All-New Opel Karl (AKA Vauxhall Viva) Unveiled
9
Sponsored Links
World, say hello to the Opel Karl and its continental compatriot, the Vauxhall Viva. An all-new minicar set to more or less replace the Chevrolet Spark in the European market, as the Bowtie brand will soon be withdrawing from the market in 2016. The Opel Karl and the UK’s Vauxhall Viva will nestle itself in the European automotive market as a frugally-minded city car, slotting itself below the price point of the hip Opel Adam minicar.
“Short, crisp and full of character – the name Karl reflects its strengths. Opel’s new entry-level model is a grown-up car and will appeal to heart and intellect,” says Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “Karl offers typical Opel virtues starting with the high-tech, quiet one-liter, three-cylinder engine and by no means ending with our award-winning IntelliLink infotainment system. The Opel Karl is the ideal car for price-conscious customers looking to combine everyday suitability with comfort and modern technologies.”
The five-door Karl and Viva models will hit the streets of Europe during the summer of 2015 for less than €10,000 (about $12,300, and about €1,500 under the Adam) with a combination of the latest safety, comfort, and infotainment technologies that have no rivals in the segment. Powered by a 1.0L 75-horse three-cylinder, the Karl and Viva will feature class-leading smoothness and efficiency. While those are core competencies in the segment, chassis and steering dynamics have not been ignored − the new models come standard with ESP with traction control, ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and Hill Start Assist. Optional is the Lane Departure Warning which uses front camera sensors to alert the driver when (s)he strays from the lane.
Other features that stand out in the segment include City Mode, which reduces steering effort at the push of a button, Park Assist to prevent unwanted bumps when squeezing in between other parked cars, cruise control with Speed Limiter to make sure you’re maintaining your proper speed in small towns (i.e. to help avoid speed traps), fog lights, and cornering lights. Indeed, the Karl and Viva twins provide “exceptional safety and comfort at the top of its class,” according to Opel.
Inside it’s much of the same − features that set the Karl and Viva apart from others in the segment. The driver-focused cockpit feels spacious with room for five while exhibiting quality and details that feel like they’re from a more upmarket car. Plus, the IntelliLink infotainment system allows seamless integration of Apple iOS and Android devices brings your smartphone world into the vehicle.
With ten different colors and plenty of wheel and rim designs (14 to 16 inches) to choose from, it will be easy to tailor-make Opel and Vauxhall’s new smallest model when it comes to market next summer. Expect more information on the little Karl/Viva around the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, just before its Spring 2015 launch.
Sponsored Links
It’s a cute little skate. Nice to see the rear door handles where they should be too.
I now wonder how much the upcoming new Chevrolet Spark will differ in its look from the Opel Karl and Vauxhall Viva. Methinks that the Karl looks really quite Opel-like.
BTW, regarding “continental compatriot”, it is rather Karl who (which) is continental, while the Vauxhall is insular…
Maybe a little bit more money and you can put a lot of decent things
Europe is a very big market and the price of cars in this price range is very different, and different classes of cars.
This vehicle is already 10 years old. GM, people probably have never seen what small cars in Europe are moving. And GM big mouth speaks from a reputation for improvement, and do not know which. Maine is the cars themselves. reputation does not develop any models or dogs videotega.GM collaborates with US-EU, however, both parties have never even seen what machines are moving in different countries. so do not cooperate. such cooperation are killed each other off markets. Or Opel killed off. In fact, I already understand the fans HOLDEN. It makes no sense to cooperate with such companies for cooperation does not work out, and companies are suffering. GM bankruptcy shots or whatever, and opt out of the Opel and Holden. Everyone will start to build themselves as true. But such cooperation is a complete mess.
I’m jealous of the VAG group are the successes and the ability to make a successful collaboration.
What an outstanding trendy design and how much more visually appealing than the Spark . GM still wants to tell the world what they want the world to drive . Instead of meeting the trending marketplace and products therein , on its terms and growth , in each segment , GM throws out its uniqueness , love it or hate it . Cadillac was a slap in the face and sales there have been pathetic .The Spark , a pug ugly but spacious , quality little beast , but again , love it or hate it , with resulting poor sales . When uniqueness flies in the face of buyers and you generate the love it hate it response , you can easily lose 50% of your potential buyers . This is not merchandising 101 here , folks , its just plain sad , really !! This change to the Spark design will be highly successful , perhaps Opel’s way of showing GM discreetly , this is how you do it !!
For those interested there are lots of hi res pictures, including the interior, on vauxpedia.net
Now Karl has an attractive Spark!
This varient should be the ‘world car’ sold around the globe as a Chevy. Adams took a bland yet sturdy car and made out sexy. I’m actually impressed.
This is why Chevy, Opel and Holden should have been merged into one value line up following the example of One Ford.
This is also why Mark Adams should eventually be GM head designer.
Wonder how tall it is? Is it like Agila & Panda or is it more similar to Citigo & Up. Also wonder if there’s any possibility of a SUV version, a 3dr & VXR model if a 3dr’s built, the only problem I see with a 3dr VXR version is making it slower than Adam VXR but fast enough to merit the VXR badge.
According to the press release, the car is 3.68 meters long, and based on that knowledge it looks rather high like the Agila or the Chevrolet Spark, i.e. higher than the UP/Citigo cars.
As to an OPC/VXR variant — “X-Tomi Design has decided to show us his vision of a hypothetical Opel Karl OPC / Vauxhall Viva VXR” which you can see here at World Car Fans
this car no leds WTF 2014. old renault twingo was rs and new twnigo rs comes to. old twingo rs is grazy rocket
https://www.car-news.co/renault-twingo-rs-potential-efficiency-variant-spied-australian-head-eager/