Vauxhall Viva HC Estate 1256 (58 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.6 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 2.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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)

HC Estate Overview:

Vauxhall Viva (HC Estate). With 85 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 932 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

1256 (58 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

A modest performer, the 58 Hp 1256cc engine provides sufficient power for city driving and light loads, but struggles on highways or with a full complement of passengers.

Fuel Economy

Likely the most economical of the larger engines, offering reasonable fuel consumption for its era, though not exceptional by modern standards.

Best Use Case: City / Suburban

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Spacious and practical estate body
  • • Range of engine options to suit different needs
  • • Generally robust and reliable for its time
  • • Affordable to purchase and maintain
  • • Classic British design appeal

Cons:

  • • Outdated safety features by modern standards
  • • Performance can be sluggish with smaller engines
  • • Fuel economy is not competitive with modern vehicles
  • • Ride comfort is basic
  • • Rust can be an issue on older models

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(HC: 1970 - 1972).

General:
Brand:Vauxhall
Model:Viva
Generation:HC Estate
Modification (Engine):1256 (58 Hp)
Start of production:1971
End of production:1975
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:58 Hp @ 5500 rpm.
Power per litre:46.2 Hp/l
Torque:85 Nm @ 3400 rpm.
Engine displacement:1256
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:2.8 l
Coolant:5.8 l
Cylinder Bore:81 mm mm
Piston Stroke:61 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.2:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Weight-to-power ratio:14.8 kg/Hp, 67.7 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:10.1 kg/Nm, 99.2 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:857-1007
Max. weight:1320-1474
Max load:463-467
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1764 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:759 l
Fuel tank capacity:36 l
Size:
Length:4138 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1643 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1366 mm mm [18mm more]
Wheelbase:2461 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1306 mm
Rear (Back) track:1308 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):127 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):9.62 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeManual

Have you ever driven an Vauxhall Viva?
How was your experience with it? Share with us: