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Vauxhall Viva HB 1.2 (57 Hp)
Overall Rating
Vauxhall Viva:
The Vauxhall Viva is a small family car that was produced by Vauxhall in a succession of three versions between 1963 and 1979. These were designated the HA, HB and HC series.
The Viva was introduced a year after Vauxhall's fellow General Motors company Opel launched the Opel Kadett A. Both cars were a result of the same General Motors project sharing the same floorpan and engine construction. A major difference was the use of metric measurements for the Opel and Imperial units for the Vauxhall. The cars are visually similar, however few components are interchangeable. A van version was also produced, as the Bedford HA. In the UK the Viva's principal competitors at the time of its launch included the well-established Ford Anglia and Morris Minor....(Read more on Wikipedia)
HB Overview:
Vauxhall Viva (HB). With 90 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 918 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
As a vehicle from the late 1960s, the Vauxhall Viva HB predates modern safety standards and Euro NCAP testing. It lacks contemporary safety features like airbags, ABS, or advanced crumple zones, offering only basic passive safety.
1.2 (57 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A step up from the 1100, providing a slightly more usable power band for mixed driving. Still focused on economy and basic transport rather than performance.
Fuel Economy
A reasonable balance between power and fuel consumption for the era, offering slightly better performance than the 1100 without a significant penalty in economy.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Stylish 'Coke bottle' design
- • Wide range of engine options, including potent GT models
- • Good handling for its class
- • Practical and affordable family transport
- • Relatively spacious interior for a compact car
Cons:
- • Basic safety features (typical for the era)
- • Rust susceptibility common in British cars of the period
- • Carbureted engines can be temperamental
- • Lack of modern amenities
- • Some parts can be hard to find now
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(HB Estate: 1966 - 1970).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Vauxhall |
| Model: | Viva |
| Generation: | HB |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.2 (57 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1968 |
| End of production: | 1969 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2-4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 57 Hp @ 5400 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 49.2 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 90 Nm @ 3000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1159 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 2.8 l |
| Coolant: | 6.5 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 77.7 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 61 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 15.6 kg/Hp, 64.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.9 kg/Nm, 101.5 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 887-949 |
| Max. weight: | 1148 |
| Max load: | 199-261 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 36 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4094 mm mm [10mm less] |
| Width: | 1600 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1338 mm mm [11mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2433 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1295 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1295 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 9.7 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Wheel rims size | 4J x 12 |
Does the Vauxhall Viva live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!