With so many options on offer ADAM customers can effectively ‘build’ their own car
Opel’s “boutique” rival for the Mini and Citroen DS3, the ADAM, is certainly striking but is it a case of style over substance? We find out
What is it? ADAM is the latest offering from Opel and is their first venture into the trendy small car market. Designed to compete in the style-conscious supermini sector where the Mini, Fiat 500 and Citroen DS3 compete to capture the hearts and wallets of the urban hipster.
Who is it aimed at? Image is what this car is all about and this fashion statement is clearly aimed at the generation of urbanites who expect smart, stylish and well equipped cars regardless of size.
Styling? With funky colours, two-tone designs, and a bewildering range of personalisation options the ADAM will certainly turn heads. While the ADAM is still recognisably an Opel, features like the floating roof sets it apart from the rest of the range.
Under the Bonnet: There is one engine available a 1.4 litre petrol engine.
What about Inside? The bold interior of our Glam ADAM perfectly complements the striking exterior design and is jammed with body-coloured trim inserts and funky touches. In the front the high roof gives plenty of headroom and it feels spacious and comfortable. Ideal for two plus luggage, room in the rear is particularly tight so best suited for kids or very supple and short friends!
ADAM retains design cues from other Opels: the crisp line around the door handle (GTC), the wing-shaped chrome grille bar (new Astra)
On the Road? Our 1.4 test car was perfect around the city, nippy and easy to drive the steering is light and nimble. It’s not the fastest car around and borders on slow when accelerating from stop but it grips the road nicely and on the open road there’s enough zip to keep it ticking over but it’s noisy and may prove a little too firm for some.
And Safety? Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Programme and six airbags but only a four-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests.
Options? Three options are available; the fashionable entry level Jam, the sophisticated Glam or the sporty Slam. Personalisations options include body colours, contrasting colours for the ‘floating’ roof, seat treatments, interchangeable decor panels for the dashboard and doors. Our car was “Purple Fiction with White Roof” while other choices include “White my fire”, “Men in Brown” or “I’ll be black”.
What about fuel economy? Fuel economy with a blend of motorway and city should hit 5.1 litres per 100kms or 55mpg, with CO2 emissions at 119g/km. Motor tax is €200 annually.
Okay so the Verdict? One of the most unique cars on the road the Opel ADAM will certainly appeal to the cool, connected city dweller. Funky inside and out, urban singletons will relish in its individuality and care little about the cramped rear space and uninspiring drive. With a mind blowing number of possible configurations ( some 60,000 exterior and 80,000 interior options!) if you are looking for a completely exclusive car then the ADAM may just be the one for you.
Why you’ll buy one? Funky; Personalisation; Well equipped
Why you won’t? Limited engine range; Strange Name; Uninspired performance
Rivals
Mini Hatch – €18,500 – €35,340
Fiat 500 – €12,995 – €16,495
Citroen DS3 – €17,995 – €23,945
ADAM Glam 1.4i 16v VVTi Start/Stop (100ps)
Engine: 1398cc petrol engine putting out 74kW and 130Nm of torque from 4,000rpm
Max speed: 185km/h
0-100 kph: 11.5 seconds
Emissions (Motor Tax) : 119g/km (€200)
Model price range: €14,995 -€16,995 (Test Model €18,830 inc. options *)
No of Doors: 3
Euro NCAP: 4 stars
Fuel type: Petrol
Fuel Economy (combined cycle): 5.1 litres per 100 kms
Boot Capacity Seats up(down) : 170 Litres (663)
Car Seats: 2 Isofix fittings in the rear
Length: 3698mm
Width: 1720mm
Height: 1484mm
Wheelbase: 2311mm
* Extras included
Two coat pearlescent paint €535
White my Fire roof €250
17” Roulette Alloy Wheel €450
Space Saver Spare Wheel €150
Intellilink €350
Tinted Steel interior trim €100
For more information check out Opel.ie or the Opel Ireland Facebook page.
Geraldine Herbert
25th September, 2013
