Perodua Viva

Overview

One of the prime indegeous automobile manufacturers of Malaysia, Perodua has always been a big threat to all the brands retailing in Malaysia, despite having such a limited line up, so much that Perodua was the largest selling car company of the country from 2006-2010. Customer satisfaction and comfort level have always been the major areas of interest of Perodua rather than speed and thrill, afterall the compact cars are designed family-friendly. One such launch, which made all the headlines in the latter first and early second decade of 2000s is the little city car Perodua Viva.

From the looks of it, it looks like any Volvo designed for a soccer mom with very elementary features on the outside as compared to its elder counterpart Perodua Myvi. But dont let the exteriors fool you, as the interior is as comfortable and tech-filled as it can get in the given price range. Currently Perodua Viva is manufactured under 4 variants - standard 660 BX (the base model), 850, Viva S 1.0 and top end Viva Elite 1.0.

The varying engines appointed for different variants are EF-VE for 660 BX, ED-VE for 850, AND EJ-VE for the top end models. The the engines apply a DOHC 12 valve (4 valves per cylinder) mechanism coupled with DVVT and as a result the maximum power drawn out of 660 BX engine is 48 PS at 7200 rpm with a maximum torque of 58 Nm at 4400 rpm, for 850 these figures change to a maximum power of 53 PS at 6000 rpm bundled with a maximum starting torque of 76 Nm at 4000 rpm. For high end S and Elite models with a 1-litre engine these figures climb to 61 PS at 6000 rpm inline with a maximum torque of 90 Nm at 3600 rpm. The figures seem rather dissapointing, but then you need to keep in mind the price tag and the fact that it is essentially a city car. Lower two variants are offered with 5 speed manual transmission while 1.0S is offered with 4 speed auto transmission. With the top end 1.0 Elite you have both options available at your discretion.

Mileage and Fuel Economy

If you are employing your fixed investment in an entry level mini with a low capacity engine it becomes all the more important that the car provides a good mileage. Fuel economy of Perodua Viva varies from 15.1 km/l for the top end auto transmission 1.0 Elite to as high as 18.7 km/l for 660 BX manual transmission model. Viva can carry 36 litres of fuel in one go.

Power

As mentioned before, this is not a segment to get your hopes high too much given that the engine capacity is kept at bare minimum. The variations for engines appointed for different variants are EF-VE for 660 BX, ED-VE for 850, AND EJ-VE for Viva 1.0 S and Viva 1.0 elite. The valve mechanism applied in this case is a 12 valve (with 4 valves per cylinder) with DVVT technolgy. As a result of this these are the outputs achieved: Maximum power 48 PS at 7200 rpm with maximum torque 58 Nm at 4400 rpm for 660 BX variant Maximum power 53 PS at 6000 rpm with 76 Nm maximum torque at 4000 rpm for 850 variant Maximum power 61 PS at 6000 rpm with maximum torque of 90 Nm at 3600 rpm for top variants

Acceleration and Pick Up

Acceleration and pick up, being a car designed to be efficient in the city are not really Perodua Viva's cup of tea, however the top end manual transmission Elite 1.0 offers a decent acceleration clocking the 100 mark in 12.8 seconds. Figures of other variants are not as promising. The top speed of Viva (reached by Elite 1.0 manual transmission) is approximately 160 km/h.

Exterior

Not too stylish, not too funky, not too sporty, Perodua is like a basic city commuting car from the outside. The design seems quite aerodynamic which helps it attain speed at a faster pace. Side turn signals are made of amber lenses for all the models except the top end 1.0 Elite where clear lenses hace been applied. Again only the 1.0 Elite is embedded with comfort features like door visor, rear reflectors, side skirting and front fog lamps, these features are absent in all the other models. The laminated green windsheald comes with UV protection for 1.0 Elite.

Exterior Measurements

The compact car comes with a overall length measuring 3575mm x 1475mm x 1530mm (l x w x h). Given that the entire car measures 3575mm in length, providing a 2390mm wheelbase is impressive in itself which opens options for more legroom in the inside and subsequently more comfort.

Interior

Comparatively, again given the price range, the interior specifications of Perodua Viva are much more impressive than you could guess from the outside. Available with door trim, the door armrests are material colored (barring 1.0 S which recieves silver paint on its armrests), glove boxes and cupholders (2 on the front and one on the rear) are provided for your comfort. The dashboard seems properly organised and all the controls seem to be appointed in proper places. Sun visors and vanity mirrors are provided and you have the luxury of having a meter chrome ring combination.

Interior Comfort

As mentioned before, basic facilities like three cupholders and seat back pockets are provided in all the variants of Perodua Viva, an additional handy feature provided is under seat tray. Barring the 660 BX all the other models are provided high end comfort luxuries like seat height adjuster for drivers seat and power steering. Front stabiliser is provided with Elite 1.0 variant coupled with illuminated warnings.

Interior Dimensions

Interior dimensions of Perodua Viva measure 1845mm x 1300mm x 1250mm. The inference that can be drawn out is that although there is satisfactory legroom provided there is not nearly enough headroom as you would have liked. Still the car feels very spacious from inside for an entry level vehicle in the hatchback segment.

Engine and Performance

Before any verdict is pulled out it needs to be kept in mind that for an engine of a capacity so low, for a car made specifically as a city car launched at entry level, the output is pretty decent to say the least. The engine appointed for 660 BX is a primitive EF-VE type, 850 gets hold of ED-VE engine and the variants placed high in the line up get EJ-VE engine. There is a DOHC, 12V (3 cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder) valve mechanism. All that been said the output features generated are: Maximum power 48 PS at 7200 rpm with maximum torque 58 Nm at 4400 rpm for 660 BX Maximum power 53 PS at 6000 rpm with 76 Nm maximum torque at 4000 rpm for 850 Maximum power 61 PS at 6000 rpm with maximum torque of 90 Nm at 3600 rpm for top end models.

Wheels

The standard 12 inch steel rims are applied to all the base models of the car. However a very significant upgrade is provided to Perodua Viva 1.0 Elite which has 14 inch alloy rims embedded in it. The tyre size for basic models employing 12 inch rims is 155/70 R12 and 165/55 R 14 for tyres with 14 inch alloy rims.

Stereo and Accessories

The base model 660 RX comes without any inbuilt speakers, any sort of music system needs to be customised. Step up a notch and 850 gets hold of a simple 1 DIN Radio player without .mp3 and .wma compatibility. For acquiring this you need to upgrade your arsenal a step more as this has been made available in Perodua Viva 1.0 S and Viva 1.0 Elite.

Braking and Handling

When it comes to braking and handling, Perodua Viva can give stiff competiton to any global brand retailing entry level minis. Disc brakes are appointed on the front while drum brakes are applied on the back. Up front there is a MacPherson strut suspension provided in all the cars in Perodua array, on the rear torsion beam suspension has been made available.

Safety and Security

The entry level Perodua Viva has been cut off from many high end features in different departments, but this is one area on which you cannot put a price tag, Perodua hasn't either providing all the basic safety features that should be available in a car which are Dual Airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioner (only for driver and front rider), alarm and centre locking feature (barring 660 BX), Child safety lock and immobiliser. In a pleasing addition, ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) with electronic brake distribution and brake assist are made available in all the models.

Pros

Low fuel consumption
Price
Handling

Cons

Boot space
Exterior could have been better