The Vauxhall Adam stands out as a stylish three-door city car produced from 2013 to 2019, offering drivers a blend of personalization, efficiency, and urban agility. Built on a shortened Corsa D platform at the Eisenach plant in Germany, this hatchback measures 3.70 meters in length and 1.72 meters in width, seating four passengers comfortably in tight city spaces.
Design and Customization Options
One of the Adam’s most appealing features is its vast array of customization choices, making each vehicle uniquely personal. With over 61,000 exterior combinations and more than 82,000 interior possibilities, owners could select from numerous body colors, three roof shades, various interior trims, decors, and headliners. This level of tailoring transformed the Adam from a standard city car into a fashionable statement, ideal for young drivers or those seeking individuality without sacrificing practicality.
The compact footprint—3.70m long and 1.72m wide—ensured easy maneuvering in crowded streets, while the three-door layout prioritized style over family hauling. Boot space measured 170 liters with seats up, expanding when folded, though it lagged behind rivals in cargo capacity.
Engine Lineup and Performance
The Vauxhall Adam offered a range of petrol engines focused on economy rather than raw power, catering to city commuters. Entry-level options included a 1.2-liter four-cylinder producing 70bhp, suitable for urban errands but sluggish on highways with 0-62mph in 13.9-14.9 seconds and a top speed around 109mph.
Stepping up, the 1.4-liter petrol engines delivered 86bhp or 99bhp, improving acceleration to 11.5-12.5 seconds for 0-62mph, with top speeds up to 115mph. These naturally aspirated units balanced everyday usability and modest efficiency.
The standout performer was the 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine with 115bhp and 170Nm torque from just 1,800rpm. This peppy unit hit 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds, reached 121mph, and paired with a six-speed manual for engaging drives. Reviewers praised its flexibility and fun factor, making it the preferred choice for spirited urban runs.
| Engine | Power (bhp) | 0-62mph (sec) | Top Speed (mph) | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2L (70bhp) | 70 | 13.9-14.9 | 109 | 45-57.6 |
| 1.4L (86bhp) | 86 | 12.5 | 112 | 52.3-56.5 |
| 1.4L (99bhp) | 99 | 11.5 | 115 | 52.3 |
| 1.0L Turbo (115bhp) | 115 | 9.9 | 121 | 55-60.1 |
These figures highlight the Adam’s progression from basic commuting to more dynamic options, with ecoFLEX stop-start tech boosting efficiency across the board.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
Fuel economy was a strong suit, especially for company car users. The 1.0 turbo achieved up to 60.1mpg combined with 108g/km CO2 emissions, landing in the attractive 20% BiK tax band. Smaller engines managed 52-57mpg, with real-world figures around 45-50mpg in mixed conditions. Insurance groups ranged from 8 to 15, keeping premiums reasonable for a city car.
Low running costs made the Adam appealing for budget buyers, though its discontinuation in 2019 shifted Vauxhall’s focus to SUVs like the Mokka.
Trim Levels and Standard Equipment
Available in Jam, Glam, and Slam trims, the Adam scaled from essential to premium. The base Jam included air-conditioning, 16-inch alloys, Bluetooth, and cruise control. Glam added LED daytime lights, a fixed glass roof, and climate control. Top-tier Slam featured 17-inch wheels, firmer suspension, contrasting roof, and OnStar connectivity with Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Jam: Air-con, Bluetooth, cruise control, 16-inch alloys.
- Glam: LED DRLs, glass roof, climate control, upgraded audio.
- Slam: 17-inch alloys, sports suspension, OnStar, premium trims.
These packages ensured even entry models felt equipped for modern needs.
Safety and Practicality Ratings
The Adam earned a four-star Euro NCAP rating, with standard features like ABS, stability control, and multiple airbags. Practicality focused on city use: five seats (though rear space was tight), 170-liter boot, and agile handling from its Corsa-based chassis.
While not ideal for long trips or large loads, it excelled in parking and zipping through traffic.
Production History and Legacy
Launched at the 2012 Paris Motor Show as an Opel Adam (Vauxhall in the UK), production ran from January 2013 to May 2019. No direct successor followed, as Vauxhall pivoted to SUVs. Its legacy endures as a customizable city icon, blending style, efficiency, and personalization.
Pros and Cons Overview
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional customization | Limited rear space |
| Strong fuel economy | Small boot (170L) |
| Fun 1.0 turbo engine | Base engines sluggish |
| Low running costs | Discontinued model |
| Agile city handling | Four-star safety |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What engines were available in the Vauxhall Adam?
Options included 1.2L (70bhp), 1.4L (86/99bhp), and 1.0L turbo (115bhp) petrol units.
How fuel-efficient is the Vauxhall Adam?
Combined MPG ranged from 45-60.1, best with the 1.0 turbo ecoFLEX.
What is the boot space in the Vauxhall Adam?
170 liters with seats up, suitable for city shopping.
Is the Vauxhall Adam still in production?
No, production ended in May 2019.
How many customization options did the Adam offer?
Over 61,000 exterior and 82,000 interior combinations.
What are the trim levels for the Vauxhall Adam?
Jam (entry), Glam (mid), and Slam (top-spec).
References
- Opel Adam – Wikipedia — Wikipedia. 2023-10-01. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opel_Adam
- Vauxhall Adam hatchback (2013-2019) — Carbuyer. 2023-05-15. https://www.carbuyer.co.uk/vauxhall/adam
- Vauxhall Adam 2019 Car Review — YouTube. 2019-01-20.
- Vauxhall ADAM Review: Specs, Performance & Running Costs — ChooseMyCar. 2024-02-10. https://choosemycar.com/resources/car-reviews/vauxhall/adam
- ADAM PRICE/SPECIFICATION GUIDE — Vauxhall (official PDF). 2016-01-01. https://www.vauxhall.co.uk/content/dam/vauxhall/Home/brochure-library/cars/adam/ADAM_Spec_PG_1_January_2016.pdf