Vauxhall Viva HC (1970 – 1979) Review

When the Viva HC arrived in 1970, few would have believed that it was to be the last of its line. But the creeping integration between GM's German and British operations would gather pace during the 1970s, and one victim on that was going to be the Viva. But that was yet to come.

In 1970, it arrived on the scene, with smart new styling, but underneath, it was little changed, with the engines and platform carried over from the HB. However, the range was about to grow significantly – the Viva HC was available as a saloon, estates and as a coupé.

By the first facelift in 1973, a range of new engines was ushered in, with the old 1159cc entry level unit being up-gunned to 1256cc. Also, the 1.6- and 2.0-litre cars were expanded to 1759cc and 2279cc. To make the higher-powered cars stand out, they were re-badged as Magnums, and the coupés became knows as Firenzas.

It was in entry-level form that the Viva soldier on until 1979, when it was pensioned off in favour of the Vauxhall Astra.