Vauxhall Adam Glam: 4 Engine Options And Urban Style

The Vauxhall Adam Glam stands out as a compelling choice in the competitive supermini segment, particularly for drivers prioritizing eye-catching design and personalization over outright performance. Launched as part of Vauxhall’s stylish city car lineup, the Glam trim elevates the base model with enhanced equipment levels, making it a practical yet fashionable option for urban environments. Its compact footprint, combined with bold aesthetics and a host of comfort features, positions it as an appealing daily driver for young professionals or style-conscious commuters.

Design and Customization: Making It Uniquely Yours

One of the Vauxhall Adam’s strongest suits is its vast array of customization possibilities, allowing owners to create a vehicle that truly reflects their personality. The Glam variant amplifies this with standard 16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, and chrome accents on door handles, windows, and sills. Over 15 exterior color options are available, enabling combinations that range from subtle pastels to vibrant hues, ensuring no two Adams need look alike.

Inside, the cabin impresses with a premium feel. A three-spoke leather steering wheel, red-illuminated dials, and chrome-ringed controls add a touch of sophistication. Ample storage compartments throughout the interior keep essentials organized, while the fixed panoramic glass roof with retractable sunshade floods the space with natural light, enhancing the airy atmosphere. This level of personalization and detailing sets the Adam apart from more utilitarian rivals.

Engine Lineup: Options for Every Need

The Adam Glam offers a selection of petrol engines suited to city use, though diesel options are absent. Entry-level power comes from a 1.2-litre unit producing 69bhp, achieving up to 56.5mpg with stop-start technology. Stepping up, the 1.4-litre engine is available in 86bhp or 99bhp guises, both returning around 51-55mpg. The standout recommendation is the efficient 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine, which balances peppy performance with respectable fuel economy, making it ideal for mixed urban and highway driving.

While these engines provide adequate low-speed responsiveness, higher-rev performance can feel strained, and the five-speed manual gearbox occasionally suffers from vague shifts. The added torque from the upcoming turbo three-pot promises to address some of these shortcomings.

Driving Experience: Agile in Town, Tested Elsewhere

In urban settings, the Adam Glam shines. Its short wheelbase and light, accurate steering make maneuvering through traffic and parking effortless. The compact dimensions—shorter than many rivals—facilitate tight turns and easy slotting into spaces. Ride quality is generally comfortable over city roads, with the standard chassis absorbing minor imperfections adeptly.

On faster roads, however, refinement wanes. Road noise intrudes noticeably, and the suspension can feel firm, particularly on models with larger 17- or 18-inch wheels equipped with the sports chassis. This setup introduces more body roll and unsettled handling over undulations, prioritizing style over supreme composure. Motorway journeys reveal further limitations, with wind and tire noise detracting from long-haul comfort. Despite this, mechanical grip is strong, resisting understeer unless provoked aggressively.

Interior Comfort and Practicality

Despite its diminutive exterior, the Adam’s interior feels surprisingly spacious up front. Supportive seats and a logical dashboard layout contribute to a grown-up ambiance. Rear seating accommodates adults for short trips, though legroom is tight—a common trait in this class. The 50/50 split-folding rear seats expand boot capacity from 170 litres to a more usable 663 litres, sufficient for weekend groceries or light shopping.

• Front space: Generous head and legroom for taller drivers.
• Rear access: Reasonable door openings, but limited knee space.
• Boot versatility: Fold-flat seats maximize load area.
• Storage solutions: Multiple cubbies, cup holders, and door pockets.

Standard kit on the Glam is generous: climate control, digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, and a trip computer. This equipment level rivals higher trims from competitors, offering excellent value.

Running Costs and Ownership

Affordability bolsters the Adam Glam’s appeal. Priced competitively, it undercuts many personalized rivals while delivering comparable features. Insurance groups are reasonable for the class, and service intervals are straightforward. Fuel efficiency, especially with the 1.0 turbo, keeps running costs manageable, though not class-leading. Road tax remains low due to modest CO2 emissions.

Resale values hold steadily for well-maintained examples, aided by the model’s distinctive looks and broad trim range (Jam, Glam, Slam). Reliability is typical for Vauxhall, with few major issues reported in used models from 2012-2019.

Safety and Tech Features

Safety equipment includes multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and hill-start assist. Euro NCAP awarded the Adam four stars, reflecting solid but not exemplary protection. Infotainment is user-friendly, with a clear display supporting smartphone integration. Optional packs add navigation and advanced driver aids, though base tech suffices for most.

Who Is It For? Pros and Cons

Ideal for: City dwellers seeking a fun, customizable runabout with premium touches.

Not for: Long-distance cruisers needing top refinement or outright speed.

• Pros: Stunning personalization, generous equipment, easy urban handling, comfortable city ride.
• Cons: Noisy on motorways, firm suspension on larger wheels, limited boot space, dated engine feel.

Trim Comparison: Jam vs Glam vs Slam

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Vauxhall Adam Glam fuel-efficient?

Yes, models with stop-start achieve 51-56mpg, with the 1.0 turbo offering the best balance.

How practical is the boot?

170 litres standard expands to 663 litres with seats folded—adequate for city use.

What’s the best engine choice?

The 1.0-litre turbo for its efficiency and performance blend.

Is it safe?

Four-star Euro NCAP rating with standard stability control and airbags.

Good used buy?

Yes, stylish design and kit make it desirable on the second-hand market.

Final Verdict

The Vauxhall Adam Glam excels as a personality-packed city car, where its customization, equipment, and maneuverability take center stage. While highway refinement and engine vibrancy lag, it delivers joy in everyday scenarios. For those valuing style over speed, it’s a worthy contender.