After months and month of speculation and leaked images
Vauxhall have finally taken the wraps off their eagerly anticipated ADAM
compact hatchback.
The ADAM is a rival for the retro Fiat 500 and MINI as well
as Citroen’s runaway success the DS3. It’s been designed to appeal to the image
conscious with its blend of “classy,
sophisticated and glamorous” styling with over a million different
personalisation combinations – Vauxhall point out that it is the most ever seen
on a production car. It is also highlighted that the ADAM “bucks the trend for retro-based designs with a fresh and bold look”
Inside the ADAM continues the trend set by competitors in
offering an interior of much improved quality and design flair over previous
small cars. As with the exterior there are vast colour choices along with the
latest Android/Apple compatible infotainment system enabling installation of
internet applications and Bluetooth functionality. Optional extras are expected
to be plentiful with a number of class-firsts including LED daytime running
lights and a heated steering wheel. There will be three amusingly named trim
levels JAM (fashionable/colourful), GLAM (elegant/sophisticated) and SLAM
(racy/sport).
At 3.7 meters in length and 1.72 meters in height the Adam is
similar in size to Fiat’s 500 but wide tracks and a 2311mm wheelbase promise a
roomy cabin and sporty drive. Engine options will initially be limited to three
petrol units -a 1.2 litre, 70ps plus two 1.4 litre engine with 87ps and 100ps.
These will be mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox with optional Start/Stop
technology available across the range. Later on the engine range will increase
with the addition of a new-generation small capacity petrol engine with direct
injection and forced induction, this will be mated to an all-new 6-speed manual
gearbox.
Unsurprisingly the ADAM is based on a shorted Corsa platform
which results in a conventional MacPherson strut front arrangement and compound
crank system at the rear. Wheel sizes will range from 16” to 18” with lowered
sports suspension standard on both 17” and 18” wheel combinations. A CITY mode –
a first for Vauxhall- will be fitted to all models which varies the electronic
assistance to the steering as seen on recent Fiat models.
The new ADAM will premiere at the Paris Motor Show in
September with first cars reaching UK customers in January 2013.
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