2010 Perodua Viva Review
Price
from: RM25,300
to: RM44,900
Installment
from: RM242/mth
to: RM430/mth
2010 Perodua Viva at a glance
Perodua has created, in the Viva, a car that surpasses its predecessor Perodua Kelisa in almost every area. Roomy, frugal and easy to drive around city, the 2010 Perodua Viva brings excellent value for the money as a city car.
2010 Perodua Viva quick specs
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Class | Supermini |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2010 Perodua Viva ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The Perodua Viva looks all grown up next to the Perodua Kelisa. In addition to the increased length and height, the 2010 Perodua Viva wears a well-proportioned, neat styling that is current and mini-Myvi-like. Yes, there is none of the Kelisa's cuteness, but we think most Malaysians are ready for a styling change, especially one for the better.
Handling
Not as fun as the Perodua Kelisa to drive, but still the 2010 Perodua Viva handles safely and predictably. The tight turning circle and light power steering mean city driving and parking are a breeze. The slight mass lends the Perodua Viva a nimble feel, although pronounced body roll steps in through bends, reminding the driver that the 2010 Perodua Viva is no hot-hatch. Push hard around corners, and the Perodua Viva predictably understeers and struggles for grip. The steering could use more feedback, too. The 660 cc and 850 cc miss out on power steering.
Comfort
Despite the Perodua Viva's light-weight, ride quality is compliant as the soft suspension copes well with road imperfections. The 2010 Perodua Viva feels planted enough at cruising speeds, but be prepared for quite some engine, wind and road noise. But to be fair, direct rivals suffer from the same lack of noise insulation. The steering column is fixed for all 2010 Perodua Viva variants, but all 1.0-litre variants have seat height adjuster. Seats are comfy, while controls are well-positioned and easy-to-use, but the buttons on the CD-player are rather fiddly.
Quality + Reliability
There is an obvious improvement over the Perodua Kelisa in terms of the build quality, as can be seen from the fine fit-and-finish throughout. Expectations of the material quality must be adjusted accordingly (to the price), and by that yardstick, cabin plastics are of a reasonable quality. Based on the previous generation Daihatsu Mira, and using familiar engines, the 2010 Perodua Viva should have little problems with its underlying mechanics.
Performance
A total of three 3-cylinder DOHC engines, 660 cc, 850 cc and 1.0-litre, are available for selection. All three have been in use but are updated with DVVT (Dynamic Variable Valve Timing) and EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection). There is a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic, but the latter is only available with the 1.0-litre. On the roads, the 60 bhp 1.0-litre needs to be worked hard to reach speed. The automatic would further compromise the performance. The 47 bhp 660 cc and 52 bhp 850 cc feel too underpowered for use and should be avoided.
Roominess
This is one area which the Perodua Viva has vastly improved on over its predecessor, the Perodua Kelisa. The 2010 Perodua Viva benefits from the same space-efficient interior engineering seen in the Perodua Myvi. With a longer cabin than in the Myvi, the 2010 Perodua Viva provides excellent head- and leg-room for front and rear occupants. But fitting three at the rear is too tight for comfort. Ingress and egress are comfortable as the doors open up to 90 degrees. Boot capacity stands at 149 litres and increases to 449 litres with the rear seats down.
Running Costs
The 2010 Perodua Viva 1.0-litre automatic has a claimed fuel economy of 15.1 km/litre, 1.0-litre manual at 17.5 km/litre, 850 cc manual at 17.4 km/litre, and 660 cc manual at 18.7 km/litre. Servicing and repairs should be highly affordable. Of the running costs, depreciation represents the greatest concern. Despite the Perodua Viva's fine reputation as an able, reliable car, the sheer number of Viva units on the resale market will suppress resale prices.
Value for Money
The 2010 Perodua Viva is about as cheap a car you can get after the Perodua Kancil. Compared to the Perodua Kelisa, its predecessor, the Perodua Viva feels grown up and better in almost every area. The Kelisa is cuter-looking and more fun to drive, but the Perodua Viva is more comfortable, roomier and more frugal, and remains easy to drive around city. In short, the 2010 Perodua Viva brings excellent value for the money as a city car.
Equipment
660 cc makes do with 12-inch steel wheels and radio-CD player with front door speakers. But misses out on fabric door trim, power windows or power steering. 850 cc adds medium instead of standard grade seat cover material, rear door speakers and power windows. 1.0-litre SX and EZ add 13-inch steel wheels, body skirting, door visor, fabric door trim, power steering and seat-height adjuster. 1.0-litre SXi and EZi add 14-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, high grade seat cover material, seat belt anchor adjuster, reverse sensor, dual SRS airbags and ABS with EBD.
Environment
By virtue of its relatively low weight and the use of small engines, the 2010 Perodua Viva is much “greener” compared to many heavier, more powerful cars on our roads. Preferring to shift gears yourself via the manual transmission will further lower the carbon dioxide emissions and improve fuel economy.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Neat, mini-Myvi styling
Easy to drive around city
Roomier and more comfortable than Kelisa
Lack of noise insulation
Fixed steering column
Some underpowered engines
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