Go for Savvy Manual. I drive one. 2 years this coming October. No major problems at all.

I've test drive 4 VIVAs(660, 880, 1.0 Manual And Auto) and 3 Savvy (2 Manual and 1 AMT) before i made my decision.

Why i chose Savvy over Viva
(1) More powerful engine.
(2) Savvy's 4 cylinders engine vs Viva's 3 cylinders engine...the 3 cylinder vibrates like a motorbike when idle. Yuck.
(3) Savvy's Handling like perfect.
(4) Savvy has Power Steering. VIVA only have this in the 1.0 model if i'm not wrong.
(5) Viva's has 'twitchy' gearstick (like toys). Savvy's gearstick feels solid and expensive.
(6) Viva's cheap interior..even for the Premium...at 4xk at that time, better buy Myvi.
(7) Savvy is stable at high speed. Try that with a VIVA...better not...don't feel safe at all.


Overall Savvy has much much plus point than VIVA. The only possible pro of VIVA over Savvy is probably re-sale value due to the bad reputation and perception of Proton. It's funny how a crap car like VIVA can sell so much when there's better option around.

But i seriously recommend against the Savvy AMT version...it's great drive, but once you got problems with the robotic clutch...you better go buy another car!

---

Added on July 6, 2009, 9:46 amThe Savvy's power steering is hydraulic power steering. It is much more steady and precise while preventing oversteering. Unlike VIVA, turn a bit like the whole car go one side...dangerous at high speed. And the gearbox is solid but if you're use to driving kei cars like VIVA then you might have problem adjusting.

And remember, VIVA only have power steering in the 1.0 models...try with 3 adults in a 660 model wtih no power steering. Turning from a standstill traffic light is so freaking heavy!

And no matter how much you tweak the VIVA, you ain't gonna get Lotus style handling...

This post has been edited by Matrix: Jul 6 2009, 09:54 AM

Just 2 questions. Which Proton model (and year) u drove and have you own another different brand of car for nearly the same duration(years)?

Did you know VIVA has so many issues with the brake problem initially? (Now i'm not sure).

And for 40k....hell i'll buy a Persona or Myvi or BLM...so many choices.

Baseline anything > VIVA premium.

What expensive...just stay away from the AMT version and you'll be fine. Savvy maintenance is every 10k or 6 months...cheaper than Perodua which is 5k or 3 months. (If you are getting 2nd hand, just follow the mileage).

Using a Savvy for 2 years now...only small small problems only.

Savvy > Viva anyday.

Today my friend who drives a Toyota innova sit in my car with 4 of us inside, going up the LDP Motorola flyover. He was suprised that the Savvy is so powerful.

Automatic is for sissies who can't drive. Real Men drive Manual™. Anyway, kingsing is looking for a Manual. Yeah it cost more than a Saga. It also sucks less fuel than a Campro 1.3 while giving more power.

Popular? Who cares. Just because it's popular doesn't means it's better. If go by popular, Myvi will be best car in Malaysia. (btw, Myvi is a good car, but not a driver's car...but it still beats a VIVA anyday....my other car is a Mawi. LOL.)

Kingsing: If you're around KL/PJ. Take the potential Savvy to RS Auto for a check up before you buy. They're Savvy expert.

This post has been edited by Matrix: Jul 29 2009, 05:51 PM

May i ask where u change the ignition coil? Proton SC or outside? And at roughly how many km you change it? Thanks.