Test Drive Chevrolet Viva 2004 - 2008 Sedan

Cross on "Astra"

In the salons, collaborating with GM-AvtoVAZ, the first copies of Chevrolet Viva appeared. In the past life, this car was called Opel Astra. Now he carries the name of the famous American rider.
 
The exterior and filling of the car is practically no different from the Opel Astra II model, which debuted in 1998. This car before the appearance of the third generation was produced at five factories in Germany, England, Belgium and Poland. Now the turn of Russia came.

Viva saw the light in September 2004 at the presentation in Togliatti. Despite the fame of the structure, which appeared on the grid of the radiator, wheels and the lid of the trunk emblem in the form of a cross added novelty. Radded and the fact that the car was promised to put a powerful engine with a volume of 1.8 liters (125 hp). Plus, the car was adapted to operate in our country, setting additional packets of dusty road and bad weather.
 
Not bad and announced prices. Let's say, for the basic bundle of L, including the ABS, the electro-hydraulic steering amplifier and the electronic traction control system when starting from the place, planned to ask for only $ 11,400. The most expensive version of the GLS (Eirbagi for the driver and the passenger sitting nearby, electric windows on the front doors, air conditioning, Alloy wheels and heated front seats) were going to sell for $ 14,790. It is quite affordable, if you consider that Astra II sold out from the Polish city of Gliwice with a weak engine 1.4 liters are about the same.
 
Inside Viva looks ascetic. This is especially true of versions of L and Ls. The GLS option looks richer and more fun. Seats, despite the rigidity, are pretty comfortable. And for small things there is a roomy glove box in front of the front passenger and a small driver's compartment to the left of the steering column. There are capacious pockets in the front doors.
 
Now pay attention to what is hidden from the eyes of inventive motorists. Some words deserves adaptation to Russian roads. In practice, the difference from European samples is the springs of suspension with changed characteristics and shock absorbers with elongated rods, which affects the movement of the suspension. The clearance has increased, which made small borders-giants, which are replete with the streets of our cities. Despite the increase in the road lumen, the car did not lose stiffness and perfectly holds the road. The car is clearly and without delay reacts to the turns of the steering wheel equipped with a hydraulic agent. This gives the driver a sense of reliability and good controllability.
 
The most accessible version of the Russian-American manufacturer puts steel 15-inch discs, which are mounted 195/60 tires. The modification of GLS set alloy wheels of the same dimension.
 
As for dynamic characteristics, Viva leaves pleasant impressions. Acceleration up to 100 km / h Thanks to the FAM 1 engine issuing 125 hp on the mountain, it takes only 9.5 s. At the same time, the fuel consumption is 11 liters. In the mixed cycle of operation, 7.9 liters of gasoline will be needed at 100 km.
 
In principle, it is not necessary to talk about some operational nuances of Chevrolet Viva, since the difference between this car and Opel Astra is reduced only to some external differences. Otherwise, these are the same machines. It is not possible to surprise that the novelty itself is capable of surprising, but its price.
 
Dale Carnegie taught that nothing good should be expected from life, then there will be no disappointment. Attention: the real salon price of the most accessible version of ASTRA - 367 650 p. (or $ 13,370). But! For this money, the buyer will receive an unbroken black panel of instruments, gray the upholstery of the doors, a central locking with remote control, ABS, steel discs, audio preparation with two columns, as well as packets dusty and bad road.
 
Further more. More solid equipment LS, which differs from the L Pack of cold weather, cast discs and fog lights, will cost 399,999 p. ($ 14,545). Notice, unlike Polish products, there is no air conditioner. This luxury appears only in the GLS version for 483 999 p. ($ 17,900). The paradox is that the new Astra costs from $ 16,490. By adding $ 800, you can buy a car with air conditioning. In this regard, the question arises: what is better - an old model with numerous options or a new model in a more modest, but also a good configuration?
 
They say, soon products from Tolyatti can cheaper. Another option, apparently, does not exist. Otherwise, the market prospects of the debutant can cause only regret.
 
+ Adaptation to Russian roads and climate
- Excessively high price.
 
Specifications Chevrolet Viva
 
Curb weight, kg - 1235
Full weight, kg - 1680
Dimensions, mm:
- Length - 4252
- Width - 1709
- Height - 1425
Base, mm - 2606
Maximum speed, km / h - 195
Overclocking time up to 100 km / h, C - 9.5
Fuel control, l / 100 km:
- urban cycle - 11
- Country - 6.1
- Mixed - 7.9
Engine:
- work volume, cm3 - 1.8
- Power, l. with. - 125.
- torque, nm at min-1 - 170/3800
Tire size - 195 / 60R15
Brakes (front / rear) - disk / drum
Steering - with a hydraulic
Price, $ - 13 370-17 900
 
Text: Stanislav Pavlov
 

A source: Magazine 5 Wheel