Vauxhall Adam Grand Slam: Review

Is there really a PH-worthy car in the Vauxhall Adam? To Route Napoleon to find out!

How many elephants can you fit in a car? In the case of the Vauxhall Adam Grand Slam, quite a few is the answer as Vauxhall only really acknowledges one real rival for its new warm hatch.

Silly name still, but the drive is better

This is the Abarth 1.4 T-Jet 595 Turismo, but the other obvious pachyderms come in the shape of the Ford Fiesta ST and MINI Cooper, so the sort of company Vauxhall's new warm hatch is keeping is no laughing matter. However, before anyone starts chortling about the Adam being outgunned, let's have a look.

Under the bonnet is a reworked version of Vauxhall's turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine that now delivers 150hp, which is 10hp more than it delivers in other applications. It sees the Adam Grand Slam from 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds and on to 124mph, so it's clearly not going to harry the Fiesta or Abarth off the line.

Any argument about the Adam balancing this out with superior economy and emissions is soon shot down like a poacher after ivory. The Grand Slam turns in an average of 47.9mpg and 139g/km of CO2, both of which are either matched or bettered by the Fiesta and MINI.

For fun rather than fast

Oh dear, it's not looking good for the Adam, then. Yet, when you get behind the wheel and steer it down a twisty road, the Route Napoleon just as an example, the Adam Grand Slam really comes alive. It possesses that rare quality of having just enough power and no more, so you can use every last ounce.

This is where the fun lies in using the Grand Slam as you can wring the engine to get the last drop of performance without worrying about overstepping the mark. Naturally, there is ESP to guard against crossing that line, but it's easily switched off to make the Adam even more engaging as this allows the driver to let the rear end come into play with some lift-off oversteer to tighten a line or just have fun. It's no modern day Peugeot 205 GTI or Citroen Saxo VTS, but it's still huge fun with help from front suspension that's 12 per cent firmer than a standard Adam's.

The Adam is further aided by steering feel unaffected by the electric assistance and brakes borrowed from the previous generation of Corsa VXR to give strong retardation. Together, it means the Adam can be turned into corners with complete confidence, while the standard 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/35 tyres hang on gamely. When they do yield their grip, it's progressive and easily sorted with a gentle lift of the throttle.

Ride is decent despite chunky 18-inch rims

Despite those sizeable wheels, the Grand Slam rides well in town and the engine is refined when trundling in the city or on the motorway. However, like the handling, the engine is at its best when being worked hard. Maximum power is provided between 4,900 and 5,500rpm and this is where the 1.4 turbo thrives as you swap between gears in the short throw six-speed 'box. It also gives a pleasingly natural noise unlike the synthesised induction and exhaust notes of many nowadays.

The interior is as pleasant as other Adams with a few subtle sporting enhancements. Sadly, the VXR Recaro seats with leather upholstery are a £1,610 option, which further pushes up the price.

Herein lies the real elephant in the room with the Adam Grand Slam: it's just too expensive at £16,995. If it were £2,000 cheaper it would occupy a warm hatch niche with few rivals. As it stands, it's an entertaining but pricey addition to the Vauxhall range.

VAUXHALL ADAM GRAND SLAM
Engine: 1,364cc 4-cyl turbo
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 150@4,900-5,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 162@4,500rpm
0-62mph: 8.5 seconds
Top speed: 124mph
MPG: 47.9 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 139g/km
Price: £16,995