The
Vauxhall Nova represented the first attempt by General
Motors' European operation to launch a supermini - and a
very successful one it was too. The little car (called
the 'Opel Corsa' on the continent) had basic yet classic
3-box styling but was bang up to date underneath that
legendary bodywork. There was a vast range of trim levels
and engines, as Vauxhall attempted to create the perfect
Nova for just about everyone.
By the time the Nova was succeeded by a newer supermini
(now universally called 'Corsa') in April 1993, it was
just under ten years old; to be honest, cars of this age
were beginning to look it. However the later models and
those lovingly modernised by Nova devotees look as if
they just rolled out of the showroom.
The History
Launched in 1983, the Nova promised much for Vauxhall.
The dealers had long wanted a car to take on the Fiesta;
the Nova proved to be an ideal competitor. An advantage
it had over most rivals was the availability of a saloon
variant (in both two and four-door versions), though
these were never as popular as the hatchbacks, and their
second hand values reflect this. However the 2 & 4
door saloon models have become very popular in Belgium,
Germany and Holland.
Engines ranged from 1.0-litre, through 1.2, 1.3 and
1.4-litre petrol units to 1.5-litre diesel and turbo
diesel engines; there was also the sporty 1.6 for the
GTEi. This model was rebadged GSi after the 1990
facelift, which, amongst other spec changes, brought a
new front grille and clear indicators with slimmer
headlamps to give a sleeker, more modern look to all
models.
The best seller both new and used has tended to be the
1.2-litre Merit, which, like the Fiesta, appeals mostly
because of its availability as a five-door. Another
popular version was the 1.2 Luxe (this trim level
introduced in 1990), which came with central locking,
electric windows, split-folding rear seats and a radio
cassette player all as standard. The SR is probably one
of the most popular small cars around - due to its cheap
insurance and running costs, as well as respectable
performance and handling. What You Pay
The performance is mostly acceptable, though the diesels
and 1.0-litre petrol cars are a bit on the slow side. A
handy little car that serves equally well as either a
first car, practical runabout or a performance car, as
the Nova will accept larger engines from other Vauxhalls,
up to the 2.0l 16v Turbo from the Calibra.
As a practical car, the Nova runs rings around its
opposition, - there aren't many rivals for such a range
of economical, performance, stylish and practical cars.
Nova saloons and their generously-sized boots, whilst
laughed at amonst 3 door owners played a large part in
the Nova's success, as it was the only saloon in its
class.
What To Look For
Areas of major concern on these cars is simply rusty rear
arches. (Vauxhall's cunning design flaw - Spot welds
joining the inner & outer wings fail, causing extreme
bubble troulbe - The only way to repair properly is to
grind out ALL the rot, and weld in replacement panels)
Also the floor pan on early models may have begun to
rust, especially along the sills. , so take extra care
when assessing them. The 1.6-litre cars may have suffered
a little at the hands of former over-enthusiastic owners,
so check any GTEi or GSi for crash repairs and smoking
engines or graunchy gearboxes.
Interior trim on some early models is a little on the
grim side - dark colours and brown plastics are much in
evidence. Check the dashboard switches and buttons to
make sure everything is in working order, especially if
the car you're viewing has a lot of electrical equipment
as standard.
Replacement Parts
(Based on a 1.4-litre three-door) A new clutch will cost
you about £90 and a full exhaust system around £95.
Front shock absorbers are about £80 a pair and rears
around £60. An alternator is about £80 and a starter
motor around £90. A radiator is about £100 and a
replacement windscreen close to £80. A tail lamp is
about £32, a headlamp about £45 and a front wing about
£102. A catalyst is just under £350.
Overall
For the money, a Nova offers a superior alternative to
most superminis of the time. It's practical, cheap and
reliable and the potential for tuning and performance is
unrivalled in its class
| Model Cycle |
August 1986 - April 1993 |
| Model Segment |
Supermini |
| Body Styles |
Hatchback & Saloon |
| Driveline |
FWD |
| Engine Options |
Petrol: 1.0, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 & 1.6
Diesel: 1.5 & 1.5 TD
Upgrade: 1.6 16v, 1.8 16v, 2.0 16v, 2.0 16v Turbo
|
| Trim Levels: Note Upgrades
marked ( ) |
Trip, Merit, L (Luxe), Flair,
SR(SRi), GTE(GSi) |
| Significant Model
Developments |
- 1990 Faclift across whole range
- Replaced by Corsa in April 1993 |
| Limited Editions |
|
| Summary |
Cheap and fun small car with huge
tuning potential. |
| Which Model to choose |
1.6i GSi |
History
1983:
Vauxhall took the plunge and the company's first
ever fwd baby hatchback rolled out of a purpose
built factory in Zaragoza, Northern Spain.
Ironically enough, 'Nova' in Spanish means 'No
Go', therefore European cars were badged as Opel
Corsas. While more conservative manufacturers may
well have played it safe at first by launching a
range of slow and low specification cars,
Vauxhall went for it right from the start. Rather
than delaying development of a sporty model till
they were sure the Nova was a sucess the company
took no prisoners and immediately flag-shipped
the range with the 1.3SR (Sports Refined). And be
under no illusion, the SR was no sticker special
based around a standard model. In fact it was the
only model in the entire range to get the Astra
& Cavalier 1297cc cross flow engine as well
as a five speed 'box. Uprated suspension, Recaro
look sports seats and loads of dials made the
72bhp baby stand well above the rest.
1985:
1.3SR gets twin auto choke Pierburg 2E3 carb.
1988:
GTE Launched: 1598cc, 100bhp, 120mph - 'Nuff
said.
1989:
SR receives bigger 1389cc engine along with
central locking, tinted glass and electric
windows
1990:
Major facelift accross the range, including
sleeker lights complete with new wings and
grille. The legendary rubber boot surround was
dropped in favour of a tailgate spoiler. Inside a
more modern dash was introduced, with chunky
heater controls
GTE
replaced by new GSi 1.6 Injection
Launch
of 1.5 Turbo Diesel, in 3dr, 5dr & Van models
1992:Last
Performance Nova launched, the 1.4SRi.
Fortunately Vauxhall had used up its SR brakes
& suspension stocks which meant the SRi got
GSi uprated suspension & brakes, as well as
its multi-point fuel injection
1993:Production
stopped to make way for the Corsa, launched with
the biggest and most expensive car advertising
campaign to date. A few L-reg cars were left
over, but rumour has it Vauxhall has a secret
stock pile in Spain of unused Nova 1.0 Trip and
Spins which it couldn't sell, and a handfull of
GSis. This is backed up by the rare sighting of a
N-reg Nova!!
Performance
Nova Group Established, The largest single
model club in Britain!
1996:NOVADOSE
emerges as the first Nova Web Site
1998:PNG
Online Official Website Launched
The
values quoted are estimates taken from the latest
available industry sources and were correct at
the time of compilation. However, used prices
continually change and different garages have
different approaches to valuation. For this
reason, these figures should be treated as
guidance values only.
The parts prices quoted are estimates on approved
used parts from the franchises concerned,
provided by franchised dealerships, again correct
at the time of compilation. These too however,
are subject to continual change. For this reason,
these figures should be treated as guidance
prices only.
Copyright ©1998 GHL Design/Performance Car Clubs
Ltd. All rights reserved. Please read disclaimer
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