Overview

Released in October 2005, the Holden JF Viva was available as a sedan, wagon or five-door hatchback. Based on the Daewoo Lacetti and manufactured in Bupyeong, South Korea, the Viva was powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The 1.8-litre ‘Family II’ engine had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.7:1.

Sharing its underpinnings with the Daewoo Lacetti , the Viva hatch was 4295 mm long, 1725 mm wide, 1480 mm tall and had a 2600 mm long wheelbase. Relative to the hatch, the sedan was 220 mm longer (4515 mm), the wagon was 285 mm longer (4580 mm) and both the sedan and wagon had 35 mm lower rooflines (1445 mm); width and wheelbase length, however, were unchanged. The JF Viva had MacPherson strut front suspension and dual lateral link rear suspension (both with coil springs and stabiliser bars).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the JF Viva included dual front airbags, front side airbags and front seatbelt pretensioners; ABS, however, was optional.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , the Viva received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 25.08 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection from serious chest and leg injury was marginal for the driver. In the side impact test, there was a moderate risk of serious chest and abdomen injury for the driver.

Features

Standard features for the Holen Viva included a four speaker sound system with CD player and MP3-compatibility, air conditioning, steering wheel audio controls, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, remote central locking, power front windows and heated mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, tinted windows, 12 volt power outlet and an immobiliser. The wagon models were also fitted with a rear cargo blind, roof rails and power rear windows.

From July 2008, the Viva was fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels as standard.

2006 Viva Equipe

In May 2006, limited-run Equipe editions of the Viva were released; compared to the standard Viva, the Equipe editions were further equipped with ABS, 15-inch alloy wheels and power rear windows.

Holden Viva Brochure

• Brochure: Holden JF Viva (September 2008)

Recalls: Holden JF Viva

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Holden JF Viva

Holden JF Viva Wagon: tow ball clearance

In April 2008, a recall was issued for Holden JF Viva wagons as the towing equipment did satisfy the minimum clearance requirement of 65 mm between the tow ball and rear bumper bar fascia, in breach of Australian Standards AS4177.2-2004 (PRA 2008/9943). The recalled vehicles were in the following VIN ranges:

• KL3N#35BJ#K238818 to KL3N#35BJ#K826986; and,
• KL3N#35BJ#K999974 to KL3N#35BJ#K999987.

2007-08 Holden JF Viva: reduced braking performance

In August 2012, a recall was issued for Holden Vivas produced between 2007 and 2008 and in the VIN range KL3N###BJ#K485878 to KL3N###BJ#K977652. In these vehicles, a valve within the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) could potentially stick, resulting in reduced brake performance and/or a spongy brake pedal. As part of the recall, the EBCM was to be inspected and, if required, replaced (PRA 2012/13279).

Problems and faults: Holden JF Viva

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Holden JF Viva

• In cold weather, the Holden Viva’s ‘check engine’ light may illuminate and the engine may stumble, hesitate or lack due to a build-up of ice in the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor port.
• The idle may rise to 2000rpm when coming to rest for manual models, idle roughly or stall for automatic models when the engine is cold. If so, reflashing the computer may fix these problems.
• For models with automatic transmissions, a harsh downshift from fourth to third gear, accompanied by the ‘check engine’ light illuminating, likely requires the transmission control unit to be reprogrammed. Reprogramming may also be required for harsh downshifts from second to first gear when coming to rest.
• The key may not come out of the ignition lock due to the gearshift lever not making electrical contact when shifted into park.
• Electrical problems – affecting items such as the lights, fuel pump and rear demister – may be caused by damage to the insulation of the wiring harness between the left fender and its liner.
• There may be blue smoke from the exhaust and excessive oil consumption due to a broken or missing PCV restrictor in the valve cover; if so, a new valve cover is required.
• The valve cover gasket may leak; an improved gasket was subsequently released.
• Squealing noises from the rear brakes may be fixed by installing revised brake pad springs on the calipers.
• In cooler weather, the engine may be slower to start – this may be fixed by recalibrating the powertrain control unit.
• The plastic door handles are flimsy and have been reported to break.
• The rear window washer may not spray because the hose has cracked or detached.

Released in October 2005, the Holden JF Viva was available as a sedan, wagon or five-door hatchback. Based on the Daewoo Lacetti and manufactured in Bupyeong, South Korea, the Viva was powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The 1.8-litre ‘Family II’ engine had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.7:1… Read full Holden JF Viva review

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ANCAP: Holden JF Viva crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing, the Viva received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 25.08 out of 37. For further information about this testing, please go to the ANCAP website.