot, the manual gearshift feels flimsy, at both the pedal and while shifting -- it's lightweight and vague into place.

Our experience with other slightly-built manual transmissions tells us that selection can be inconsistent at high revs, as it was on occasion with the Viva when hurried.

Holden says 7.4lt/100km; we got 8.3, after a week incorporating a trip to the Phillip Island track and V8 Supercar race traffic, and the daily commute to the office with the (well-working) aircon used a few times. A good result but considering Viva won't be hastened without a lot of driver effort between gears, understandable: otherwise the 1.8-litre engine runs at its own pace, a compromise for economy.

And therein lay the role of Viva: livable if not lovable transport for those willing to make compromises for the sake of economy and budget.

How well the GMDAT products stand up to the Aussie sun and roads will determine just how much of a bargain they really are, as cheap cabin plastics and tinny transmission give the impression this will be a short-term affair. A longer warranty, like that offered by compatriot Hyundai, would help convince otherwise …but would show-up GM's other products.

That said, there's still plenty of old Daewoo Kalos, Lacettis and Lanos on the road. And it should be noted Suzuki USA offers a seven-year drivetrain warranty for the GMDAT-sourced Forenza; its version of the Viva but equipped with a 2.0-litre engine.

Viva does 'average' like most others in this price range, with generous standards list and even a bit of chic. Its Pininfarina-penned style is attractive, appears finished and Viva’s looks won't date like some of the recent fashion victims. Suzuki's SWT (Suzuki Works Techno) arm bothers to dolly-up the Forenza with sport-inspired wheels and rear spoiler, and it looks quite cool... Expect the kids to so-pimp the Viva here.

It's a shame that meeting a budget, in this case Holden's, has forced ABS as part of an option pack ($1290 with 16-inch alloy wheels and rear power windows). The base model Focus doesn't get ABS, or even side airbags, standard either, but Viva's three-star safety rating suggests the maker would be better to include 'comforts' more vital.

Take the option pack, you're worth it.