Adam S a class above
Pocket rocket puts fun into driving
IF OPEL was looking for a marketing line for the new Adam S, I’d suggest going with: “Guaranteed to bring a smile to your face”.
The new “pocket rocket” from the German manufacturer may not be the most practical car around, but who cares, because it is a lot of fun to drive.
Opel introduced the range-topping three-door hatch earlier this year, with only 50 units allocated to our market. I’m told some are still available, so if you have cash to burn and are after a compact, agile car with a performance-oriented personality, then this could just be the perfect fit.
Delivering 110kW and 220Nm from its turbocharged 1.4-litre Ecotec engine, and an unladen mass of 1 178kg, the “S” delivers output exceeding 74kW/litre. It shoots from a standing start to 100km/h in just 8.5 seconds and tops out at 210km/h. Fuel consumption is a claimed 5.9l/100km (good luck with achieving that!) with CO2 emissions of just 139g/km.
The short wheelbase and firm suspension ensure you’ll feel most bumps on the road, but that’s quickly forgotten when cornering like you’re on rails.
Designed with performance in mind, the S has been given some external styling features that set it apart from the rest of the range.
There’s a roof-coloured rear wing which adds 100 Newtons of rear downforce at speed, a deeper front spoiler which performs a similar role at the front and side skirts to control airflow under the car.
The 18-inch wheels have a distinctive five-spoke design with red brake callipers clearly visible.
For the first time in an Adam, the exhaust tip – in this instance a chromed, oval one – can be seen.
The sporty theme continues inside with a leather-wrapped gear lever knob, rubber-studded pedals, Recaro sport seats and a thick-rimmed steering wheel. The aptly titled “Red Your Engine” décor pack comes standard, which means red leather detailing for the gearknob, lower arc of the steering wheel, and the handbrake.
For more experienced drivers the electronic stability programme can be deactivated. Standard equipment is the same as found on the Adam Jam and includes climate control, power windows, cruise control, Advanced Park Assist, Side Blind Spot Alert, Intellilink and Siri Eyes Free.
● Adam S comes with a standard five years or 120 000km warranty, roadside assistance, and three years or 60 000km service plan. The vehicle sells for R330 000.