Vauxhall Nova CC 1.2i CAT (45 Hp)
Overall Rating
Vauxhall Nova:
The Opel Corsa is a supermini car manufactured and marketed by Opel since 1982. The car is known as the Vauxhall Corsa in the United Kingdom. Before General Motors sold Opel and Vauxhall to PSA Group in 2017, the Corsa was also rebadged under the Chevrolet, Holden and Buick brands.
The Corsa was once the best-selling car in the world in 1998, recording 910,839 sales. At that time, the Corsa was assembled on four continents, marketed under five different marques and offered in five body styles. By 2007, over 18 million Corsas had been sold globally....(Read more on Wikipedia)
CC Overview:
Vauxhall Nova (CC). With 90 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.3 l/100km). Weighing only 735 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 16 s). The top speed reaches 152 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Vauxhall Nova CC was produced before Euro NCAP testing began in 1997, therefore no official safety rating is available. Safety features are basic by modern standards.
1.2i CAT (45 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Underpowered for anything beyond light city use, with acceleration that requires patience. Designed for emissions compliance.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel economy due to its low power output, but the catalytic converter might slightly impact efficiency compared to non-CAT versions.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Agile handling (especially GSI models)
- • Wide range of economical engines
- • Simple and easy to maintain
- • Affordable running costs
- • Good for city driving
Cons:
- • Basic safety features (no Euro NCAP rating)
- • Dated interior design and materials
- • Prone to rust in older models
- • Limited comfort on long journeys
- • Underpowered base models
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(CC: 1989 - 1993).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Vauxhall |
| Model: | Nova |
| Generation: | CC |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.2i CAT (45 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1990 |
| End of production: | 1993 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 45 Hp @ 5400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 37.6 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 90 Nm @ 2200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | C12NZ More details about the engine C12NZ |
| Engine displacement: | 1196 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3 l |
| Coolant: | 6.1 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 77.8 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 62.9 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 8.3 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 16 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 16 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 152 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 16.3 kg/Hp, 61.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.2 kg/Nm, 122.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 15.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 735 |
| Max. weight: | 1215 |
| Max load: | 480 |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 450 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 42 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 365 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3622 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1535 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1364 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2343 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1320 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1300 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 9.4 m [above average] |
| 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 | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 165/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 4.5J x 14 |
















If you could change one thing about the Vauxhall Nova, what would it be?