I have removed the dashboard in the viva but it was not an easy task, the dash is bolted on. Your best bet is just to have patience with it.The best approach that I found was, that under the dash unscrew every cross headed screw you can find. That should then open some of the storage compartments. When you get them out you will be able to get to the back of the dash where the bolts are. I think they are 10mm, trust me it helps to know because it is such a fiddly job.
When the dashboard was out I was able to take out the rest of the wiring loom. So now the only wiring I have left in the car is that around the steering wheel. Which I am glad I did . Because when I started to cut out the floor panels the amount of sparks that flew up would of set fire to the wiring for sure. 
