The Vauxhall Nova CC 1.6 GSI, produced between 1988 and 1992, was a performance-oriented variant of the Nova, a supermini car manufactured by Vauxhall. The Nova, known as the Opel Corsa across much of Europe, represented Vauxhall’s entry into the competitive small car market. The “CC” designation stood for “Club Class,” signifying a higher trim level, and the “GSI” badge denoted a sporty model with enhanced performance. While not officially sold in the United States, the Nova was a popular choice in the United Kingdom and continental Europe, offering an affordable and relatively nimble driving experience. The 1.6 GSI version, with its 100 horsepower engine, aimed to provide a more engaging alternative to standard superminis of the era.
Vauxhall Nova CC 1.6 GSI: A Performance Supermini
The Nova CC 1.6 GSI occupied a niche market segment, appealing to younger drivers seeking a sporty and affordable vehicle. It was positioned as a direct competitor to models like the Ford Fiesta XR2 and Peugeot 205 GTI, though generally offered at a lower price point. The GSI variant distinguished itself from the standard Nova through its more powerful engine, upgraded suspension, and distinctive styling cues. It represented a significant step up in performance and handling compared to the base models, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Nova CC 1.6 GSI was its 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine, designated the E16SE. This naturally aspirated engine produced 100 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 135 Nm (99.57 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3400 rpm. While these figures may seem modest by modern standards, they were competitive within the supermini class of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The engine featured multi-port fuel injection, contributing to improved efficiency and responsiveness. Power per liter was a respectable 62.6 hp/l. The engine’s front, transverse layout optimized space utilization within the compact Nova chassis.
Power was delivered to the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. This configuration allowed for a relatively quick 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration time of approximately 9.5 seconds, and a maximum speed of 116.82 mph (188 km/h). The weight-to-power ratio of 8.2 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 6.1 kg/Nm contributed to the car’s lively performance. Fuel economy was reasonable for the time, with combined fuel consumption averaging 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg or 39.2 UK mpg).
Design & Features
The Nova CC 1.6 GSI was a three or five-door hatchback, offering practical versatility for everyday use. Its exterior styling was characterized by a relatively boxy shape, typical of superminis from that era. The GSI variant received several visual enhancements, including a front spoiler, rear spoiler, and side skirts, designed to enhance its sporty appearance and improve aerodynamics (with a drag coefficient of 0.37). The car rode on 14-inch wheels with 175/65 R14 tires.
Inside, the Nova GSI featured sport seats, a sporty steering wheel, and upgraded instrumentation. While not lavishly equipped by modern standards, the interior offered a functional and comfortable environment for driver and passengers. Safety features were limited compared to contemporary vehicles, reflecting the standards of the time. The Nova’s trunk space offered 260 liters (9.18 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up, expanding to 1150 liters (40.61 cu. ft.) with the seats folded down. The fuel tank capacity was 42 liters (11.1 US gal).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Nova |
| Generation | Nova CC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 GSI (100 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1988 |
| End of production | 1992 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.1 l/100 km (25.8 US mpg, 31 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.4 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg, 52.3 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg, 39.2 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 188 km/h (116.82 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 100 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 62.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 135 Nm @ 3400 rpm (99.57 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | E16SE |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.5 mm (3.21 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.5 l (3.7 US qt | 3.08 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.4 l (6.76 US qt | 5.63 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 820 kg (1807.79 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1260 kg (2777.82 lbs.) |
| Max load | 440 kg (970.03 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 260 l (9.18 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1150 l (40.61 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 42 l (11.1 US gal | 9.24 UK gal) |
| 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 (Back) track | 1300 mm (51.18 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 140 mm (5.51 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.37 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 9.4 m (30.84 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
The Vauxhall Nova CC 1.6 GSI, while a relatively simple car by today’s standards, offered a compelling combination of affordability, practicality, and performance. It remains a fondly remembered vehicle among enthusiasts, representing a significant era in the evolution of the supermini segment.
