The Vauxhall Nova, known as the Opel Corsa in mainland Europe, was a supermini car produced by Vauxhall between 1983 and 1993. The Nova CC, representing the second generation (launched in 1989), was a significant update to the original, offering improved styling, refinement, and a broader range of engine options. This generation aimed to solidify the Nova’s position as a popular choice in the competitive small car segment within the United Kingdom and across Europe. The 1.3i CAT model, producing 60 horsepower, was a mainstay of the range, offering a balance of affordability and usability for everyday driving.
Vauxhall Nova CC 1.3i CAT: Overview and Market Position
The Nova CC 1.3i CAT occupied a crucial space in the early 1990s UK automotive market. It was designed to appeal to first-time car buyers, young drivers, and those seeking an economical and practical vehicle for urban commuting. Unlike some of its rivals, the Nova prioritized affordability and ease of maintenance over outright performance or luxury. The “CC” designation signified a facelifted version of the original Nova, with cosmetic and mechanical improvements. The catalytic converter (“CAT”) in the name indicated the vehicle met stricter emissions standards, becoming increasingly important during this period.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Nova CC 1.3i CAT was a 1.3-liter, inline-four cylinder petrol engine, designated the C13N. This engine produced 60 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 92 Nm (67.86 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3500 rpm. While not a powerhouse, the engine provided adequate performance for typical urban and suburban driving. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 11.9 seconds, and it could reach a top speed of 103.15 mph (166 km/h). The engine featured a naturally aspirated intake and a carburettor fuel injection system, a common setup for vehicles of this era. The power-to-weight ratio of 12.5 kg/Hp and torque-to-weight ratio of 8.2 kg/Nm contributed to its reasonable, if uninspiring, performance. The engine’s displacement of 1297 cm³ (79.15 cu. in.) and compression ratio of 8.2:1 were typical for small-displacement engines of the time.
Design & Features
The Nova CC was 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 car’s focus on affordability. The interior was basic but durable, with cloth upholstery and a straightforward dashboard layout. Safety features were limited by the standards of the time, typically including seatbelts and a basic steering column lock. The Nova’s rear seats could be folded down to increase cargo capacity, offering flexibility for carrying larger items. Trunk space ranged from 260 liters (9.18 cu. ft.) with the seats up to 1150 liters (40.61 cu. ft.) with the seats folded. The 42-liter (11.1 US gal) fuel tank provided a reasonable driving range. The Nova’s relatively 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.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Nova |
| Generation | Nova CC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.3i CAT (60 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1989 |
| End of production | 1993 |
| 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 | 12.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 60 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 46.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 92 Nm @ 3500 rpm (67.86 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | C13N |
| 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 | 8.2:1 |
| 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) |
| 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 (Back) track | 1300 mm (51.18 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.37 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 9.4 m (30.84 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | 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 | 155/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
The Vauxhall Nova CC 1.3i CAT, while not a performance icon, remains a fondly remembered vehicle for many UK drivers. Its affordability, practicality, and ease of maintenance made it a popular choice in its time, and it continues to be a relatively common sight on UK roads today, often cherished by classic car enthusiasts.
