The Vauxhall Nova CC 1.4i S, produced between 1991 and 1993, represents a significant iteration of the Nova, a supermini that was a mainstay of the British automotive landscape. While not officially sold in the United States, the Nova (and its Opel Corsa counterpart) was immensely popular in Europe, offering affordable transportation and a practical design. The “CC” designation signified a facelifted version, bringing updated styling and refinements to the original Nova platform. The 1.4i S trim level denoted a sportier variant, boasting a slightly more powerful engine and subtle aesthetic enhancements. This vehicle competed directly with other superminis like the Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio, and Peugeot 205.
Vauxhall Nova CC: A Detailed Overview
The Nova CC 1.4i S aimed to provide a balance between economy, practicality, and a degree of driving enjoyment. It was positioned as a step up from the base Nova models, appealing to buyers who desired a bit more performance without sacrificing fuel efficiency. The Nova, in general, was known for its relatively low purchase price and running costs, making it a popular choice for first-time car buyers and those seeking an economical city car.
Engine & Performance
Powering the Nova CC 1.4i S is a 1.4-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated the C14SE. This engine produces 82 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 113 Nm (83.34 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3400 rpm. While not a powerhouse, this output provided adequate performance for everyday driving. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a naturally aspirated configuration. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 11.9 seconds, and it achieves a top speed of 107.5 mph (173 km/h). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 10.5 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 7.7 kg/Nm. The engine’s displacement is 1389 cm3 (84.76 cu. in.), with a bore of 77.6 mm (3.06 in.) and a stroke of 73.4 mm (2.89 in.). Compression ratio is 9.8:1. The engine utilizes an Overhead Camshaft (OHC) valvetrain with 2 valves per cylinder. Engine oil capacity is 3.5 liters (3.7 US qt | 3.08 UK qt) and requires a specific oil specification. The cooling system requires 5.7 liters (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) of coolant.
Design & Features
The Nova CC is a three or five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. Its compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in urban environments, while the hatchback configuration provides reasonable cargo space. The interior comfortably seats five passengers, although rear legroom is somewhat limited. The CC facelift brought subtle changes to the exterior styling, including a revised front grille and updated headlights. The 1.4i S trim level typically included features such as upgraded interior trim, alloy wheels (often optional), and sometimes a sunroof. Safety features of the era were relatively basic, consisting primarily of seatbelts and a reinforced passenger safety cell. The trunk offers 260 liters (9.18 cu. ft.) of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1150 liters (40.61 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. The fuel tank capacity is 42 liters (11.1 US gal | 9.24 UK gal).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Nova |
| Generation | Nova CC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4i S (82 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1991 |
| End of production | 1993 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg, 32.5 UK mpg, 11.5 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 | 173 km/h (107.5 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 82 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 59 Hp/l |
| Torque | 113 Nm @ 3400 rpm (83.34 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | C14SE |
| Engine displacement | 1389 cm3 (84.76 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 77.6 mm (3.06 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 73.4 mm (2.89 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.5 l (3.7 US qt | 3.08 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 865 kg (1907 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1335 kg (2943.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 470 kg (1036.17 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) |
| 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 | 1385 mm (54.53 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1390 mm (54.72 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.37 |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.4 m (30.84 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Tires size | 165/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
The Vauxhall Nova CC 1.4i S, while a relatively simple car by modern standards, played a crucial role in providing affordable and reliable transportation to a wide range of drivers in Europe during the early 1990s. Its compact size, economical engine, and practical hatchback design made it a popular choice for urban commuters and first-time car owners.
