Car Review (Launch Report): Opel Adam S
While attending the launch of the new Opel Adam S last Friday, we got to take this unique car out onto the racetrack and really see what it could do!
Engine Specs
First let’s take a look at what the Opel Adam S is packing. Under the hood is a 1.4-litre Ecotec turbopetrol engine, with an output of 110kW and 220Nm of torque. That’s not all though, thanks to the dual-cam phasing, allowing for continuous variable valve timing, as well as turbo housing built into the exhaust manifold – energy losses are minimised at every stage, resulting in a very responsive driving experience.
Weighing in at only 1178 kg, it has weight to power ratio of 93kW per ton. Allowing it to go from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 210km/h.
Fuel consumption is quoted to be 5.9-litres/100km, although I doubt anyone outside of lab conditions could reproduce that consistently.
Features
As with the other Adam variants, the Opel Adam S comes in three unique colour schemes. White with red roof and pillars, metallic silver with red roof and pillars and red with slate grey pillars and roof. The Opel Adam S is also fitted with a complete aero kit, which isn’t just there to look pretty – it generates up to 100kg of downforce when driving at high speeds.
The Opel Adam S variant is based off the Adam Jam Xtreme, so it shares many of the same features. Some of these standard features include:
- Climate control
- Cruise control
- Power windows
- Height and reach adjustable steering column
- Rear parking sensors
- Blind spot alert
- Intellilink and Siri Eyes Free
Where the Opel Adam S differentiates itself from previous models, is that it features high-back Recaro sports seats, trimmed in a moroccana and fabric mix. The slots for racing harness are already in place! It also features rubber-studded pedals and a thick-rimmed steering wheel.
The Opel Adam S also allows one to completely deactivate the electronic stability programme, to play with on track day. Deactivating this is only advisable if you know exactly what you’re doing!
Car Review
Overall, the Opel Adam S is a very nice little car. It handles well, has all the extras that you would want and it looks great. Taking it around the racetrack, you can really feel the responsiveness of the engine and how well it stays on the road.
From the actual driving experience I have nothing bad to say at all – it was a pleasure to drive. In terms of if I would ever buy it or not, unfortunately I’d probably have to say no.
I just struggle to see where it fits into the market. In terms of passenger space, while it does technically have four seats, not many adults could actually sit in the back seats. I don’t even think many children would fit comfortably. The two front seats are spacious though and certainly are comfortable.
I guess the Opel Adam S could be seen as an alternative to the likes of the Mini, if someone was looking for something slightly different. It is slightly cheaper – coming in at R330 000, but that’s no small change. And while it may be cheaper, the Mini does have four seats that most adults could actually sit in.
I must say I really do like the colour schemes that the Opel Adam S features, they look a lot nicer to me than the previous versions of the Adam. Especially the white and red!