The Vauxhall Nova, known as the Opel Corsa in mainland Europe, was a supermini car produced by Vauxhall from 1983 to 1993. Representing Vauxhall’s entry into the increasingly popular small car segment, the Nova aimed to provide affordable and practical transportation. The Nova CC 1.3 S, produced between 1983 and 1989, was a popular variant, offering a slightly sportier trim level and a modestly powerful 1.3-liter engine. This model played a significant role in the British automotive landscape of the 1980s, becoming a common sight on UK roads and a popular first car for many young drivers.
Vauxhall Nova CC 1.3 S: A Detailed Overview
The Nova CC (Chassis Code) represented a crucial step for Vauxhall, moving away from larger, more traditional British cars towards a more modern and efficient design philosophy. It was designed to compete with established rivals like the Ford Fiesta and Austin Metro. The “S” designation denoted a sportier trim level, typically including minor cosmetic enhancements and, in this case, a slightly more powerful engine option. While not a performance car by modern standards, the 1.3 S offered a reasonable balance of economy and usability for the time.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Nova CC 1.3 S is a 1.297-liter (79.15 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder petrol engine. This engine, designated 13SB, produces 70 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 101 Nm (74.49 lb-ft) of torque at 3800 rpm. Power per liter is rated at 54 hp/l. The engine utilizes a carburettor fuel injection system and is naturally aspirated. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of approximately 11.9 seconds and a top speed of 103.15 mph (166 km/h). The weight-to-power ratio is 10.7 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.4 kg/Nm. While these figures are modest by today’s standards, they were competitive within the supermini class during the 1980s.
Design & Features
The Nova CC 1.3 S is a three or five-door hatchback, offering practical access to the cabin and a relatively spacious interior for its size. The design was functional rather than flamboyant, reflecting the prevailing automotive trends of the era. The car’s relatively small dimensions made it easy to maneuver in urban environments. Inside, the Nova offered seating for five passengers, although rear passenger space was somewhat limited. Safety features were basic by modern standards, consisting primarily of seatbelts. The trunk (boot) space offered 260 liters (9.18 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up and expanded to 1150 liters (40.61 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The Nova’s simple construction and readily available parts contributed to its affordability and ease of maintenance.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Nova |
| Generation | Nova CC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.3 S (70 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1983 |
| End of production | 1989 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.3 l/100 km (25.3 US mpg / 30.4 UK mpg / 10.8 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 166 km/h (103.15 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 70 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 54 Hp/l |
| Torque | 101 Nm @ 3800 rpm (74.49 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 13SB |
| Engine displacement | 1297 cm3 (79.15 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 73.4 mm (2.89 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| 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 | 750-770 kg (1653.47 – 1697.56 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1215-1230 kg (2678.62 – 2711.69 lbs.) |
| Max load | 460-465 kg (1014.13 – 1025.15 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%) | 800 kg (1763.7 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) | 0.37 |
| 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 | 155/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
The Vauxhall Nova CC 1.3 S, while a relatively simple car, provided affordable and reliable transportation for a generation of drivers. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its practicality and ease of ownership. Although long superseded by more modern vehicles, the Nova remains a fondly remembered icon of 1980s British motoring.
