Vauxhall and Opel have hinted at the new Agila-replacing model, which will be launched at the Paris Motor Show and will slot in underneath both the Corsa and Adam.
Unlike the majority of the Opel and Vauxhall ranges, the new entry-level car will wear different nameplates on continental Europe and in the UK. This move has been spurred on, possibly, by the Adam — a badge, which in honour of Opel AG found Adam Opel, makes sense on the continent, but is just a little weird over on the British Isles.
The new car will be known as the Vauxhall Viva (top) and the Opel Karl (bottom). The Viva nameplate is a throwback to the small car produced by Vauxhall at its Ellesmere Port plant between 1963 and 1979. Karl, on the other hand, is a reference to one of Adam Opel’s three sons, Carl Opel. It’s not entirely clear why Opel decided to go with the more Germanic Karl, rather the son’s spelling.
The Viva/Karl will measure 3,680mm from head to toe and will be a five-door model. This means that it’s around 20mm smaller than the Adam, but will feature two extra doors and a keener price. The car is expected to be based on the Chevrolet Spark, and will replace the Agila, a collaboration with Suzuki.
For comparison’s sake, the recently launched Opel/Vauxhall Corsa E is around 4 metres long.
