What is it?
This is a cute little Opel Adam, only that’s it's not actually so cute. All the hot-hatch-like trinkets probably give it away, but Adam over here has had a fiery chili shoved up the tailpipe to create what some are referring to as a ‘warm’ hatchback.
Personally I think that’s a bit of a rude term. If you read my piece in last week’s paper on the Opel Corsa Sport you’ll know I’m a big fan of a toned down hot-hatch; something that is true to the roots of the segment. This looks to be more of that.
On the outside
The Adam S does more to show off it’s fiery underpinnings than the Corsa Sport. Deeper skirts and bumpers start us off, while a sneaky rear wing tops things off, literally. It looks suitably belligerent, like the spoilt teenager that might come to own one only with loads more charm. Eighteen inch alloys housing brakes from the Corsa OPC to round off the look.
On the inside
Big bucket seats dominate the space in the Adam, which honestly is already lacking. If you’re long in the leg, you’re unlikely to accommodate someone behind you as the driver, for example. Such is the extent of space dominated by the seats. That said, they are marvelous seats. Supportive, comfortable and look amazing. There are red bits all over the show and ‘S’ badges to remind you what car you bought aside from which you’ll find everything that a normal Adam might have.
Behind the wheel
The Adam S is powered by the same 1.4 litre turbocharged four pot as you’ll find in the Corsa Sport. Accordingly there are 110kW and 220 torques. It’s plenty in a car of this stature, but don’t come thinking you’ll be keeping up with Polo GTI’s light-to-light.
Aside, braking is impressive, the ride not bad considering the oversized rims, it’s grippy, chuckable and the six-speed manual gearshift sweet. Negatives? The electric steering is numb, like the Corsa Sport.
Pricing
At R330 000 it sure ain’t cheap. The closest competitor is probably something like the Fiat 500 Abarth, which hits pricelists at R355 000 odd. The Fiat has even more charm and street cred, but is less practical and not as well equipped.
Verdict
People might say the Adam S is a ‘warm’ hatch, but it certainly excites more than that. It’s funky looking so you’ll stand out in the crowd and has enough go to satisfy most needs. The Fiat might well win on overall lunacy, but the sensible choice is definitely the Adam.
