Exclusive: new Vauxhall Viva revealed ahead of Paris

Ahead of its launch at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, PetrolBlog has obtained exclusive information on the all-new Vauxhall Viva. So far, Vauxhall has only released a single teaser image and a few lines of marketing guff, so this is proper, hot-off-the-press stuff. Only it came via fax.

Speaking to a chap known only to us as 'Phil', who curiously was wearing a faded-blue Ford Rallye Sport bomber jacket, the all-new Vauxhall Viva will share much in common with the original car, first introduced in 1963. This must be true, because a Vauxhall press release said so:

"Designed for modern, everyday life, the all-new model will share the original's clean lines, durability and practicality."

All-new Vauxhall Viva goes back-t0-basics

In order to compete with the Dacia Sandero's £5,995 price tag, Vauxhall has taken this quite literally, with a proper back-to-basics approach to the Viva. Featuring non-assisted rack and pinion steering, all-round drum brakes and a four-speed manual gearbox, the new Viva will be instantly familiar to owners of the original car in the 1960s and 1970s.



A synchromesh gearbox can be ordered as an optional extra, but only as part of the Deluxe personalisation pack, which also features a black vinyl roof, cigarette lighter and a heated rear window. Buyers can also specify the more expensive SL pack, which offers chrome wheel trim surrounds, a centre armrest for rear seat passengers and a leather-effect key fob.

All-new Vauxhall Viva audio package

An audio package - designed in collaboration with Radio Luxembourg - includes an electric aerial, a cassette player and - for people with one of those new wireless smartphone devices - a cassette adapter that plugs into the headphone socket. A unique Showaddywaddy compilation tape will be given to the first 500 customers.

Clearly taking its influence from the hip and trendy Vauxhall Adam, the all-new Vauxhall Viva can be ordered with special exterior styling packs. One of which evokes memories of the 1970s, with a unique bubbling-design for the base of the A-pillars and a see-through effect for the rear wheel arches.

All-new Vauxhall Viva exclusive launch event

PetrolBlog understands the new Vauxhall Viva will be offered without a spare wheel, but a can of WD40 will be included to assist with cold starts on a damp morning.

An exclusive launch event will be held at the Likely Lads café in Ellesmere Port, where the town's mayor will say a few words and Bob Carolgees will arrive in the first Viva off the production line. Unfortunately, Spit the Dog can't make it as he has a contract with the local Ford dealer.

More news from the 2014 Paris Motor Show as soon as Phil returns from the bar.