Wednesday 11th July 2012

Vauxhall Adam officially revealed

Silly name and silly trims for what might actually be a sensible car. Would you Adam and Eve it, etc etc...

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It's the car you've all been waiting for, and Vauxhall/Opel is so excited about it they felt the need for an all upper-case name. So here they are: the first official pics and spec of the ADAM city car.

And although it is tempting to take the pee out of such a silly name and RANDOM use of block CAPS (in fact it's impossible not to), this is a significant car for Vauxhall.

So let's get the sensible stuff out of the way first. The city car class (or A-segment) is awash with retro design, so it's genuinely refreshing to see that the ADAM is unashamedly modern and different (if a little bit 'grinny' around the nose).

It's also good to see Vauxhall making the right noises about 'customisability'. Mini and, to a lesser extent, Fiat with the 500 have made hay by providing a multitude of option combinations, and Vauxhall is proud to point out that the ADAM can be had in a million different combinations of trim and equipment.

Eventually, the ADAM will also be the first Vauxhall to get an all-new direct-injection, forced induction engine (possibly a three-cylinder item) and six-speed gearbox, though launch cars will be five-speed with older engine designs.

And now the silly stuff. There are three basic trim levels for the ADAM: the JAM, the GLAM and the SLAM. We joke not. With the Jam (can't keep those block caps up, they're too irritating) you get the 'funky side of Adam'. The Glam, on the other hand, is 'sleek and elegant' with 'luxurious colours and chic fabrics'. Then there's the Slam, which has 'attitude and energy', 'vivid colours' and a 'racing steering wheel'.

All of which sounds lovely, if a little over-wrought. But tell us this: could you really see yourself driving around in something called an ADAM JAM? Guess we'll find out who answers yes to that question when the car goes on sale in January 2013...

[kayzee]

Oh my, I actually really like it!

Different... quirky...

(awaits VXR version)

[anonymous-user]

Not bad looking really, does ADAM stand for anything?

[Numeric]

I presume ADAM is a reflection of Adam Opel AG which was the German company name for a long time. Adam Opel being the founder.

Really daft that the GM branding machine didn't change it for UK

[OffdutyRockstar]

In a sector dominated by retro styling... the Citroen DS3 was first at being unashamedly modern... and better looking than this!

[Turbobanana]

Suppose it's no worse than Audi insisting on lower case for quattro...

[Numeric]

Actually it does more than just annoy me - GRRRRRR....... and all because they have a unified model naming structure that the grad trainees in Luton are too terrified to challenge...... grrrrr!!!!

And I like the look of the car :-)

Edited by Numeric on Wednesday 11th July 12:06

[David87]

I quite like it. Oddly, the front reminds me of the Porsche Cayenne.

[Stew2000]

It looks like a Fiat Bravo. and many other cars.

[Beefmeister]

Adam is shocked at how ugly its own steering wheel is:



Also, Sniff Petrol gets it spot on once again!

http://sniffpetrol.com/2012/07/11/vauxadamrevealed...

[cjgreaves41]

ADAM JAM..... What were they thinking? Dont think Fiat bosses will be too worried about 500 sales on reading this...

[beetroute]

So the rag-top variant will presumably be the PRAM ?

[300bhp/ton]

I actually think it looks great. Don't even mind the trim names as I can see how they'd appeal to a certain age/stereotype.

But the name??? FFS would any heterosexual male seriously buy a car called Adam? You'd have to be mental, then again you'd have to be mental to actually authorise such a name for the UK market

[Bodo]

it's a FIAT 500 with some details changed.

[joakimanden]

Well, the car looks great I think. But the name... it sounds a bit lame and geeky.Was that all they could muster given the looks of the car?

[Pistonwot]

PSBuckshot said:

Not bad looking really, does ADAM stand for anything?

Another Dumb Ass Motor

[DanDC5]

Stupid name but a good looking car. I quite like it, and being a Vauxhall it'll be dirt cheap.

[pwrc]

vauxhall A1dam

[Colt91]

'Would you Adam and Eve it' = Would you 'leave it'

[kambites]

I thought "Adam and Eve" was rhyming slang for "believe" not "leave"?

[Bill Carr]

Driving my ADAM JAM, listening to Pearl Jam. Eating ham...