The Vauxhall Nova, known as the Opel Nova in some markets, was a supermini car produced by Vauxhall from 1983 to 1993. The Nova CC, representing a facelifted version introduced in 1987, aimed to modernize the original design and broaden its appeal. This generation of the Nova was primarily sold in the United Kingdom and mainland Europe, serving as a competitor to vehicles like the Ford Fiesta, Renault 5, and Peugeot 205. The 1.5 D variant, equipped with a diesel engine producing 50 horsepower, was a popular choice for those prioritizing fuel economy, though performance was modest by contemporary standards. The Nova CC played a significant role in the British automotive landscape of the late 1980s and early 1990s, becoming a common sight on UK roads.
Vauxhall Nova CC 1.5 D: An Overview
The Nova CC (Climate Control) represented a mid-cycle refresh of the original Nova, bringing with it subtle styling changes, improved interior trim, and, crucially, the option of more efficient diesel engines. The 1.5 D model was particularly notable for its fuel economy, making it a practical choice for everyday commuting and longer journeys. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the Nova CC 1.5 D offered a reliable and affordable mode of transportation. It was available in both 3-door and 5-door body styles, catering to different customer needs. The Nova’s relatively simple mechanical design contributed to its affordability and ease of maintenance.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Nova CC 1.5 D is a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder diesel engine, designated as the 15D or 4EC1. This naturally aspirated engine produces 50 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 90 Nm (66.38 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2400 rpm. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 17.6 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 9.8 kg/Nm. While these figures are modest, they were typical for small diesel engines of the era. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 18.5 seconds, and 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 19.5 seconds. The Nova CC 1.5 D achieves a maximum speed of 150 km/h (93.21 mph). Fuel economy is a strong point, with urban consumption rated at 6 liters per 100 kilometers (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg, 16.7 km/l). The engine features an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain and a compression ratio of 23:1. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels.
Design & Features
The Vauxhall Nova CC is a front-wheel-drive hatchback available in both 3-door and 5-door configurations. It offers seating for five passengers. The CC facelift brought minor cosmetic updates, including a revised front grille and updated interior trim. The Nova’s design was functional rather than flamboyant, prioritizing practicality and affordability. The interior, while basic, was reasonably spacious for a supermini. Safety features were limited by the standards of the time, with basic seatbelts being the primary safety equipment. The trunk (boot) space ranges 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. The Nova CC’s relatively small size and nimble handling made it easy to maneuver in urban environments. 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) | 1.5 D (50 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1987 |
| End of production | 1993 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg, 16.7 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 19.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 19.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 18.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 150 km/h (93.21 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 17.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 50 Hp @ 4800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 33.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 90 Nm @ 2400 rpm (66.38 lb.-ft. @ 2400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 15D, 4EC1 |
| Engine displacement | 1487 cm3 (90.74 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 76 mm (2.99 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 23:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.75 l (3.96 US qt | 3.3 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.4 l (6.76 US qt | 5.63 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 880 kg (1940.07 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1375 kg (3031.36 lbs.) |
| Max load | 495 kg (1091.29 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 | 1320 mm (51.97 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1300 mm (51.18 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.37 |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.4 m (30.84 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Tires size | 165/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 14 |
The Vauxhall Nova CC 1.5 D, while not a performance icon, remains a significant vehicle in British automotive history. Its affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality made it a popular choice for a generation of drivers. Today, it is increasingly sought after by classic car enthusiasts and collectors.
