THE Vauxhall Viva badge that adorned thousands of models built at the company's Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire is to return.

Vauxhall hasn't used the name since 1979 when the Viva was discontinued but the brand will launch an all-new five-door entry level model - called Viva - next summer.

It will be the latest edition to Vauxhall's small car range, joining the trendy ADAM small car and top selling Corsa supermini.

Vauxhall is promising ‘an extremely attractive price point' for the Viva, which will have a five-door body style with either four or five seats.

Pictures have yet to be released, though a heavily shadowed teaser image gives a hint at the car's styling.

Confirming that the range will come well specified and in a range of trims and equipment levels, marketing chief Peter Hope said: "This bold, radical name will attract attention and engender curiosity in the car."

The original Viva was available from 1963 to 1979 and more than 1.5 million examples were manufactured at Ellesmere Port. 

Vauxhall says that the newcomer has been designed for modern, everyday life and will share the original's clean lines, durability and practicality.

In Europe though, sister brand Opel will use a different name to Viva.