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Dacia Nova 1.4 (62 Hp)
Overall Rating
Dacia Nova:
The Dacia Nova is a subcompact/supermini car manufactured by Romanian auto maker Dacia from 1995 to 2000.
The Dacia Nova was the first in-house developed Dacia model and it was intended to complement the Renault 12-based "Berlina" and "Break" range, with a small liftback/fastback. Work for this model had started in the 1980s, this being the reason why the car looked outdated from the time it first left the factory, in 1995. The next year, the more modern-looking and more popular, facelifted version was introduced....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Nova Overview:
Dacia Nova (Nova). With 93 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 910 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 18 s). The top speed reaches 150 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Dacia Nova generation was not tested by Euro NCAP. Given its production era and market segment, safety features were likely basic, focusing on fundamental structural integrity rather than advanced occupant protection systems.
1.4 (62 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Underpowered for anything beyond basic city driving, with very slow acceleration that can feel inadequate even in urban traffic.
Fuel Economy
Surprisingly less efficient than the more powerful 1.6L, making it a less desirable option for those seeking either performance or economy.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Highly affordable purchase price
- • Simple and robust mechanicals, easy to repair
- • Practical sedan body with decent trunk space
- • Low running costs (parts availability)
Cons:
- • Very basic safety features (no Euro NCAP rating)
- • Underwhelming engine performance across the lineup
- • Dated interior design and limited comfort features
- • High fuel consumption by modern standards
- • Poor refinement and noise insulation
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Dacia |
| Model: | Nova |
| Generation: | Nova |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.4 (62 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1995 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 62 Hp @ 5500 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 44.4 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 93 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1397 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 76 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 77 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.1 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 18 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 18 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 150 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 14.7 kg/Hp, 68.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.8 kg/Nm, 102.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 17.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 910 |
| Max. weight: | 1335 |
| Max load: | 425 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1050 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 350 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 45 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4030 mm |
| Width: | 1640 mm |
| Height: | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2475 mm |
| Front track: | 1395 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1355 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 155/55 R13 S |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
What’s the best feature of the Dacia Nova? Tell us in the comments!