CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 3.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.8%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.9 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 130
Average Price: Around £5,000

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 offering buyers an affordable alternative to larger superminis. With a starting price of £7,995 when new, it competed directly with the Ford Ka+, Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, Toyota Aygo, Skoda Citigo, and Seat Mii. Despite its diminutive size, the Viva provides room for four adults, numerous storage points, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats as standard. However, the boot is smaller than many rivals, offering just 206 litres with rear seats in place and 1,013 litres when folded.

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 low, with official economy figures of 62.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 104g/km. The engine uses a timing chain, reducing long-term maintenance costs, and servicing is required every 20,000 miles or one year. As a used prospect, the Viva represents excellent value for budget-conscious buyers seeking a neat city car for around-town driving and short trips.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, those needing a city car for around-town work and short trips, and drivers seeking an affordable, easy-to-drive compact vehicle.

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising practicality over price, those tackling longer drives regularly, or those seeking a more engaging driving experience or premium warranty coverage.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Viva if: You're on a tight budget, seeking an easy-to-drive city car for around-town work and short trips, or looking for decent equipment at an affordable price.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise practicality, regularly tackle longer drives, desire a more engaging driving experience, or require comprehensive warranty coverage.

Competitive Position: The Vauxhall Viva (2015-2019) is a sensible, budget-friendly city car that offers excellent value as a used purchase. However, it faces stiff competition from more capable alternatives. The Dacia Sandero provides better practicality and user satisfaction, the Suzuki Celerio comes with more equipment as standard, and the Hyundai i10 offers superior driving dynamics and warranty coverage. The Viva's strength lies in its affordability and ease of driving for urban commuting, making it ideal for cost-conscious buyers with modest motoring needs. For those requiring a compact car capable of longer journeys, investing in a more capable rival such as the Skoda Citigo is worthwhile.

Read our full Vauxhall Viva Review

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

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