CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 3.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.6%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.9 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 140
Average Price: Around £4,900

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 to offer buyers a smaller, more affordable alternative to the brand's Adam and Corsa superminis. With a low new price of £7,995, it competed directly with rivals such as 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, its 206-litre boot is smaller than many competitors, and the naturally aspirated 74bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine requires hard work on higher-speed roads.

The Viva is easy to drive with light controls, a composed ride, and safe, steady handling, though it lacks engagement. Running costs are low, with official economy figures of 62.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 104g/km. The engine uses a timing chain, reducing maintenance costs, and servicing is required every 20,000 miles or one year. As a used prospect, the Viva offers excellent value for money, particularly for around-town driving and short trips. However, rivals like the Skoda Citigo are better packaged, the VW Up is more enjoyable to drive, and the Kia Picanto offers a superior warranty.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking an affordable city car for urban commuting and short journeys, those prioritising low running costs and easy driveability.

Not ideal for: Drivers requiring maximum practicality, those planning longer drives, or buyers wanting premium warranty coverage or engaging driving dynamics.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Viva if: You're a budget-conscious buyer seeking an affordable city car for urban commuting and short journeys, or prioritising low running costs and easy driveability.

Consider alternatives if: You require maximum practicality, plan longer drives, want premium warranty coverage, or desire engaging driving dynamics.

Competitive Position: The Vauxhall Viva (2015-2019) is a sensible choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking an affordable city car, offering decent equipment and low running costs. However, it struggles to distinguish itself in a highly competitive segment. The Dacia Sandero provides better value and user satisfaction, the Suzuki Celerio comes with more standard equipment, and the Hyundai i10 offers superior driving dynamics and overall ratings. As a used prospect, the Viva remains worthy of consideration due to its affordability, but buyers seeking a more capable compact car for longer drives should consider the Skoda Citigo or similar alternatives.

Read our full Vauxhall Viva Review

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

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