The Opel of Adam's Eye

What we like:

Fun to drive

oddball quirky looks that actually is beautiful

quality fit and finish

What we dislike:

Lazy 1.4 engine

no armrest

For Singapore, Opel provides a naturally aspirated 1.4 engine, mated to a 5-speed automated-manual. As some of you might know, I love these transmissions, and hence the car is really a fun drive. Gear changes are decently smooth, provided you do lift off the throttle between first and second. I would have preferred to have the 1.0 three-cylinder turbo which the bigger Astra comes equipped with. I might add that it is hard to find a European car these days with a naturally aspirated engine, as most come with some form of forced induction. Fuel consumption gives a decent combined figure of 16.4km/L. Century sprint timing on the Adam is a leisurely 13.9 seconds, and the 85bhp engine doesn’t like to be rushed. But once on the highway, you can feel that the car loves to cruise and the drive is comfortable.

Handling is sharp with a bit of suspension travel. The (very) short wheelbase of 2311mm with very minimal front and rear overhangs and with a width of 1720mm, ensure that the car is well planted round the corners, with minimal roll for a car set for comfort. At 1045kg, the car is light, and takes changing direction round corners well. Opel has kept the weight down by not having a spare, but in place, a tyre repair kit.

Wet weather handling (I had a chance to drive through a heavy downpour) is well sorted out, with the chassis transmitting enough information from the road to the steering wheel. Brakes are a front disc, rear drum setup, which work well, even under hard braking.

With the variable-weighted steering, the car is easy to park, and there is even a “City Mode” for drivers who may like more assisted steering in tight spaces.

What I find entertaining though is how the car does turn heads whenever I’m at the lights. The quality of the build is very impressive on the Adam, and could even match some bigger and more expensive cars. While the engine is sufficient, it would have been even sweeter with their new 1.0 turbo. How it handles, how it looks and the rewarding ride quality, is what really sets this car apart. If you are looking for a small hatch with enough quirks mixed in with good looks to make you smile, the Adam is seriously one for good and serious fun!

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