The Vauxhall Nova, known as the Opel Corsa in mainland Europe, was a supermini car produced by Vauxhall from 1983 to 1990. Representing Vauxhall’s entry into the increasingly popular small car segment, the Nova was intended to replace the aging Viva and provide a modern, economical vehicle for the British market. The Nova CC 1.2 S, a popular trim level, offered a balance of affordability and practicality, becoming a common sight on British roads throughout the 1980s. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding the Nova provides insight into the European small car market of the era and Vauxhall’s position within it.
Vauxhall Nova CC 1.2 S: A Detailed Overview
The Nova CC (for ‘Corsa Club’) was a significant model for Vauxhall, marking a shift towards more contemporary design and engineering. It was a direct competitor to the Ford Fiesta and Austin Metro, offering a similar package of affordability, fuel efficiency, and ease of driving. The 1.2 S trim level, equipped with a 1.2-liter engine producing 55 horsepower, was a particularly popular choice, appealing to first-time car buyers and those seeking a cost-effective runabout.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Nova CC 1.2 S is a 1.2-liter, inline-four cylinder petrol engine. This naturally aspirated engine, designated 12ST or S12ST, produces 55 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 78 Nm (57.53 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3600 rpm. While not a performance powerhouse, the engine provided adequate power for urban driving and reasonable performance on open roads. The power-to-weight ratio of 13.4 kg/Hp and a power per litre of 46 Hp/l were typical for small cars of the period. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 15.2 seconds, and the car had a top speed of 94.45 mph (152 km/h). The engine’s transverse front-wheel-drive layout contributed to its relatively nimble handling. The 5-speed manual transmission allowed drivers to optimize fuel economy and engine performance.
Design & Features
The Nova CC 1.2 S is a three or five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. Its compact dimensions – 3622 mm (142.6 in) in length and 1535 mm (60.43 in) in width – made it easy to maneuver in tight urban environments. The car’s design, while relatively simple, was modern for its time, featuring a sloping roofline and a relatively spacious interior for its size. The interior offered seating for five passengers, although rear passenger space was somewhat limited. Trunk space ranged from 260 liters (9.18 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 1150 liters (40.61 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down, providing ample room for luggage or cargo. Safety features were basic by modern standards, reflecting the automotive safety standards of the 1980s. The Nova CC 1.2 S featured ventilated disc brakes on the front and drum brakes on the rear, providing adequate stopping power for its performance level. The steering utilized a rack and pinion system, offering precise and responsive handling.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Nova |
| Generation | Nova CC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 S (55 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1983 |
| End of production | 1990 |
| 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 | 13.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 55 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 46 Hp/l |
| Torque | 78 Nm @ 3600 rpm (57.53 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 12ST, S12ST |
| Engine displacement | 1196 cm3 (72.98 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 61 mm (2.4 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 7.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3 l (3.17 US qt | 2.64 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 | 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 | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 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 Nova CC 1.2 S, while a relatively simple car by today’s standards, played an important role in the British automotive landscape of the 1980s. Its affordability, practicality, and fuel efficiency made it a popular choice for a wide range of drivers, and it remains a fondly remembered vehicle for many who grew up during that era.
