Holden Viva

The Holden-badged, Daewoo-built Viva should have been denied entry into the country - it’s utterly horrid.

• Comfort

  Holden's boffins claim to have had a hand in fettling the Viva for our roads, and it rides okay but does bounce on undulations.

  

• Performance

  The 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine is a bit of an aging hippy, having been around since the 1970s. Performance is, well, like that of an aging hippy - dull.

  

• Cool

  It most certainly isn't.

  

• Quality

  On the surface and with its European-inspired styling cues, the Viva seems okay, but Daewoos never last well.

  

• Handling

  Thanks to Holden's involvement, the Viva actually behaves itself with decent steering and a reasonable chassis - for the money.

  

• Practicality

  Daewoo's never rated well in safety tests, so it's a case of buyer beware, but if you want something cheap, well, this is it. And it's got room for four.

  

• Running costs

  Will sip at its fuel regardless of how its driven and the engine is Euro IV compliant, but make sure you go for one with anti-lock brakes (they were optional extras).