Holden Viva 2005 review

Prices start at a mere $17,990 and that includes air conditioning, four air bags, front power windows, mirrors and remote central locking, a decent audio system and power steering.

It's pretty well all you need in terms of features.

Dig a little deeper and Viva scrubs up well: the engine is a 1.8-litre twin cam four cylinder with 89kW/169Nm output and Euro 4 emissions compliance.

It's based on the old Family 1 Holden engine from Camira days but has been completely upgraded with a new cylinder head and other components to bring it into the 21 century.

There are three body styles, wagon, five door hatch and four door sedan.

We have seen something like the sedan before badged as a Daewoo Lacetti but Holden has made changes throughout the car to better suit Aussie conditions and buyers.

The sedan is a good size car with an Astra style face and other detail changes. It can take five inside and offers a large boot and a full size spare.

The interior is stylish and functional and comfort over a long haul is good.

It has a relatively comfortable ride but definite limits in the handling department. But that's OK, it's not a sports car.

The auto sedan we drove last week was pretty good on most scores. The build seemed OK apart from a console lid that wouldn't close and a crappy boot lining. Engine performance is good and there is plenty of pick-up available across the engine rev range but the four speed auto is awful. It hunts in top gear on hills, makes sloppy or inappropriate changes and sometimes hesitates at the wrong moment.

Manual select mode is the go here.

It's economical, capable of returning around 7.5 litres/100km with mixed driving and noise and vibration is minimal. Other aspects of the Viva are similar to most other offerings in the market – audio, aircon, power ancillaries, upholstery, styling. There really is no down side to the Viva in these areas.

Our advice – save $2000 and get the manual. It's heaps better unless you are going to drive exclusively around town at a sedate pace.