Vauxhall Cavalier 1.2 S (60 Hp)
Overall Rating
Vauxhall Cavalier:
The Vauxhall Cavalier is a large family car that was sold primarily in the United Kingdom by Vauxhall from 1975 to 1995. It was based on a succession of Opel designs throughout its production life, during which it was built in three incarnations. The first generation of Cavalier, launched in 1975 and produced until 1981, was Vauxhall's version of the General Motors 'U-Car' — essentially an Opel Ascona B/ Opel Manta with a few minor visual differences.
The second generation of Cavalier, launched in 1981 and produced until 1988, was launched simultaneously with the identical new generation of Opel Ascona, which was sold across the world in various guises on the GM "J-Body platform". The third and final generation of Cavalier, launched in 1988 and produced until 1995, was a rebadged Opel Vectra A with the same production span. Cavaliers for the UK market were predominantly built at Vauxhall's Luton plant, but were also built alongside their Ascona/Vectra sister models at Opel plants in Continental Europe....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Cavalier Overview:
Vauxhall Cavalier (Cavalier). Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Vauxhall Cavalier generation (1977-1979) predates the establishment of Euro NCAP testing (1997). Therefore, no official Euro NCAP safety rating is available for this model. Safety features were rudimentary by modern standards.
1.2 S (60 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Very basic and underpowered, this engine is strictly for urban environments, offering minimal acceleration and struggling significantly at higher speeds.
Fuel Economy
Potentially the most economical option in the range, but its limited power often meant working it harder, impacting real-world efficiency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Reliable and robust mechanicals
- • Comfortable ride for its class and era
- • Simple and relatively easy to maintain
- • Classic rear-wheel-drive handling characteristics
- • Good range of engine options to suit different needs
Cons:
- • Basic safety features by modern standards
- • Fuel economy is poor compared to modern cars
- • Performance of smaller engines is limited
- • Rust can be a significant issue on older models
- • Interior design and features are very dated
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Vauxhall |
| Model: | Cavalier |
| Generation: | Cavalier |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.2 S (60 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1975 |
| End of production: | 1979 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 60 Hp |
| Engine Model/Code: | 12S |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 2.75 l |
| Coolant: | 5.1 l |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
















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