Opel Unveils the Adam - Preview by Henny Hemmes +VIDEO

By Henny Hemmes
Senior European Editor

Opel Adam

LONDON - July 12, 2012: Opel, the European GM-division, that together with its twin brother Vauxhall of Great Britain has to quickly improve its sales record.

One of the strategic models is the new Adam; a small city car in the so-called A-segment, where Opel needs new presence.

The 145.6 inches long Adam will only be available as a 3-door model. The design follows market leaders Mini and Fiat’s 500, models that were joined later by Citroën’s DS3 and Skoda’s. Just like Mini – and its followers - the Opel Adam offers a slew of colors and offers different roof colors as well.

Opel tries to attract the young generation(s) with this styling and with 3 variants: Jam (modern and colorful), Glam (sophisticated) and Slam (sporty).

Adam will be offered with a choice of three engines: a 70 hp strong 1.2-liter, and two versions of the 1.4-liter engine with 87 and 100 hp respectively, mated to a 5-speed gearbox.

In the planning is also a direct injected turbo engine with start-stop and a brand new six-speed shifter.

Watch Vauxhall/Opel's tongue-in-cheek vehicle naming video

Mark Adams, Vauxhall/Opel’s Vice President of Design, summed up what makes ADAM unique: “No other car in this segment can be individualized as much as ADAM because we are offering virtually unlimited exterior/interior color, fabric and kit combination choices. It’s very unlikely that you’ll find two identical ADAMs out there.”

In the meantime, many jokes about the name of the new model are circulating…….

Upscale equipment & smartphone connectivity

Opel Adam

Unique in its class is ADAM’s new top-of-the-range infotainment system designed to support new media sources, including Bluetooth, as well as connectivity for smartphones with Android or Apple iOS software. This enables access to internet-based applications, including GPS navigation. The system uses a state-of-the-art seven-inch, full-colour touch screen display allowing quick access to a variety of on-board controls.

Round, mechanical clock-style instruments with chrome bezels mark a departure from those seen in other Vauxhalls, while ADAM customers can also opt for a heated steering wheel – another first in the class.

Advanced technology enhances safety and comfort

ADAM will break new ground in the A-segment, by offering technology normally only found in higher-end cars.

A prime example is the Advanced Park Assist II system, which will be an ADAM option never seen before in a Vauxhall production car. Drivers engage the system with a button on the dashboard and it tells them when they reach a parking space large enough to accommodate the car. The system then automatically steers them into the parking space, with the driver only needing to control the brake, clutch and gears. APA II uses ultrasonic sensors to work its magic, and always comes in combination with Side Blind Spot Alert (SBSA).

As with all Vauxhall’s, ADAM uses the very latest safety technology. High-strength steel is used to make an ultra-rigid passenger cell. This is complemented by front, side and head curtain airbags, as well as dual seat belt pre-tensioners for front occupants which offer additional knee and leg protection. Other safety features include two sets of ISOFIX points to easily and safely attach child seats on the 50:50 split foldable rear bench.

Crisp ride and handling; ESP standard across range

Despite its compact dimensions of nearly 3.7 metres in length and 1.72 metres in width, ADAM’s footprint is relatively broad, with front and rear tracks of 1485 and 1478mm respectively, and a wheelbase of 2311mm.

Front suspension is by MacPherson strut, with a compound crank system at the rear. Wheel sizes range from 16- to 18-inch, and cars that are specified with 17- or 18-inch rims come as standard with the lowered sports chassis. The latest generation ESP system is standard on all ADAMs, including a Hill Start Assist function.

Handling on urban roads is enhanced by a CITY mode, which increases the electronic power steering system’s assistance at lower speeds.

Ordering/first deliveries

ADAM will be available to order after its official premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September, with the first cars reaching UK customers in January 2013. As with all Vauxhalls, ADAM comes with Lifetime Warranty, which covers first owners for the lifetime of the car, or up to 100,000 miles.