Perodua Viva Elite - Review

 

Following the retirement of the Kancil, Perodua is now giving greater attention to the Viva, its smallest model which takes over from the company’s first model. The line-up has been broadened with the recent addition of the RM24,900 Viva BX at the low end and also a 1-litre automatic version, the cheapest car with an automatic transmission in Malaysia at RM36,500.
This afternoon, the company unveiled another version – the Viva Elite – which takes its place at the top end of the range. Priced between RM37,900 and RM44,900, the Viva Elite not only has extra features but also bodywork enhancements.
Apart from being aimed at those who want a better-equipped Viva, the new version is also expected to appeal to those who like the equipment level of a Myvi but do not want that model and prefer something smaller.
The exterior appearance of the Viva Elite will identify it immediately as it has a 2-bar grille with chrome trim on top and below, a more distinctive front bumper and a different bonnet. The bonnet has a raised section in the middle and is an entirely different pressing from the bonnets of the other Viva versions. It’s interesting that Perodua was willing to invest in an extra mold just to stamp a different bonnet for a version that is to sell 2,600 units a month. And according to a Perodua source, there are no plans to offer this bonnet on other versions in future as they want to keep the Elite version exclusive.
Notable exclusive items for the Viva Elite are integrated foglamps in the bumper, 14-inch alloy rims with an exclusive 12-spoke design (spare tyre is a skinny space-saver type), a new seat fabric, side skirts, chrome door handles, a painted centre console panel and special glass which reduces the entry of hot ultra-violet sunshine rays by 91%. The audio system includes a CD-player with mp3/WMA compatibility
For the Viva Elite EZi, which has automatic transmission, additional items include a rear roof spoiler and pushbutton retractable door mirrors.
The mechanical aspects are similar to the other 1-litre Vivas, ie the engine is a 3-cylinder DOHC 12-valve unit with Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) and Electronic Fuel Injection. It’s a well-proven engine already powering a large proportion of the 144,500 Vivas already on Malaysian roads.
All four colour choices - Solid White, Silver, Pearl Jade and Metallic Black- for the other Viva versions are also available for the Viva Elite and additionally, this version gets an exclusive colour, Metallic Midnight Blue.
Viva 660BX
All Vivas come with a factory warranty of 3-years/100,000 kms (whichever occurs first) and customer can also opt for an Extended Warranty Program which provides for another 3 years/75,000 kms of coverage.
PRICES (P. Malaysia, inclusive of insurance/roadtax)
Viva 660BX (M) : RM24,900 | RM25,300
Viva 660EX (M) : RM28,500 | RM28,900
Viva 850 (M) : RM32,500 | RM32,900
Viva 1.0 (A) : RM36,500 | RM36,900
Viva Elite (M) : RM37,500 | RM37,900
Viva Elite (A) : RM40,500 | RM40,900
Viva Elite EZi (A) : RM44,500 | RM44,900
Note: Second price shown for each model is for metallic finish