Perodua Viva


The Perodua Viva is a city car manufactured by Malaysian automaker Perodua since 10 May 2007. It was originally planned to be the replacement of Perodua's current city cars - the Perodua Kancil and the Perodua Kelisa. Once launched, Perodua decided to market it as a Kelisa replacement only, and will continue to sell the Kancil. Though later in the Viva's life, with the introduction of the 660 BX, the Viva finally replaced the Kancil. The Perodua Viva is based on the 7th generation Daihatsu Mira. All of the Perodua Viva models use Daihatsu DVVT engines.

History

The Viva was launched in May 2007 with six variant: 660EX, 850EX, 1.0SX Standard, 1.0EZ Standard, 1.0SXi Premium and 1.0EZi Premium. 5 color choices were available at launch with an additional 2 color choices added in September 2007. On 20 July 2009, a 660BX variant was added as the new base model and as the replacement for the Perodua Kancil. On 23 July 2009, 'Elite' variants were introduced as new range topping variants replacing the 1.0SX Standard, 1.0SXi Premium and 1.0EZi Premium variants with Elite and Elite EZi. The 'Elite Exclusive Edition' was introduced in November 2010 and was positioned between the Elite and Elite EZi variants. In March 2013, the Viva 1.0 S was launched. The Perodua Viva was taken out of production and succeeded by the Perodua Axia following its launch on 15 September 2014.

Specifications

The suspension is typical of small hatchbacks with MacPherson struts in front located by an L-shaped lower arm. At the rear, Viva is fitted with a torsion beam axle and trailing arms. The suspension geometry has been optimised for better steering response and ride comfort. The 1000 cc models have power-assisted steering, optional auto transmission and also a front stabilizer. The 660 cc and 850 cc are barebones basic models, devoid of power steering and auto transmission.

Exterior

The overall height is 1530mm and the wheelbase is 2390mm. As the Viva is based on Daihatsu Mira, a kei car, it has a compact exterior dimensions and a small turning radius.

Interior

The maximum interior length is 1845mm and the maximum interior height is 1250mm. The boot capacity with the rear seats folded up is 149 liters while with the rear seats down, the boot capacity is 449 liters. The Perodua Viva interior features 5 seatbelts. 4 being three-point seatbelts while the center seat for the rear bench is only a two-point seatbelt.

Safety

Certain models had anti-locking braking system with electronic brake distribution and brake assist and dual supplemental restraint system airbags. Additionally, the Perodua Viva featured a collapsible steering shaft mechanism. From July 2012 onwards, dual supplemental restraint system airbags and seat belt pretensioners were made standard on all variants to comply with newer governmental regulations. One can identify a Viva without airbags and ones with airbags quite easily by referring to the steering wheel. If the steering wheel has the Perodua logo chromed instead of moulded and there's additional silver trim, then there's airbags.

Powertrain

The Viva comes with 3-cylinder engine choices: 660 cc, 850 cc and 1000 cc. They are familiar engines but updated with modern technology such as DVVT and EFI, and they all have twin overhead camshafts to provide even stronger low-speed pulling power, resulting in fewer gearchanges, yet also manages to increase top end power. Other innovations include a resin port intake manifold and a head cover incorporating an air-cleaner casing.
Fuel economy varies from 15.1 km/l for the fully loaded 1 litre auto version to the very thrifty 18.7 km/l for the basic 660 cc model. For the 1 litre manual the 0–100 km/h time is about 12.8 seconds. The engine torque band is not particularly peaky and timing it takes to hit is good. It may be pushed to without much effort. However the engine drones at such speeds. Top speed is around.

Export

The Perodua Viva was exported to Sri Lanka, Brunei, Nepal, Mauritius and Singapore.
In August 2008, the Perodua Viva was officially launched in Sri Lanka available with the same six variants as in the Malaysian market.
Sold in Brunei, the Viva 660 BX variant was only sold between 2011-2013 with coloured bumpers, black coloured side mirrors, door handle and rear trunk license panel, 4 speakers with single din radio, remote key lock, ABS, 3 colours includes Glittering Silver, Ivory White and Ebony Black and 5-speed manual transmission only.

Awards and accolades

motoring magazine Singapore in the August 2008 issue reviewed a 1.0 EZi variant and mentioned that it was "good value-for-money", able to "fit four adults comfortably", scores well with practicality but could do better with higher quality of materials and a quieter engine.
sgcarmart.com in September 2009 reviewed the same 1.0 EZi variant as motoring magazine in their August 2008 issue and mentioned that maintenance should be cheap. However, the reviewer also pointed out shortcomings in terms of "build quality, ride comfort and performance".