The Vauxhall Nova CC 1.0, produced between 1983 and 1987, was a supermini car manufactured by Vauxhall, the British arm of General Motors. Positioned as a direct replacement for the aging Vauxhall Chevette, the Nova aimed to offer a modern, economical, and practical vehicle for the burgeoning small car market in the United Kingdom and wider Europe. The “CC” designation stood for “Club Class,” representing a trim level within the Nova range. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding the Nova provides insight into the European small car landscape of the 1980s and the evolution of front-wheel-drive, economical transportation.
Vauxhall Nova CC: A Supermini for its Time
The Nova was a significant vehicle for Vauxhall, representing a shift towards more contemporary design and engineering. It competed directly with popular models like the Ford Fiesta, Austin Metro, and Peugeot 205. The Nova’s success stemmed from its affordability, relatively spacious interior for its size, and fuel efficiency – key considerations for buyers in the economically challenging early 1980s. The 1.0-liter engine variant, detailed here, was the entry-level model, prioritizing economy over outright performance.
Engine & Performance
The Nova CC 1.0 was powered by a 993 cc (60.6 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder engine, producing 45 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 68 Nm (50.15 lb-ft) of torque at 2600 rpm. This engine, designated the 10S, featured a carburettor fuel injection system and an overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. While modest by modern standards, the engine’s power-to-weight ratio of 16.3 kg/Hp allowed for acceptable, if not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 19 seconds, and the car reached a top speed of 140 km/h (86.99 mph). The engine’s naturally aspirated design and relatively low compression ratio of 9.2:1 prioritized reliability and fuel economy. Fuel consumption was rated at 7.5 liters per 100 kilometers (31.4 US mpg) in urban driving conditions. The engine was transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels through a four-speed manual transmission.
Design & Features
The Vauxhall Nova CC was a three or five-door hatchback, offering practical access to the interior and cargo area. Its design was typical of the early 1980s, characterized by a boxy silhouette and relatively large windows. The interior was designed to maximize space within the small footprint, offering seating for five passengers. Safety features were limited by the standards of the time, but included ventilated disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. Steering was via a rack and pinion system. The Nova CC 1.0 was primarily focused on providing basic, reliable transportation, and as such, featured a relatively sparse equipment list. The emphasis was on affordability and practicality, making it a popular choice for first-time car buyers and those seeking an economical runabout. Tires were sized 165/65 R14, mounted on 4.5J x 14 inch wheel rims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Nova |
| Generation | Nova CC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 (45 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1983 |
| End of production | 1987 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.5 l/100 km (31.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 20 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 20 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 19 sec |
| Maximum speed | 140 km/h (86.99 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 16.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 10.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 45 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 45.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 68 Nm @ 2600 rpm (50.15 lb.-ft. @ 2600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 10S |
| Engine displacement | 993 cm3 (60.6 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 72 mm (2.83 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 61 mm (2.4 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity | 2.75 l (2.91 US qt | 2.42 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 735 kg (1620.4 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1215 kg (2678.62 lbs.) |
| Max load | 480 kg (1058.22 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 42 l (11.1 US gal | 9.24 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load (braked) | 450 kg (992.08 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (unbraked) | 365 kg (804.69 lbs.) |
| Length | 3622 mm (142.6 in.) |
| Width | 1535 mm (60.43 in.) |
| Height | 1364 mm (53.7 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2343 mm (92.24 in.) |
| Front track | 1320 mm (51.97 in.) |
| Rear track | 1300 mm (51.18 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.36 |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.4 m (30.84 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
The Vauxhall Nova CC 1.0, while a simple car by today’s standards, played a crucial role in providing affordable and reliable transportation to a wide range of buyers in the 1980s. Its legacy lies in its contribution to the evolution of the supermini segment and its representation of a key period in British automotive history.
