Used Vauxhall Viva for sale nearColchester

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 3.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.1%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.9 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 140
Average Price: Around £4,800

Vauxhall Viva (2015-2019) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
A very affordable used buy	Many rivals are more practical
Easy to drive	So-so warranty offering
Decent equipment	Feels bland compared with many cars in the class

Quick Summary

The Vauxhall Viva (2015-2019) is a five-door city car designed as an affordable alternative to larger superminis. Launched at £7,995, it competed directly with the Ford Ka+, Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, Toyota Aygo, Skoda Citigo, and Seat Mii. Despite its diminutive size, the Viva offers practical features including room for four adults, numerous storage points, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. However, the boot is smaller than many rivals, with just 206 litres available with rear seats in place, expanding to 1,013 litres when folded flat.

The Viva is easy to drive with light controls, a composed ride, and safe, steady handling, though it lacks engagement and excitement. The 1.0-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine produces 74bhp and is quiet and smooth, but requires effort on higher-speed roads. Running costs are impressively low, with official economy figures of 62.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 104g/km. The engine uses a timing chain rather than a belt, reducing maintenance costs. Servicing is required every 20,000 miles or one year, and the car's light weight means it's easy on consumables such as brake pads and tyres. As a used prospect, the Viva represents excellent value, though it may feel bland compared with some competitors.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking an affordable city car for around-town driving and short trips, those prioritising low running costs and easy driveability, and drivers wanting decent equipment at minimal expense.

Not ideal for: Those needing maximum practicality, drivers tackling longer journeys regularly, buyers seeking premium warranty coverage, or those wanting an engaging driving experience.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Viva if: You're budget-conscious and seeking an affordable city car for around-town driving, prioritising low running costs and easy driveability, or wanting decent equipment at minimal expense.

Consider alternatives if: You need maximum practicality, regularly tackle longer journeys, seek premium warranty coverage, or desire an engaging driving experience.

Competitive Position: The Vauxhall Viva (2015-2019) is a sensible choice in the city car segment, offering excellent value and affordability as a used purchase. Whilst it may feel bland compared with some competitors and lacks the practicality of larger rivals, its low running costs, easy driveability, and decent equipment make it worthy of consideration. However, the Hyundai i10 offers superior ratings and more engaging driving dynamics, the Suzuki Celerio provides more equipment as standard, and the Dacia Sandero delivers greater practicality. For purely around-town work and short trips, the Viva represents sensible value, but those wanting a more capable compact car should consider paying a premium for alternatives.

Read our full Vauxhall Viva Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.