Viva makes a comeback

Holden New Zealand says the manual versions of the JF range are powered by 1.8-litre four-cylinder engines which return fuel economy of 7.4 litres/100km.

The Viva badge has returned to the New Zealand car market, this time on a lower/medium line-up of three Holden vehicles: hatchback, sedan and station wagon.

All three are rebadged Daewoo models, built in South Korea. Holden parent General Motors bought Daewoo last year after it went belly-up.

In Australia and New Zealand, the new-generation GM Daewoo cars are badged Holden. In Europe and the United States they are badged Chevrolet. In Britain, they carry the Vauxhall nameplate.

The last time the Viva badge appeared in New Zealand was in the 1970s, on the Vauxhall Viva.

The new Viva is called the JF model range and will slot into the small-car Holden line-up between the introductory Barina and the European-sourced Astra.

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

It will start at $23,990 for the five-speed manual sedan and hatchback through to $25,990 for the manual station wagon. Four-speed automatic variants cost $1600 more.

The range is powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine producing 85kW (114bhp) at 5800rpm and peak torque of 169Nm at 2600rpm. Holden New Zealand says the manual version returns fuel economy of 7.4 litres/100km.

Managing director Brian Mynott said Viva's driving characteristics represented the levels expected of any car wearing the Holden badge.

"Viva is extremely competitive against established vehicles in the lower to medium market in terms of its affordability, specifications and driveability," he said.

Standard equipment includes front and side airbags - four in all - 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, eight-way 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 wagon's rear cargo floor.

All models ride on 15-inch wheels. The interior trim is a mix of charcoal and grey with accents in satin silver. There is a choice of eight exterior colours. Anti-lock brakes are available for an extra $1000.