The Vauxhall Nova 1.2 S is a small, front-wheel-drive hatchback that was produced between 1983 and 1987. Positioned as an affordable and economical option, the Nova was Vauxhall’s entry into the supermini segment, competing with vehicles like the Ford Fiesta and Austin Metro in the United Kingdom. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding the Nova provides insight into the European small car market of the 1980s and the evolution of affordable transportation. The 1.2 S variant, equipped with a 1.2-liter engine producing 55 horsepower, represented a step up in performance from the base models, offering a balance of fuel efficiency and usability.
The Vauxhall Nova 1.2 S: A Supermini Overview
The Nova was a significant vehicle for Vauxhall, representing a move towards more modern and efficient vehicle design. It replaced the aging Viva and was intended to appeal to a younger demographic seeking a practical and stylish car. The 1.2 S trim level added a sporty edge with minor cosmetic enhancements and the more powerful 1.2-liter engine. The Nova’s success lay in its affordability, reliability, and ease of maintenance, making it a popular choice for first-time car buyers and families.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Nova 1.2 S is its 1196 cc (72.98 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 55 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 78 Nm (57.53 lb-ft) of torque at 3600 rpm. While these figures may seem modest by modern standards, they were competitive within the supermini class of the 1980s. The engine features a single overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain and a compression ratio of 7.8:1. The power-to-weight ratio of 13.4 kg/Hp and torque-to-weight ratio of 9.5 kg/Nm contributed to a reasonably sprightly driving experience for its class. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 15.2 seconds, and it could reach a top speed of 94.45 mph (152 km/h). The engine is transversely mounted, driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.
Design & Features
The Vauxhall Nova 1.2 S is a two or four-door sedan (though often referred to as a hatchback due to its rear access). Its design was relatively conventional for the era, prioritizing practicality and affordability over radical styling. The 1.2 S trim typically included features such as upgraded interior trim, and sometimes, alloy wheels. Safety features were limited by the standards of the time, consisting primarily of seatbelts. The Nova’s interior was designed to maximize space within its compact dimensions, offering seating for five passengers. The fuel tank capacity of 42 liters (11.1 US gallons) provided a reasonable driving range. The drag coefficient of 0.39 was typical for vehicles of that period. The Nova’s relatively small turning circle of 9.4 meters (30.84 feet) made it easy to maneuver in urban environments.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Nova |
| Generation | Nova |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 S (55 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1983 |
| End of production | 1987 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2-4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.3 l/100 km (28.3 US mpg, 34 UK mpg, 12 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 16 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 16 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 15.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 152 km/h (94.45 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 55 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 46 Hp/l |
| Torque | 78 Nm @ 3600 rpm (57.53 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 12ST, S12ST |
| Engine displacement | 1196 cm3 (72.98 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 61 mm (2.4 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 7.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3 l (3.17 US qt | 2.64 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 739-750 kg (1629.22 – 1653.47 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1215-1230 kg (2678.62 – 2711.69 lbs.) |
| Max load | 476-480 kg (1049.4 – 1058.22 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 42 l (11.1 US gal | 9.24 UK gal) |
| Length | 3955 mm (155.71 in.) |
| Width | 1541 mm (60.67 in.) |
| Height | 1358 mm (53.46 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2341 mm (92.17 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.39 |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.4 m (30.84 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE, Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
The Vauxhall Nova 1.2 S, while a relatively simple vehicle, played an important role in providing affordable transportation to a wide range of drivers in the United Kingdom and other European markets. Its combination of fuel efficiency, practicality, and low running costs made it a popular choice, and it remains a fondly remembered car for many who grew up in the 1980s.
