Vauxhall Nova van 1.2 (52 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)
van Overview:
Vauxhall Nova (van). With 88 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.3 l/100km). Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Vauxhall Nova Van was produced before the establishment of Euro NCAP testing in 1997. As such, it lacks modern safety features like airbags, ABS, or advanced crumple zones, reflecting the safety standards of its era.
1.2 (52 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
With 52 hp and 88 Nm of torque, this 1.2-liter petrol engine offers very modest performance. It's adequate for light city driving and short urban deliveries but struggles with heavier loads or highway speeds.
Fuel Economy
The urban fuel consumption of 8.3 l/100 km (approx. 34 MPG) is reasonable for a carburetted engine of its time, especially for a light commercial vehicle. It's an economical choice for local use.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Compact size for urban maneuverability
- • Low running costs (for its era)
- • Simple and robust mechanicals, easy to maintain
- • Practical and spacious load area for its class
- • Good value as a basic work vehicle
Cons:
- • Very basic safety features (predates modern standards)
- • Underpowered engines, especially with loads
- • Limited comfort and refinement
- • Dated interior and technology
- • Prone to rust in older models
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(CC: 1989 - 1993).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Vauxhall |
| Model: | Nova |
| Generation: | van |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.2 (52 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1990 |
| End of production: | 1993 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 3-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 52 Hp Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 43.5 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 88 Nm @ 2400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | C12NZ More details about the engine C12NZ |
| Engine displacement: | 1196 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| 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 |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1150 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 42 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3622 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1540 mm mm [5mm more] |
| Height: | 1365 mm mm [1mm more] |
| 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 |















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