By: Jason Woosey
Johannesburg - If you're into Adam, but crossovers are more your type, then Opel might just have your perfect match for you here.
Meet the Adam Rocks. Yes, it's a trendy little hatchback that's been dressed up to look like it's off to the bush - much like its 'Cross' counterparts - but there is a bit more to it than that.
For starters, it comes with a swing top canvas roof, much like you get in the Fiat 500C, which turns it into something of a semi-cabriolet at the touch of a button. Unlike its Italian rival, this has crossover ambitions though, so Opel is undeniably correct in asserting that the Opel Adam Rocks has no direct rivals.
Not that you're going to crawl over any rocks though as there's no four-wheel drive here and the ride height has been raised by a mere 15mm, so you can probably traverse slightly bigger stones at a push. You'll also have to be careful not to damage those huge 18-inch alloys, which wear low profile rubber. This glamorous footwear gives the Adam a relatively firm ride over less-than-perfect road surfaces as became apparent on the Magaliesburg launch route.
On the other hand, it's rather fun to chuck through corners, given that it's really agile and the steering has a meaty feel to it. Adding to the smile factor is Opel's impressive new 1-litre, three-cylinder turbopetrol engine, rated at 85kW and 170Nm. Look, it doesn't quick make the Adam a hot hatch and it is a bit laggy off the mark, but the little motor delivers its power smoothly, cruises comfortably on the open road and it's punchy enough if you keep it in the power band.
This is primarily a city car though, and you'll have to be OK with a rather small interior, although it is a really classy and stylish cockpit that's equipped to the moon and back. It comes with a high-end Infinity sound system, built into Opel's Intellilink 18-inch high-res touch-screen infotainment system, which features some pre-loaded apps for navigation and internet radio. Other standard goodies include cruise control, multi-function steering wheel, climate control, automatic headlights and wipers, blind spot alert and semi-automated advanced park assist.
This does all add up to quite a price premium, meaning you'll need to find R273 400 to make this Adam rock your world. Only 150 of them will be available in South Africa, for the time being at least, and you can order it in 'Red 'n Roll', 'Saturday White Fever', and 'Goldbuster' exterior colours.
IOL