The Vauxhall Nova, known as the Opel Corsa in mainland Europe, was a supermini car produced by Vauxhall from 1983 to 1993. The Nova CC, representing the initial generation (1985-1989), was a significant entry for Vauxhall into the competitive small car market. Positioned as an affordable and practical vehicle, the Nova aimed to replace the aging Vauxhall Chevette and provide a modern alternative to rivals like the Ford Fiesta and Austin Metro. This article details the specifications and characteristics of the 1.2i version of the Nova CC, a popular engine choice within the range.
Vauxhall Nova CC 1.2i: Overview and Market Position
The Nova CC (for ‘Corsa Club’) was a crucial model for Vauxhall, representing a shift towards more contemporary design and engineering. While the Corsa/Nova was a pan-European model, the UK market received it as the Vauxhall Nova. The 1.2i variant, producing 45 horsepower, was a mainstay of the lineup, offering a balance between economy and usability. It was primarily targeted at first-time car buyers, city commuters, and those seeking a low-cost, reliable vehicle. The Nova’s success in the UK market helped establish Vauxhall as a major player in the supermini segment.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Nova CC 1.2i is a 1.196-liter (72.98 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder engine. This naturally aspirated engine, designated 12NC or E12GV, produces 45 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 90 Nm (66.38 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2200 rpm. Power per liter is rated at 37.6 hp/l. Fuel delivery is managed by a carburetor, a common feature for vehicles of this era. The engine’s modest output results in a 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration time of approximately 15.2 to 16 seconds, and a top speed of around 94.45 mph (152 km/h). The weight-to-power ratio is 16.3 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 8.2 kg/Nm. The front-engine, transverse layout contributes to efficient packaging within the small Nova chassis. The engine requires 3 liters (3.17 US quarts) of engine oil and 6.1 liters (6.45 US quarts) of coolant.
Design & Features
The Vauxhall Nova CC is a three or five-door hatchback, offering seating for up to five occupants. Its design, while relatively simple, was considered modern for its time, featuring a boxy silhouette and large windows for good visibility. The Nova’s interior prioritized practicality over luxury, with durable materials and a functional layout. Safety features were limited by the standards of the 1980s, typically including seatbelts and a basic chassis structure. Ventilated front disc brakes and drum brakes on the rear provide the stopping power. The steering utilizes a rack and pinion system for responsive handling. The Nova CC rides on 165/65 R14 tires mounted on 4.5J x 14 inch wheel rims. The drag coefficient of 0.36 was respectable for the period, contributing to reasonable fuel efficiency.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Nova |
| Generation | Nova CC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2i (45 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1985 |
| End of production | 1989 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| 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 | 16.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 45 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 37.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 90 Nm @ 2200 rpm (66.38 lb.-ft. @ 2200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 12NC, E12GV |
| Engine displacement | 1196 cm3 (72.98 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 77.8 mm (3.06 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 62.9 mm (2.48 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3 l (3.17 US qt | 2.64 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 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 with brakes (12%) | 450 kg (992.08 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 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 Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 165/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 4.5J x 14 |
The Vauxhall Nova CC 1.2i, while not a performance car, provided affordable and reliable transportation for a generation of drivers. Its simple engineering and readily available parts made it a popular choice for both new and used car buyers in the UK and Europe. The Nova’s legacy continues as a fondly remembered example of 1980s automotive design and practicality.
