The neighbor in the parking lot even shook his head, apparently checking to see if his eyesight was failing: - What is this? - Chevrolet Viva. Judging by the eyes of the interlocutor, I completely confused him. Still, this editorial car is the first in Moscow. And the first commodity in general! - Well, actually, this is an analogue of the Opel Astra. Make in Togliatti. - Wow! So how?
FRIENDSHIP OF PEOPLES
For me, from the face of "Viva" is pleasant. Of course, it is impossible to call the design original and even fresh, but in a variegated, rich in foreign cars Moscow stream “Viva” does not look like a dinosaur. The normal appearance of the modern "world car", designed for not the richest and finickiest.
Most of the new compatriots-cars "Viva" is completely different. Especially considering that this is indeed the first car to go on sale. There are no other dealers yet. Meticulously listen, sniff, "touch". Nothing rattles, creaks, rattles.
As in many current models, squeezing between the steering wheel, even raised to the limit, and the seat is not very easy. However, the clothes are winter, and the figure underneath is tight. Sitting comfortably, the adjustment range is sufficient. A driver of medium height will not push the seat to the end.
The pedal assembly is cramped. The right leg rests against the console of the instrument panel, and when transferring the feet in warm shoes from the gas pedal to the brake, you can touch the steering column cover.
The controls are clear and moderately light. At first the gas pedal seemed to be taut and long-stroke, but, having encountered Moscow traffic jams, I realized: this is even not bad. No need to strain, "iron" the pedal.
The back of the room, of course, is not like in a limousine. But if the giants did not sit in front, you can get settled. Better, however, not the three of us, and again not in winter clothes. By the way, it’s more convenient to ride without a jacket, not only because the interior is not too spacious, but also thanks to the effective “stove”.
The trunk is not small, but not large. The shape of the compartment is too far from rectangular, and the loops eat up a lot of space. Therefore, the usable volume, measured with standard cubes, is much less than declared. But the rear seat unfolds (2: 3). True, the back brackets seemed too weak: in case of an accident would a heavy suitcase fly into the cabin?
From the first day, it is a pleasure to list those who are interested in the Russian novelty, Viva equipment: ABS and traction control, power mirrors and front power windows, heated seats and air conditioning, alloy wheels and two airbags, fog lights. Solid, isn't it? But all this is in the GLS configuration, which was chosen for the editorial machine. The version with the letter L only has ABS and traction control. However, it costs about three thousand dollars cheaper!
IN CLOSE AND OUTSIDE
“Viva” from the first kilometers fell into the unfriendly Moscow hustle and bustle. And I felt at home. Thick racks that cover the “shelling” corner when cornering are a tribute to safety requirements and a typical feature of most modern cars.
But the main thing is a good combination of engine and transmission characteristics. I do not like to pull the lever once again, and Viva is supportive of laziness. In fifth gear at 2000 rpm, the car goes smoothly, without jerks, at a speed of 60 km / h. And even, albeit a little reluctantly, it accelerates. In a traffic jam, you can almost from scratch crawl onto the second, slightly adding or decreasing gas. Conveniently!
The first snow prevented measurements of the dynamics at the landfill. For now, we will evaluate Viva subjectively. Acceleration and braking like. By the way, the traction control system works softly and delicately, allowing it to accelerate quite intensively on snow-ice cover. A non-disconnectable device can, of course, interfere with cornering with sliding. But, you see, for a car of this class, "sportiness" is not the main thing. The steering wheel is somewhat tight compared with some classmates. But on the highway "Chevrolet" behaves very calmly, without requiring nervous taxiing.
The main advantage of truly comfortable shoes is that you don’t notice it. So “Viva”: soft, but soft, comfortable (albeit a bit cramped), friendly car.
BORN RUSSIAN
Here’s another neighbor, now not in the parking lot, but in the city stream, overtaking, slows down a little, wondering what kind of model this is - with a noticeable chrome-red stern and an unfamiliar name … By the way, the finish of the stern caused an ambiguous assessment among colleagues. But is this the main thing? Viva did not come to Russia to surprise with stylistic decisions.
Powerful, high-torque motor, “91st” gasoline (“slight loss of power” is possible), good heater, fenders, decent ground clearance … Warranty - 2 years or 100 thousand kilometers, the first MOT - after 15 thousand … It seems that there is all that is needed for unhampered Russian consumers. There was a "trifle": to evaluate the reliability, durability of the machine. This is what we will do - yes, in fact, we have already taken up. We will not make discounts on the fact that our Viva is the first serial.
Chevrolet viva
The GM-AvtoVAZ joint venture began production of the Chevrolet Viva in September 2004. The car is the second-generation Opel-Astra analogue, which was produced in Germany in 1998–2004, in Poland and Brazil (under the brand name “Chevrolet ) make since 1998
Engine: 1.8 liter petrol (125 hp).
Transmission: 5-speed manual.
Options: L, GLS.
Price: $ 11, 400–14, 700 (at the time of writing article 333 333–432, 100 rubles).
SUMMARY
Chevrolet Viva GLS - on a global scale, of course, is not a revelation, for Russia - a notable event.
