The Vauxhall Novavan 1.2, produced between 1990 and 1993, represents a utilitarian iteration of the popular Vauxhall Nova, a supermini that enjoyed considerable success in the United Kingdom and Europe. While the Nova itself was a mainstream passenger vehicle, the Novavan was specifically designed as a commercial vehicle, offering a stripped-down, more practical alternative for businesses and tradespeople. It essentially served as a panel van version of the Nova, capitalizing on the Nova’s compact size and relatively low running costs. The Novavan wasn’t officially marketed in the United States, but understanding its role within the European light commercial vehicle segment provides context for its design and features.
The Vauxhall Novavan 1.2: A Practical Supermini
The Novavan occupied a niche market, bridging the gap between car-derived vans and larger, more conventional commercial vehicles. It was particularly appealing to those needing a small, maneuverable van for urban deliveries or service calls. The Novavan’s appeal lay in its affordability, ease of driving, and relatively low fuel consumption, making it a cost-effective solution for small businesses. It was a direct competitor to similar offerings from Ford and Citroen, all vying for a share of the growing small van market.
Engine & Performance
The Novavan 1.2 was powered by a 1.2-liter, inline four-cylinder petrol engine, designated the C12NZ. This engine produced 52 horsepower (Hp) and 88 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque at 2400 rpm, equating to 64.91 lb.-ft. While not a powerhouse, the engine was sufficient for the Novavan’s intended purpose – carrying light loads at moderate speeds. The engine’s power-to-litre ratio was 43.5 Hp/l. The engine featured a naturally aspirated intake and a carburettor fuel injection system, typical for vehicles of this era. Power was delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy was a key consideration, with the Novavan achieving approximately 8.3 liters per 100 kilometers in urban driving (28.3 US mpg, 34 UK mpg, or 12 km/l). The engine’s transverse mounting and front-wheel-drive configuration contributed to the vehicle’s compact footprint and improved handling.
Design & Features
The Novavan’s design was fundamentally based on the Vauxhall Nova hatchback. However, the rear passenger compartment was replaced with a dedicated cargo area, accessible through rear doors. The Novavan was available in both 3-door and 5-door configurations, offering varying levels of accessibility. The interior was deliberately spartan, focusing on functionality rather than luxury. The seats were typically basic, and the trim was minimal. Safety features were limited by the standards of the early 1990s, consisting primarily of seatbelts. The vehicle’s compact dimensions – a length of 3622 mm (142.6 in), a width of 1540 mm (60.63 in), and a height of 1365 mm (53.74 in) – made it easy to maneuver in tight urban environments. The wheelbase measured 2343 mm (92.24 in), and the front and rear tracks were 1320 mm (51.97 in) and 1300 mm (51.18 in) respectively. The drag coefficient of 0.37 was typical for vehicles of its time. The Novavan offered a maximum trunk (boot) space of 1150 liters (40.61 cu. ft.), providing a reasonable amount of cargo capacity for its size.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Nova |
| Generation | Novavan |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 (52 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1990 |
| End of production | 1993 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 2 |
| 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) |
| Power | 52 Hp |
| Power per litre | 43.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 88 Nm @ 2400 rpm (64.91 lb.-ft. @ 2400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | C12NZ |
| 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 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| 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) |
| 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 | 1540 mm (60.63 in.) |
| Height | 1365 mm (53.74 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2343 mm (92.24 in.) |
| Front track | 1320 mm (51.97 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1300 mm (51.18 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.37 |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.4 m (30.84 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine (ICE) – Front Wheel Drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 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 Novavan 1.2, while a relatively simple vehicle, fulfilled a specific need in the European market. Its practicality, affordability, and compact size made it a popular choice for small businesses and tradespeople seeking a reliable and economical light commercial vehicle. Though never sold in the US, it represents a significant example of the car-derived van segment that was prevalent in Europe during the early 1990s.
