Viva versus Mira

Did you know..

..Viva is based on a 7 year old Daihatsu car called Mira?
..and Mira is launching it’s latest generation here in Malaysia?

Got some specification and photos to show why I wouldn’t even consider getting a Viva.

First of all, some basic comparison between the 2. Using the lowest end 660cc engine for both models:

Engine Performance:
VIVA: EF-VE DVVT Engine. 47 Horsepower @ 7,200rpm and 58Nm of torque @ 4400rpm.
MIRA: KF-DET, 64 Horsepower @ 6000rpm & 103Nm of torque @ 3000rpm.
Conclusion: Viva can eat dust all the way to Ipoh without any chance of catching up. Not on highway and definately not on the hills.

Gearbox Component:
MIRA: CVT Gearbox for ALL MODELS.
VIVA: Auto transmission is only for the highest end model. 3 months waiting time.
Conclusion: … nothing I say can drop MIRA any lower. Dang, my City uses CVT! What can I say.

Comforts:
MIRA: Electronic engine Start/Stop BUTTON and auto tilting side mirrors for reverse parking.
VIVA: Lane change lamp at mirror only at premium models. Airbags optional.
Conclusion: I don’t want to ride in your VIVA!

In my opinion, Daihatsu picked the right moment to start importing Mira. Perodua does the ads, Daihatsu brings the car. No one would know the slight difference between a MIRA and VIVA on the road anyway.

And I’m being humble when saying that. Honestly, anyone with more than 10/20 eyesight can differentiate both cars apart. You have to check out the pictures below to see for yourself.

^VIVA Exterior

^MIRA Exterior

This is a personal preference but I do like MIRA’s slightly bulkier front than VIVA’s pointy nose. Still looks like a kancil to me.

^VIVA Back end.

^MIRA Back end

Again, some might not like MIRA’s many smaller light components and in turn prefer VIVA’s sporty single unit brake light. But MIRA does have a more aggressive back door with contour compared to VIVA’s dumpling door.

^VIVA Interior. OMG Look at the boxy looking seats!! Wanna throw up at the sight of it.

^MIRA Interior

Notice that MIRA’s front seat is closed up without the space usually reserved for the handbrake and gearshift. If you had to ask where then is the gear shift? Look below.

^MIRA Dashboard. Notice where the gear and radio controls are.

^VIVA Dashboard. Try not to notice the gaping hole in the center column, or the handbrake, or the air-cond dials…

Actually, just look away.

If you are still considering getting a Viva, my sincere advice is to wait for the Mira to come, check it’s price, go for a test drive and if by then Viva is still what you want, get a doctor.

: )