Vauxhall Adam Jam 1.2i 16V VVT (70 PS)

What is it?

This is the entry level 1.2-litre version of the Adam, Vauxhall’s new designer city car, a model that’s seen as slotting in between the Fiat 500 and Mini One.

While the Fiat and Mini trade on their retro looks, Vauxhall has gone for something altogether more modern with the Vauxhall Adam whose primary aim is to change people’s perception of Vauxhall and inject something fun and funky into the market.

The Adam comes in three models:

• Jam (Fashionable/Colourful);
• Glam (Elegant/Sophisticated) and
• Slam (Racy/Sporty).

From there, the options/personalisations list is virtually unlimited – inside and out – and that’s another key part of the Adam’s appeal. Truly, no two cars may be the same.

Underneath, though, this is essentially a Corsa and at launch there are three petrol engines: 1.2 (70PS) and 1.4 (87PS and 100PS). All can be ordered with Stop/Start technology. We drove the 1.2 Jam with combined economy of 54.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of 124g/km, which improves to 56.5mpg and 118g/km with Stop/Start.

The 1.2 Jam has a company car tax banding of 15% for the 2012/13 tax year (or 14% with Stop/Start), although Vauxhall admits that company car sales are estimated at just 7% with 93% of Adams being retail sales.

Even so, does this Adam have what it takes to put the fashion frighteners on the Fiat 500 and Mini? 

What’s hot?

• The Adam comes with a bold and striking new image. The car unquestionably stands out in the street and says something new for Vauxhall
• High quality fit and finish, inside and out, with not an inch of grey plastic to be seen
• Classy look and feel to the cabin as a whole
  

  

• Phenomenal level of personalisation variations – through colours, wheels, trims, graphics etc. In fact, Vauxhall puts the total at over 4 billion…
•  Over 60,000 exterior combinations, 80,000 interior combinations…
• High level of standard equipment even in this base 1.2 Jam, including 16-in silver alloy wheels, air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, leather covered steering wheel, ABS brakes and DMB digital radio, trip computer
• Intellilink, a ‘smart’ all-in-one multi media system with smartphone link is another key £275 Adam option
• Advanced Park assist (a £475 option) is a first in the A-segment
• Printed headliners (choice of three) and interchangable wheel clips and dashboard foils again show how the Adam can be personalised, or changed, to suit
• On the road, the Adam is refined to drive, with a solid feel and low noise levels. UK-spec Adams also get a unique steering map for our roads
• £0 VED in first year, then £100 pa thereafter

What’s not?

• The Adam in this base 1.2 litre 70PS guise, is slow to pick up and lacks torque for quick overtaking. 0-62 mph takes a tardy 14.9 secs
• Handing is safe rather than exciting and ride quality on 16-inch rims is on the firm side
• Limited rear seat space and compact boot area
• No diesel option, nor is one planned. However, Vauxhall will introduce a three cylinder 1.0-litre petrol turbo next year
• Any transmission you like, so long as it’s a 5-speed manual
•  The sheer level of personalisation, with many different pack options also available, starts to gets complicated

Business Car Manager Verdict

When we first met the Vauxhall Adam (in early LHD form), we reckoned for the most part it had the ability to mix it with established class favourites like the Fiat 500 and BMW Mini.

Also, that the car’s classy cabin and sheer range of personalisation options would go some way to offsetting drawbacks like the limited rear space and lack of driving sparkle.

The Adam also fits the modern downsizing trend: buyers looking for a compact, stylish car with low CO2 to reduce their company car tax, but unwilling to sacrifice on features or sheer kerb appeal.

Fast forward to today and having driven a couple of UK spec Adams in and around London’s trendy Westfield, we’d say a lot of that still holds true. The Adam has the looks, out-there name and feature content to create a buzz, and all credit to Vauxhall for trying something new.

But we’d avoid this 1.2 version which lacks pep and go for one of the higher spec 1.4 Adams instead. Even then, the Adam will still likely be a relatively rare sight in the company car park, so if you don’t want to run with the crowd, that exclusivity will in itself will be an asset that some find attractive.

The Low Down…

…and what it costs