All about  the Vauxhall Nova

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 there second hand values reflect this. However the two and four door saloon models have become very popular in Belguim, germany and Holland.

Enjines 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 rabadged GSi after the 1990 facelift, which, amongst other spec changes, brought a new front grille with clear indecators and slimmer headlamps to give a sleaker more modern look to all models.

The best seller new and used 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 was introduced in 1990), which came with cenral 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 respectiable performance and handling.