Stop for a moment and really ask yourself when is the last time you saw an amazing small Opel/Vauxhall. Exactly – there's never been such a thing! Except now there is, thanks to the debut of the new Adam S at the Paris Motor Show, which we witnessed first-hand.
The basic Adam was always sportier and tougher looking than the Fiat 500, its main rival. It was thus kind of a no-brainer to turn it into a hot hatch of sorts. To do that, Opel has stuck a 1.4-liter turbo under the bonnet, making a respectable 150 PS. That's 50% more power than any standard Adam with a 1.4.
Despite the extra punch under the bonnet, the Adam S takes a leisurely 8.5 second stroll to its first 100 km/h. But the numbers don't tell the whole story. Ahead of the Paris debut, Opel released the a video showing the Adam S in action and we have to say it's every bit a dream car.
The OPC division has lent the Adam its full expertise. As you'd expect, this has resulted in lower suspension and a better braking system. The styling has obviously been updated as well, which is what people expect to see from this type of car. The Adam S looks butch, but trendy and fashionable at the same time, thanks to its Red n' Roll roof design and big twin-color 18-inch wheels. The engine itself isn't tuned by OPC, but if you want something to brag about to your mates, just tell them the 1.4 features a turbo integrated into the exhaust manifold and dual-cam phasing for the variable valve timing.
Getting to know the Adam S from up close, we got to fall in love with the interior, which features supportive and sporty Recaro seats. There's nothing quite like having Porsche-like buckets covered in leather on a small car like this. The red accents on the steering wheel, gear shifter and handbrake are brilliant, but we're not so sure about the checkered roof. Best leave that option alone!
Our say: If Buick ever decides to get a small car for young American buyers, this has to be it. It's so much more masculine than a Fiat.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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