ROAD TEST:
Opel Adam 1.0T Glam
Opel already has a small hatchback – the Corsa. A good little runabout in its own right. But if the Corsa is Opel’s bowl of porridge, the new Adam is a flavourful shot of golden syrup.
True, the Adam only comes with three doors versus the Corsa’s five (not counting the OPC), and at only 3.7 metres long it’s also a lot smaller. Its diminutive dimensions combined with some funky styling and a relatively hefty pricetag, means it’ll appeal to a different buyer than the Corsa as well. The same buyer, as it just so happens, who’s drawn to cars like the Mini, Fiat 500 and Citroën DS3.
Just like those three, the Adam comes with an array of accessories and customisable options as its biggest drawcard. Nine paint choices with movie-based names such as Purple Fiction, Pump Up The Blue, The Greyfather and James Blonde hint at who Opel’s targeting with its new city car. No offence auntie Ethel, but your niece Jasmyn will probably better appreciate eight selectable mood lights, cupholders moulded with cute cartoon sharks, black autumn leaves mirror covers and the “64 Starz” headliner which mimics a night sky.
I’m not saying the Adam’s aimed more at the fairer sex, but many of these personalised bits and bobs are quite feminine. It’s also got a boy’s name if you hadn’t noticed, and guys tend to be more attracted to things with girls’ names. Ahem... Eleanor. Adam Opel was the brand’s founder by the way, though he died in 1895 and never got to see a car with his name on it. Up to then Opel built sewing machines and bicycles.
THREE-POT TURBO
There are three Adam derivatives on offer starting with a naturally-aspirated 1.4 base model with 74kW and 130Nm driving through a five-speed manual gearbox. Middle and top spec Adams, named Jam and Glam respectively, get smaller but more powerful 1-litre turbo three-cylinder engines paired with six-speed manuals. If you still think that range-topping models always come with the biggest cubic capacity, best you crawl out from under your rock.
This new EcoFlex triple-cylinder unit, with 85kW and 170Nm, is quite the little gem too. Turbolag is a complete non-issue and there’s heaps of torque to be found right from pulloff. Drive it like a turbodiesel, with early upshifts (it loses steam at around 4 500 rpm), and this little turbo car scoots around with plenty of punch. Unlike most three-cylinder engines it’s also remarkably smooth and quiet. I actually found myself over-revving in third gear because I couldn’t hear any strain from under the hood.
One problem though. Our test car averaged close on 7 litres per 100km, so it’s not exactly a model of fuel efficient downsizing. To be fair we ran it with air-conditioning on almost always but even without we doubt it will ever come close to Opel’s 5.1l/100km claims in real world conditions. I must also mention the tiny 35-litre petrol tank, which needs frequent refilling.
SUREFOOTED
Handling and ride quality are impressive. Small hatches like this often suffer from short-wheelbase bobble, but the Adam felt sure-footed and stable even on choppy surfaces. Its springs seem tuned more for softness than sportiness, and even with low-profile 17” tyres (standard on Glam models) it’s able to absorb road ripples nicely. I also like the easy nature of the power steering’s electric assistance, which can be made even lighter with the push a button marked “City” on the dashboard. So light, that you can almost breathe on the steering wheel to turn the car. Again, a feature I think lady drivers will appreciate most.
As expected, the cabin is quite confined. My girlfriend didn’t really mind that my left elbow rubbed her right from time to time, but some less friendly passengers might not. The back seat is also noticeably tight requiring front passengers to scooch far forward if in use, and with only 170 litres of boot space the Adam’s is the smallest of its aforementioned rivals. The rear seats do fold down, but even so you’d struggle to get a yoga ball in there.
PREMIUM FEEL
Except for a squeaky seat rail the Adam seems built with sturdiness and I’d say it’s right on par with other small hatchbacks in the premium spectrum like Mini and DS3. I especially like the dashboard material which is made from a soft touch substance and is imprinted with an intricate and futuristic crackle finish. Seats only come with cloth upholstery but they seem rugged enough, and they’re sculpted with supportive bolsters. Maybe a bit firm for my liking... but I’m an admitted slouch behind the wheel.
Infotainment in the Adam Glam is handled by a flashy full-colour 7” touchscreen mounted front and centre, but some of its icons such as radio station presets and search functions could be a bit small for fumbly fingers. The system is a modern one, meaning you’ll need to connect a smartphone to fully exploit all features such as navigation and Stitcher internet radio. Just make sure you’ve got a decent data bundle loaded.
VERDICT
The Adam’s a well built little car with immense funk factor. The funk comes at a price though – at least in 1.0 trim. Base 1.4s start at a competitive R189 900 but the top Glam model on test here comes in at a way higher R232 900.
For that you do get loads of kit like rain-sensing wipers, auto lights, cruise control, a self parallel and alley-dock parking system, ESP and six airbags, but for this supermini size bracket it’s a lot of money.
Aunt Ethel will likely choose the more spacious and less flamboyant Corsa, but Jasmyn, who simply has to accessorise with colour-coded key fobs and wheel spokes, purple leather steering wheels and gear levers, and Sanguine red grille inserts, will still find good value versus a new Mini.
A niche car for a youthful buyer. And about those sharks... Opel has hidden three of them, along with a few fish, inside the Adam’s cabin. I could only find two. Who says the Germans don’t have a sense of humour?
Follow me on Twitter: @PoorBoyLtd
FACTS
Opel Adam 1.0T Glam
Engine: 1-litre, three-cylinder turbopetrol
Gearbox: Six-speed manual
Power: 85kW @ 5000-6000rpm
Torque: 170Nm @ 1800 - 4500rpm
0-100km/h (claimed): 9.9 seconds
Top speed (claimed): 196km/h
Consumption (claimed): 5.1 litres per 100km
Consumption (tested): 7.0 litres per 100km
Price: R232 900
Warranty: Five-year/120 000km
Service plan: Three-year/60 000km
ALTERNATIVES
Citroen DS3 1.6 Style (88kW/160Nm) - R261 900
Fiat 500 1.4 Lounge (74kW/131Nm) - R209 900