A review on Perodua VIVA

By AUDREY EDWARDS

audee@thestar.com.my

There were definitely pangs of sadness when Sophie - my faithful Perodua Kelisa - and I parted more than a year back.

Although I did not shed any tears, the thought of ending a four-year relationship still leaves me sad.

Especially when I think of all the good and bad times we went through together before I sold her off.

Bad included the many bangs that she endured in the time I owned her and good was when she brought me everywhere in great time.

Sophie was one good car to zip around city streets and highways on.

Yes, I was laughed at many times when I gushed about Sophie (’it’s only a Kelisa’ was the main comeback line from friends) but to me, she was comfortable enough to bring places.

Whether it was a short drive to pick friends up or going all the way to Johor Baru for an assignment, she was always up to the task.

Besides, of course, the joys of parking her easily in cramped spaces.

And yes, it could fit five adults and one child. Whether it was comfortable or not, it always kept mom quiet about the air-conditioning.

Besides, the baby was a fuel sipper. An important point in this day and age when prices are up.

And now, Perodua has gone one step forward. My dear Sophie is being replaced with the Viva by the powers that be at the manufacturers known to churn out compact and affordable cars.

So, I was naturally very excited when given the chance to check out the new Perodua model.

The Perodua brand has been a mainstay in my family seeing how my parents have Jack (that’s the Kancil) and now there is Ding-Ding (that would be my few months old Myvi).

Now, while Sophie had me feeling wicked and mischievous most of the times I drove her, Ding-Ding somehow has me subconsciously driving at a slightly slower pace.

Plus, it does not help that my new car simply cannot rev it up the way the old Kelisa could.
Anyway, it was the 1,000cc auto version of the Viva that I got acquainted with.

At first glance, the Viva clearly has the Myvi DNA but as Peroduas go, this is more like the diet version of that car.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. As with all things that are smaller, it sips less fuel.

But what I felt, I liked. It was zippy and brought out the impish glee I felt every time I drove my old Kelisa.

And it felt more stable and assured, even at speeds of 130kph.


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