Vauxhall Viva HB Estate 1.2 (70 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.8 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 3.8 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 2.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Vauxhall Viva:

The Vauxhall Viva is a small family car that was produced by Vauxhall in a succession of three versions between 1963 and 1979. These were designated the HA, HB and HC series.
The Viva was introduced a year after Vauxhall's fellow General Motors company Opel launched the Opel Kadett A. Both cars were a result of the same General Motors project sharing the same floorpan and engine construction. A major difference was the use of metric measurements for the Opel and Imperial units for the Vauxhall. The cars are visually similar, however few components are interchangeable. A van version was also produced, as the Bedford HA. In the UK the Viva's principal competitors at the time of its launch included the well-established Ford Anglia and Morris Minor....(Read more on Wikipedia)

HB Estate Overview:

Vauxhall Viva (HB Estate). With 90 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 918 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. The top speed reaches 137 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.2 (70 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

This 1.2L engine provided a respectable 70 Hp, offering adequate performance for daily driving and light highway use in its time. It was a popular choice for its balance of power and economy.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption was typical for a carburetted engine of the late 60s, offering reasonable economy for its class, though not exceptional by modern standards.

Best Use Case: Mixed driving (City & Suburban)

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Practical and spacious estate body style for its size.
  • • Affordable and accessible classic car ownership.
  • • Simple mechanicals, relatively easy to maintain.
  • • Charming classic British design.
  • • Good range of engines for different needs.

Cons:

  • • Lacks modern safety features entirely.
  • • Performance is modest by contemporary standards.
  • • Rust can be a significant issue on unrestored examples.
  • • Basic interior comfort and features.
  • • Finding specific parts can be challenging.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(HB Estate: 1966 - 1970).

General:
Brand:Vauxhall
Model:Viva
Generation:HB Estate
Modification (Engine):1.2 (70 Hp)
Start of production:1968
End of production:1969
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:70 Hp @ 5800 rpm.
Power per litre:60.4 Hp/l
Torque:90 Nm @ 3000 rpm.
Engine displacement:1159
Number of cylinders:4
Fuel injection system:Carburettor
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:2.8 l
Coolant:6.5 l
Cylinder Bore:77.7 mm mm
Piston Stroke:61 mm mm
Compression ratio:8.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Maximum speed:137 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:12.7 kg/Hp, 78.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:9.9 kg/Nm, 101.5 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:887-949
Max. weight:1148
Max load:199-261
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1522 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:526 l
Fuel tank capacity:36 l
Size:
Length:4104 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1600 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1349 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2433 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1295 mm
Rear (Back) track:1295 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):127 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):9.7 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeManual
Wheel rims size4J x 12

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