The Vauxhall Nova CC 1.2 N, produced between 1990 and 1993, was a supermini car manufactured by Vauxhall, the British arm of General Motors. Positioned as an affordable and practical vehicle, the Nova CC (for ‘Comfort and Convenience’) aimed to provide economical transportation for families and first-time car buyers. While not sold in the United States, the Nova was a significant player in the European small car market, competing with models like the Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio. It represented Vauxhall’s entry into the increasingly popular supermini segment, offering a blend of compact dimensions, reasonable performance, and low running costs.
Vauxhall Nova CC: A Detailed Overview
The Nova CC represented a second generation of the Nova, building upon the original model launched in 1983. The “CC” designation signified improvements in trim and features compared to the base Nova models. It was available with both 3 and 5-door body styles, catering to different customer preferences. The 1.2 N variant, equipped with a 1.2-liter engine producing 52 horsepower, was a mainstay of the lineup, offering a balance between fuel efficiency and adequate performance for urban driving. The Nova’s popularity stemmed from its affordability, ease of maintenance, and relatively spacious interior for its size.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Nova CC 1.2 N is a 1.2-liter (1196 cm3 or 72.98 cu. in.) inline four-cylinder petrol engine, designated the 12NV. This naturally aspirated engine produces 52 horsepower (Hp) at an unspecified RPM, and 88 Newton-meters (64.91 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2400 rpm. While not a performance-oriented engine, it provided sufficient power for everyday driving. The engine featured a single overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain and utilized a carburetor fuel injection system, a common technology for the era. The power-to-weight ratio of 14.1 kg/Hp (70.7 Hp/tonne) and torque-to-weight ratio of 8.4 kg/Nm (119.7 Nm/tonne) contributed to a reasonably sprightly driving experience, particularly in urban environments. Power delivery is modest, with 43.5 Hp per liter of displacement. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission.
Design & Features
The Vauxhall Nova CC is a classic example of 1990s supermini design. Its hatchback body style offered practicality and versatility, with the ability to fold down the rear seats to expand cargo space. The 3-door version prioritized a sportier appearance, while the 5-door offered enhanced accessibility. The Nova CC offered seating for five passengers. The interior was functional and designed for durability, with basic instrumentation and controls. Safety features were relatively limited by the standards of today, but included ventilated disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. The Nova’s relatively small size and light weight contributed to its maneuverability, with a minimum turning circle of 9.4 meters (30.84 ft). The drag coefficient of 0.36 was typical for vehicles of this era. Trunk space ranged from a minimum of 260 liters (9.18 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 1150 liters (40.61 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Nova |
| Generation | Nova CC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 N (52 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1990 |
| End of production | 1993 |
| 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) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.4 kg/Nm |
| 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 | 12NV |
| 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 |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 2.75 l (2.91 US qt / 2.42 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 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.) |
| 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) |
| 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 | 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 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 |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | 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 1.2 N, while a relatively simple vehicle by modern standards, played an important role in providing affordable and reliable transportation to a wide range of drivers in Europe during the early 1990s. Its compact size, fuel efficiency, and low running costs made it a popular choice for urban commuters and families alike. Although it never reached American shores, the Nova remains a fondly remembered vehicle for those who experienced its practicality and charm.
