Vauxhall Viva performance is very limited with just one engine choice available – a non-turbocharged version of the 1-litre, three-cylinder petrol we’ve seen elsewhere in the Corsa and Adam.

It will come as no surprise when we say that this is no sports car, with just 74bhp available and 95Nm of pulling power on offer the journey from 0-62mph takes a leisurely 13.1 seconds.

Perfectly suited around the town, the engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox and on test we found the car to be very capable and refined.

On more challenging terrains and inclines, the engine can struggle to gain momentum at times and you’ll need to change down a gear or two; it can also be pretty noisy when accelerating too.

Although not an ideal choice for regular motorway goers, the engine proved capable when travelling over 50mph and at cruising speed the engine is quiet and smooth, until you accelerate harder.

The Vauxhall Viva is at its best when manoeuvring around tight city streets thanks to its compact dimensions and small turning circle. It’s simple to park too and makes easy work of any U-turns you may need to perform should you get lost. The car’s box-like dimensions mean there’s a little body roll produced in the corners, though.

Stable and secure on the road, the car is easy to drive and the steering is light too, even more so in City mode, although offers very little in the way of feedback.

The Viva is not as exciting or characterful to drive as rivals like the Skoda Citigo and Peugeot 108, it’s comfortable on the road though and the suspension does a good job of soaking up the potholes and bumps in the road.