Opel/Vauxhall has officially unveiled it's latest subcompact hatchback and after a quick glance of the images, the Opel/Vauxhall Adam stands to be the best-looking city car from GM to date.
According to Opel in a press blurb, "unlike other rivals in the segment, ADAM bucks the trend for retro-based design with a fresh and bold look that will appeal to open-minded individuals who want to defy convention with a car that's distinctive and striking."
The design is modern, sleek and has just the right quirky Euro lines for distinction. One of the highlights of Adam's design is a visually disconnected greenhouse that is separated by a chrome frame and a contrasting color. Opel describes the element as a "floating roof." Another notable touches to the exterior include an industry first LED daytime running light option for an A-segment vehicle.
What's more, in order to attract the young "me-generation" of consumers, Opel/Vauxhall Vice President of Design Mark Adams boasts, "No other car in this segment can be individualiaed as much as ADAM because we are offering virtually unlimited exterior/interior colour, fabric and kit combination choices. It's very unlikely that you'll find two identical ADAMs out there."
Of course, we've seen minicar personalization options from Mini Cooper, Fiat 500, and Scion models before. All Opel/Vauxhall are saying is that its Adam will do it bigger and better.
Marketed as an upscale alternative in the mini car segment, the Adam also provides a number of luxurious amenities and electronic conveniences in its cabin. Featuring a center console with a 7-inch display for GPS navigation, the Adam will feature Bluetooth, iOS, and Android connectivity as well. A heated steering wheel was once offered exclusively to executive sedans but the Adam will change all that. Borrowing Rolls-Royce's dramatic starlight headliner, the Adam will feature a similar patterned LED array on its ceiling. 16, 17, and 18-inch sets of wheels are available.
From initial release, the Opel/Vauxhall Adam will be available three distinct trim levels: JAM, GLAM, and SLAM. JAM offers a fashionable and colorful presentation. GLAM chooses elegance and sophistication. Finally, SLAM is all about sportiness.
Engine options include a choice of three ecoFLEX four-cylinder gasoline engines. The smallest engine is the 1.2-liter option, producing 69 hp. A 1.4-liter engine comes with in 86-hp or in a 99-hp variant. The engines will feature a start/stop system to improve fuel efficiency and each engine will be mated to a five speed manual. In the future, a direct injection forced induction engine mated to a six-speed gearbox will be available as well. Even though the Opel/Vauxhall Adam is a Euro-centric product, a diesel engine is strangely omitted.
The Adam city car will be officially make its public world premiere at the upcoming 2012 Paris Auto Show before it begins to arrive in European showrooms beginning January 2013.
While the Opel/Vauxhall Adam will concentrate its efforts in the European market, that isn't to say the Adam wouldn't be successful in other markets as well. The curved "L" character line that sweeps to the power portion of the Adam is a signature element found in Opel designs including the Insignia, which is also sold as a Buick Regal in North America. Could the hip Opel Adam make an argument for the United States as a young man's Buick as well?
