Vauxhall Viva Rocks 2018 first drive

The Viva Rocks, a new range-topping variant of Vauxhall’s Viva city car. Not Viva on the rocks, you understand, because this is a car, rather than a fancy cocktail. It's a small car with some 'rugged' SUV styling, hence the Rocks name (also featured on the slightly bigger Adam Rocks).

Mind you, you probably wouldn’t want to drive the Viva Rocks over any particularly big rocks. While it does sport SUV features such as a new high-riding stance, chunky dark bumpers and side skirts and silver roof rails, the Viva Rocks is envisaged as a city-based crossover. It is a city car, after all. By adding in features such as a slightly revamped front end, 15-inch bi-colour alloy wheels, an exclusive interior fabric option and a few more bits of chrome, Vauxhall is hoping the Viva Rocks will appeal to a slightly younger demographic than the regular Viva.

Despite the revamped look, when you get to the mechanicals very little has changed from the non-Rocking Viva. Because it’s an urban SUV the rideheight has been raised, albeit by a grand total of 18mm. Which, as noted, wouldn't offer greatly increased capability when it comes to driving over rocks, but does give it a modicum of upright, hide-riding crossover feel that buyers currently love.

But that's about the only difference. The sole engine is the 1.0-litre, 74bhp three-cylinder used in the rest of the Viva range, with a top speed of 106mph and 70lb ft of torque, reaching 0-60mph in 13.1 seconds. It retains the suspension from the normal Viva, with MacPherson struts up front and a rear torsion beam.

Very much like the Viva – and, in turn, much like you would expect from any small city car. It’s not designed for dynamic handling, but it’s light, nimble and nippy enough for the urban environment it will likely spend it’s time rocking around the clock in. It's undemanding yet capable, fun in the right circumstances, with the sort of easy steering that makes tight manoeuvering a breeze. Visibility is good all round, which is exactly what you’d hope for from something that styles itself as an SUV-bred city car.

The engine performance is also as you’d expect from a one-litre city car: smooth enough, and with enough power for the sort of driving you’re likely to do in such a machine. It requires effort to get it up to speed, and can occasionally be found lacking for power – but no more so than many of its class rivals. The gearbox is decently responsive too.