The 1.2-litre overhead-cam engine typically produced around 55 brake horsepower (bhp). While this sounds low today, it was considered very flexible and energetic for a car weighing only around 800 kilos.
Described as "sprightly" around town, with decent, "unfussed" performance for its time. Nova 1.2
Extremely high. Owners have reported engines lasting over 100,000 miles, with some even surviving "boy racer" driving habits. helping it cruise better.
The 1.2 engine is robust and often modified by owners to increase performance, or used as a clean shell for engine swaps, though many purists appreciate the stock efficiency. Reliability & Running Costs Nova 1.2
A four-speed gearbox was standard on many early models (like the Merit), while a five-speed gearbox was available on others, helping it cruise better.