Opel back with a bang
Opel Adam embodies precision German engineering
“HELLO Baarbie,” boomed the American-sounding voice at the launch of the Opel Adam in Cape Town last week. Taken aback at first by this tall chap, hand outstretched wearing a baseball cap back to front, jeans, takkies and T-shirt, it took a few seconds to sink in that this was Mario Spangenberg, president and managing director of General Motors South Africa welcoming me to the unveiling of GM’s biggest, and most important, event in years.
The super-chic Adam is the forerunner of an exciting line-up of Opel products that shatters the mould of the rather staid brand that seemed to have lost its way a few years back.
GM was, even at one stage, on the verge of cutting ties with the failing German manufacturer. But boy, are they back with an almighty bang! Expect to see the Karl, Mokka and other Opel products in the near future which will change perceptions of a middle-of-the-road line-up of vehicles.
When it arrives at Opel dealerships in January, the Opel Adam will represent the first of several new-generation Opel vehicles destined for South Africa. Developed as part of the brand’s resurgent product and technological onslaught, the Adam shows off Opel’s new design direction bolstered by a multitude of personalisation options.
Opel’s entry into the luxury mini segment is set to shake up the market with a comprehensive offering of standard safety equipment, infotainment and convenience features usually reserved for more premium-priced vehicles.
Buyers will have a choice of three models: Adam, Adam Jam and the range-topping Adam Glam. Each of the model lines offers a comprehensive choice of factory-fitted customisation options, dealer-fitted accessories and exterior paint colours. The entry-level Adam features a naturally-aspirated 1.4-litre Ecotec four-cylinder unit with 74kW and 130Nm of torque, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.
This engine, with a combined fuel consumption figure of 5.3-litres per 100km and carbon emissions of 125g/km, allows for a top speed of 185km/h and a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 11.5 seconds.
The Adam Jam and Adam Glam are both fitted with Opel’s latest-generation 1.0-litre turbocharged ecoFlex three-cylinder engine boasting state-of-the-art technology to offer unrivalled performance and fuel efficiency.
At a readily-available 85kW and 170Nm of torque, the 1.0-litre ecoFlex turbo engine is mated to Opel’s latest six-speed manual gearbox.
The engine features a combined fuel consumption figure of just 5.1 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of just 119g/km. Top speed is 196km/h with acceleration from 0-100km/h in 9.9 seconds. We only had the opportunity of driving the three-cylinder turbo ecoFlex model, but what an exhilarating one it was. Handling and road holding was very good for a small vehicle of this size. Rear seating was minimal and should only be used by small children. Boot space will accommodate two crates of beer and maybe a bottle or two of Jack, but that’s all! Prices are not yet available but GM says it will range between R200 000 and R250 000 – expensive – but there will be plenty of funky junkies lining up to buy this winner.