Viva Elite, Spec & prices

Perodua launched the new Perodua ViVA Elite today, aimed at offering the market a variant with a more stylish image compared to the original ViVA. It is an aesthetic modification in the style of the Myvi SE, and at the same time they’ve revamped the model line-up a little.

The ViVA was first introduced with 660cc, 850cc, 1,000cc and 1,000cc premium variants. Now it has restructured the model lineup, offering the 660 BX MT, 660 EX MT, 850 MT, 1.0 AT, 1.0 ELITE MT, 1.0 ELITE AT, and the 1.0 ELITE EZi. That’s three different variants for the new ViVA ELITE.

Externally, the ViVA Elite has its own front bumper with integrated foglamps, front grille and its own engine hood design. On the side you’ll see chrome door handles, side skirts, and 14 inch 12-spoke alloy wheels. On the back you’ll see a new rear bumper with a honeycomb grille design, and the 1.0 ELITE EZi model (note, this is different from the ELITE AT) gets an additional rear spoiler. The windows of the ViVA Elite also feature a UV protection coating that is said to reject 91% of UV rays.

On the inside you get a new 1-DIN head unit with MP3 and WMA support, an underside tray under the passenger seat, seat backpockets, a new seat fabric design, and fabric trim on the door panels. All ViVA ELITE models will get seat height adjusters for the driver’s seat, and electrically adjustable side mirrors. On the ELITE EZi, these side mirrors are also electrically retractable and have integrated turn signals.

Only the ViVA 1.0 ELITE EZi gets a full load of safety features including dual SRS airbags for the front, ABS brakes, EBD and Brake Assist. Power steering is also only available on the ELITE models. The other non-Elite models are left with just basic features such as reverse sensors on the 850 and 1.0 model, and a CD player on the 660 EX, 850 and 1.0 model. The following are the prices for the new Perodua ViVA range including the non-Elite models:

• Perodua ViVA Elite M/T – RM37,900
• Perodua ViVA Elite A/T – RM40,900
• Perodua ViVA Elite EZi – RM44,900
• Perodua ViVA 1.0 AT – RM36,900
• Perodua ViVA 850 MT – RM32,900
• Perodua ViVA 660 EX MT – RM28,900
• Perodua ViVA 660 BX MT – RM25,300

Perodua today unveiled its latest ViVa variant, the Elite, and the premium 1.0l model features some upgraded exterior styling cues and a number of other enhancements to differentiate it from the rest of the ViVa family.

The revisions to the exterior are a new bonnet, replete with protruding centre hood, and front grille, as well as a new complete bodykit. The front bumper features fog lamps, the rear bumper comes with reflectors, and there's of course corresponding side skirts.

Elsewhere, the external dress up kit adds on chrome door handles and new 14-inch 12-spoke alloy wheels. Also new to the version is all-round UV-cut glass.

Inside, the new list is led by new seat fabric in both colour/material, as well as new matching door trim fabric, and a painted centre cluster. The car also features a revised stereo head unit that is MP3/WMA-ready.

Other items include an instrument meter cluster with chrome rings, a front passenger side underseat tray, front seat rear back pockets, retractable side mirrors with fully-illuminated side repeaters integrated into the unit (only on the EZi version). Speaking of which, the EZi also gets a rear spoiler as standard.

Five colours are available, the Ivory White, Ebony Black and Glittering Silver found across the entire model range, as well as Pearl Jade and a new shade unique to the Elite called Midnight Blue.

The car comes in three versions - Elite manual (RM37,900) [S$15,470], Elite automatic (RM40,900) and the range-topping Elite EZi auto (RM44,900; all prices on-the-road with insurance, Peninsular Malaysia).

With the introduction of the Elite, the current ViVa line-up is made up of five models, the four other versions being 1.0, 850, 660EX and the 660BX entry-level unit, which was launched on Mon. The model replaces the Kancil, which has been discontinued.

Facts you need to know about perodua viva

The Perodua Viva is a city car manufactured by Malaysian automaker Perodua since May 10, 2007. It was originally planned to be the replacement of Perodua's current city cars - the Perodua Kancil and the Perodua Kelisa. Once launched, Perodua decided to market it as a Kelisa replacement only, and will continue to sell the Kancil. The Perodua Viva is based on the 7th generation Daihatsu Mira. All of the Perodua Viva models uses Daihatsu DVVT engines. Only the Premium version comes with dual airbag and ABS.

Specifications

The Perodua Viva was initially launched with 6 models. They are 660EX manual, 850EX manual, 1.0SX Standard manual, 1.0SXi Premium manual, 1.0EZ Standard automatic and the 1.0EZi Premium automatic. The range was later updated on the 23rd of July 2009 with the Viva Elite manual, Viva Elite automatic and the Viva Elite EZi.

The suspension is typical of small hatchbacks with MacPherson struts in front located by an L-shaped lower arm. At the rear, Viva is fitted with a torsion beam axle and trailing arms. The suspension geometry has been optimised for better steering response and ride comfort. The 1000 cc models have power-assisted steering, optional auto transmission and also a front stabilizer. The 660 cc and 850 cc are barebones basic models, devoid of power steering and auto transmission. As the Viva is based on Daihatsu Mira, a kei car, it has a compact exterior dimensions and a small turning radius. It is roomy for its class, with enough room for 4 adults comfortably.

Engines and performance

Viva comes with 3-cylinder engine choices: 660 cc, 850 cc and 1000 cc. They are familiar engines but updated with modern technology such as DVVT (Dynamic Variable Valve Timing) and EFI, and they all have twin overhead camshafts to provide even stronger low-speed pulling power, resulting in fewer gearchanges, yet also manages to increase top end power. Other innovations include a resin port intake manifold and a head cover incorporating an air-cleaner casing.

• EF-VE 660 (659 cc) – 37 kW (50 PS; 50 bhp) at 7200 rpm, 58 N·m (43 lb·ft) at 4400 rpm also used in Daihatsu Hijet
• ED-VE 850 (847 cc) – 39 kW (53 PS; 52 bhp) at 6000 rpm, 76 N·m (56 lb·ft) at 4000 rpm which is developed from the engine that powered the Daihatsu Move
• EJ-VE 1000 (989 cc) – 45 kW (61 PS; 60 bhp) at 6000 rpm, 90 N·m (66 lb·ft) at 3600 rpm also used in some versions of Daihatsu Sirion and Perodua Myvi

Fuel economy varies from 15.1 km/l (42.6 mpg (imp)) for the fully loaded 1000 cc auto version to the very thrifty 18.7 km/l (53 mpg) for the basic 660 cc model. For the 1000 cc manual the 0-100 km/h time is about 12.80 seconds. The engine torque band is not peaky and timing it takes to hit 70 km/h (43 mph) is good. It may be pushed to 130 km/h (81 mph) without much effort. However the engine drones at such speeds. Top speed is around 160 km/h (99 mph).

Price

Perodua Viva 1000cc MT Solid: RM36,800
Perodua Viva 1000cc MT Metallic: RM37,200
Perodua Viva 1000cc AT Solid: RM39,800
Perodua Viva 1000cc AT Metallic: RM40,200
Perodua Viva 1000cc Premium MT Solid: RM40,800
Perodua Viva 1000cc Premium MT Metallic: RM41,200
Perodua Viva 1000cc Premium AT Solid: RM43,800
Perodua Viva 1000cc Premium AT Metallic: RM44,200

PERUSAHAAN Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) expects to sell 176,000 cars in 2010 with the launch of its multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) which is expected to boost the sales.

Managing director, Syed Abdull Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar, said the second national car was on track to meet its target of 162,000 units for 2009 despite the global economic slowdown.

It sold 167,000 units in 2008.

"We are looking at bullish market in 2010 because we have three strong models to sell, MPV, Viva and Myvi," he told reporters after the launch of its RM6 million Body & Paint Hub (B&P Hub) here today.
"With the new MPV, which is expected to bring in sales of about 3,500-4,000 units a month, the Myvi, the best seller with over 70,000 units sold a year and over 50,000 units sold for Viva, we believe next year will bring us into a new record year," he said.