Holden has launched Viva – a new nameplate, for the Holden brand, although the name was previously used by Vauxhall. The Viva will be delivering outstanding value in three body styles for Australian small car buyers.

Viva will be the only nameplate in its category offering sedan, hatch and wagon variants under $20,000.

It will also deliver a rare feature in the segment by providing four airbags as standard equipment across all three body styles.

The Italian-designed five-door hatch, four-door sedan and five-door wagon expand Holden’s small car family to one of the largest ranges available in Australia.

They feature economical 1.8-litre double overhead cam engines and have been tailored for Australian driving conditions by Holden engineers.

Viva will be sourced from General Motors’ South Korean operations and placed between two of Australia’s longest-standing small car nameplates, Barina and Astra.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Denny Mooney, said Holden engineers had pursued chassis dynamics which ensured Viva’s driving characteristics represented the levels expected of any car wearing the Holden lion badge.

“Viva is extremely competitive against established vehicles in the small car market in terms of its affordability, specifications and driveability,” Mr Mooney said.

“Each of these components was non-negotiable in our decision to introduce a fourth nameplate to Holden’s small car spread.”

Holden Marketing Manager Passenger Cars, Alan Blazevic, said Viva combined with AH Astra equalled a strong package of Holden choice in the small car arena.

“Viva is the complete package for customers looking for an affordable new small car,” Mr Blazevic said.

“Its high levels of standard specification mean they will no longer have to compromise on a combination of handling, safety and features.

“Holden’s network of almost 300 dealers across Australia means Viva also provides unrivalled peace of mind in terms of service and support.”

Feature highlights

The new Holden JF Viva hatch, sedan and wagon come equipped with a competitive set of safety, comfort and convenience features across the board.

Safety has been a primary component with a standard combination of driver, front passenger and front side impact airbags on all models.

Viva offers height-adjustable front seat belts with pre-tensioners, air conditioning, power steering, four speaker single CD/MP3 capability audio system, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, front power windows (all round on the wagon), heated exterior mirrors, six-way height adjustable driver’s seat and a tilt and telescopic-adjustable steering wheel.

It also offers more than 20 storage compartments including cup holders, coin trays and a multi-storage area under the rear cargo floor in the wagon.

Ride and handling

GM Holden specialist chassis engineers have ensured that Viva delivers ride refinement and the handling stability expected of any Holden.

Ride comfort is supple and controlled. The suspension package dampens road input to reduce cabin noise.

The well-weighted steering set-up adds to the communicative driving dynamic and a torsionally rigid body structure complements Viva’s handling character and ride refinement.

All-round power disc brakes are supplemented by a tandem brake booster system which sharpens braking response and reduces pedal travel. Four-channel ABS is available in an option pack.

Powertrain

All Viva models are powered by an economical 1.8 litre DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine which produces peak power of 89kW at 5,800 rpm and peak torque of 169Nm at 2,600rpm.

Buyers have a choice of five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission.

The automatic features a ‘hold control’ button which allows it to work as a manual, enabling drivers to stay in the appropriate gear for better control on hilly roads.

The engine complies with future Euro 4 emissions standards and returns fuel efficiency figures of 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres (manual transmission). Automatic transmission fuel economy is still to be confirmed.

Style and space

Viva models show off a strong Holden styling signature, exemplified by their distinctive horizontal grilles with centre bar and diamond mesh inserts.

Designers have developed a contemporary interior feel with charcoal and light grey two-tone theming which accentuates the roomy proportions.

The sporty five-door hatch has unique front end styling, highlighted by a fast bonnet line and low-mounted elliptical headlamps.

Sedan and wagon design cues include prominent wheel arches, jewelled headlamps with circular elements, bright chrome grille surrounds and clean rear end styling accented by large vertical tail lamps with cylindrical elements.

Hatch rear styling is equally uncluttered, with wraparound elliptical tail lamps and a slim integrated wind deflector and spoiler combination.

All models feature 15-inch, five-spoke wheel covers and twin five-spoke alloy wheels are available in an option pack.

Viva’s interior trim in charcoal, offset by sports fabric inserts in lighter grey, harmonises with a two-tone instrumental panel and accents in satin silver.

No fewer than eight colours are offered across the three cars - Arctic White, Mercury Silver (metallic), Jet Black (metallic), Impact Blue (metallic), Chilli Red (hatch only), Sunset Orange (metallic - hatch only), Mocha (metallic, sedan and wagon only) and Royal Red (metallic - sedan and wagon only).

The JF Viva replaces the TS Astra Classic which will be phased out as Viva stocks reach Holden dealer showrooms.

JF Viva recommended retail pricing
(Excluding dealer delivery and government charges)

Options

On Sale

October 2005

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