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This is a brief overview of the GTE and GSi models. Please also see the brochure scans at the bottom of this page for more details and pictures.
The GTE was launched in 1988 and took the place of the SR as the flagship to the Nova range. It is fitted with a 1.6 Electronic Fuel Injected Engine, with 100PS Max Power.
The GTE is very distinctive from all other Nova models, having colour-coded bumpers, mirror housings, front grill and wrap-round tailgate spoiler. The GTE also has special side skirts and unique to the GTE rear bumper "flick" along the lower edge.
All GTE's come with central locking on the doors, slide/tilt sunroof, sports steering wheel, full instrumentation (including rev-counter, oil-pressure and battery-voltage gauges) and "Laser" velour trimmed interior with front Sports seats as standard.
Standard wheels came in the form of 14" steels fitted with 175/64 14 tyres.
On the last models, full door-trims became standard to cover the paint along the top of the door, as did electric windows. Wheels were the same 14" steels, but occasionally came with differing wheel cover designs.
The Famous 3-spoke alloys were an optional extra on GTEs of all age and many have them fitted.
Electric windows were also an option on earlier models, but not many had them fitted from the factory as for some reason the option wasn't very popular!
The GTE was replaced in 1990 with the launch of the MKII range, when the GSi model was launched.
Most GSi's share the same engine as the GTE, although later ones had a revised engine which used different fuel injection and ignition systems amongst the alterations.
Externally, the GSi takes on the MKII face-lift with different front grill using shallower head-lights and indicators and using the new smoother, rounder bumpers.
The GSi uses a unique front bumper, incorporating a large air-intake and pronounced lower lip to beef up the styling.
The same side-skirts were carried over from the GTE, but a new smaller tail-gate spoiler was employed giving the rear the new smooth MKII look and some would say less aggressive!
The interior of the GSi also received the full face-lift treatment, with the new rounded facia, but unique to the GSi this facia was in black! So too is the rest of the interior, using smart "Rio" trim.
Standard equipment continued pretty much as for the late GTE's with central locking, electric windows, slide/tilt sunroof, sports front seats, sports steering wheel and full instrumentation all as standard. As with all MKII Novas, the GSi also gained the height-adjustable head-lights.
The GSi also now had the 3-spoke alloys as standard fitment.
Brochure pics:
