The Vauxhall Nova 1.5 D is a subcompact car produced by Vauxhall between 1987 and 1989. Part of the first generation Nova range (1983-1993), this particular variant was notable for offering a diesel engine option in a segment typically dominated by petrol power. The Nova, known as the Opel Corsa in mainland Europe, was Vauxhall’s entry into the burgeoning supermini market, aiming to provide affordable and practical transportation for a wide range of buyers. The 1.5 D model, while not a performance leader, offered improved fuel economy, making it a popular choice for those seeking a cost-effective vehicle. It was primarily sold in the United Kingdom and other right-hand drive markets.
Vauxhall Nova 1.5 D: An Overview
The Nova 1.5 D occupied a crucial position in the UK automotive landscape of the late 1980s. It competed with rivals like the Ford Fiesta, Austin Metro, and Peugeot 205, offering a blend of practicality, affordability, and – with the diesel engine – economy. While the Nova range as a whole was known for its relatively basic specification, the 1.5 D appealed to buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency over outright performance. The car was available in both 2-door and 4-door body styles, catering to different needs and preferences.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Nova 1.5 D is a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated as the 15D and internally coded 4EC1. This naturally aspirated engine produced a modest 50 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 90 Nm (66.38 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2400 rpm. The power-to-weight ratio stood at 17.6 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio was 9.8 kg/Nm. While these figures are relatively low by modern standards, they were competitive within the diesel subcompact segment of the time. The engine’s design featured an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain and a compression ratio of 23:1, contributing to its fuel efficiency. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 18.5 seconds, and 0-62 mph (100 km/h) required 19.5 seconds. The top speed was limited to 150 km/h (93.21 mph). The engine’s 1487 cm3 (90.74 cu. in.) displacement and 76 mm bore combined with an 82 mm stroke.
Design & Features
The Vauxhall Nova 1.5 D was a typical supermini of its era, characterized by a boxy, functional design. It was offered as a 2 or 4-door sedan. The car’s interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering seating for five passengers. Features were relatively basic, reflecting the car’s affordable price point. Safety features were limited by the standards of the time, typically including seatbelts and a basic chassis structure. The Nova’s appeal lay in its affordability, ease of maintenance, and relatively spacious interior for its size. The 42-liter (11.1 US gal) fuel tank provided a reasonable driving range, particularly given the diesel engine’s fuel efficiency. The drag coefficient of 0.39 was typical for cars of this era. The minimum turning circle was 9.4 meters (30.84 ft).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Nova |
| Generation | Nova |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 D (50 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1987 |
| End of production | 1989 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2-4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg, 16.7 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 19.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 19.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 18.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 150 km/h (93.21 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 17.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 50 Hp @ 4800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 33.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 90 Nm @ 2400 rpm (66.38 lb.-ft. @ 2400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 15D, 4EC1 |
| Engine displacement | 1487 cm3 (90.74 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 76 mm (2.99 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 23:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.75 l (3.96 US qt | 3.3 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.4 l (6.76 US qt | 5.63 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 880 kg (1940.07 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1375 kg (3031.36 lbs.) |
| Max load | 495 kg (1091.29 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 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Tires size | 165/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 14 |
The Vauxhall Nova 1.5 D, while not a particularly exciting vehicle, played a significant role in providing affordable and economical transportation to a wide range of buyers in the late 1980s. Its diesel engine offered a compelling alternative to petrol-powered rivals, and its practicality and ease of maintenance ensured its popularity in the UK market. The Nova, in all its variants, remains a fondly remembered car for many, representing a key part of British automotive history.
