Photo: SB-Medien
Even though they don't sell all that well and profit margins are tight, most European automakers have launched all-new or heavily revised A-segment hatchbacks this year. Opel and its sister brand Vauxhall are next in line for a new 5-door, which they have officially announced already.
The Opel model will be called Karl, in honor of one of the company founder's sons, while Vauxhall will revive the Viva name. Other than that and the steering wheel being on different sides, we're talking about the same machine for both brands, one that will replace the Suzuki-based Agila early next year.
This isn't the first time our car spies took photos of this interesting new German project. However, the latest images they were able to snap show lots of new details, including the headlights, taillight and grille design.
Even though this is designed on a budget, the Karl/Viva is pleasing on the eye. Two strong creases down its side define it, as does a very large grille. Considering most engines will be very small, Opel didn't have to use such large breathers, but they wanted to shake off the non-sporty memories left by the Agila.
Around the back, very short overhangs indicate the boot will be small, somewhere around 240 liters. The glass of the hatch wraps around for extra visibility and there are no indications that they've cut corners anywhere. For example, unlike the new Twingo the rear windows wind down completely.
By not sharing platforms with the French, Opel will be able to implement its decent new engines and the large infotainment screen from the Adam very easily. Updates will be frequent and there will also be a Chevrolet version, built using the same tech. We are, of course, talking about the next-gen Spark.
Vauxhall dealers have already been promised a competitively priced car. When it hits dealerships around summer 2015, the Viva will cost about as much as the Dacia Sandero, which is larger, but lacks the German build quality.
Like most cars in this segment, the Viva is likely to feature a simple three-cylinder engine, most likely a 1-liter unit to rival that of the VW's Up! and Twingo SCe. By taking the turbo off its SIDI 1-liter engine, Opel should get about 70 hp and 100 Nm of torque.
This isn't the first time our car spies took photos of this interesting new German project. However, the latest images they were able to snap show lots of new details, including the headlights, taillight and grille design.
Even though this is designed on a budget, the Karl/Viva is pleasing on the eye. Two strong creases down its side define it, as does a very large grille. Considering most engines will be very small, Opel didn't have to use such large breathers, but they wanted to shake off the non-sporty memories left by the Agila.
Around the back, very short overhangs indicate the boot will be small, somewhere around 240 liters. The glass of the hatch wraps around for extra visibility and there are no indications that they've cut corners anywhere. For example, unlike the new Twingo the rear windows wind down completely.
The story of a budget car
According to the original peace treaty signed by GM and PSA, the city car was supposed to be co-developed with its rivals, the Peugeot 108 and Citroen C1. However, German engineers voted for an independently developed machine and we're glad they did.By not sharing platforms with the French, Opel will be able to implement its decent new engines and the large infotainment screen from the Adam very easily. Updates will be frequent and there will also be a Chevrolet version, built using the same tech. We are, of course, talking about the next-gen Spark.
Vauxhall dealers have already been promised a competitively priced car. When it hits dealerships around summer 2015, the Viva will cost about as much as the Dacia Sandero, which is larger, but lacks the German build quality.
Like most cars in this segment, the Viva is likely to feature a simple three-cylinder engine, most likely a 1-liter unit to rival that of the VW's Up! and Twingo SCe. By taking the turbo off its SIDI 1-liter engine, Opel should get about 70 hp and 100 Nm of torque.
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