I wrote about the Opel Adam a while back and its similarities to the Fiat 500. In my opinion, the Adam is a better looking vehicle on the inside and exterior. What the Opel Adam was missing all this time was a performance oriented model similar to the Fiat 500 Abarth. But Opel has no confirmed that the ‘Adam S’ will be making an official debut in ready-to-sell guise at the Paris Motor Show next month.
European buyers can start placing orders for the Opel Adam S this November and expect the keys to their new ride in early 2015. In the UK, Vauxhall will offer the very same model as well. The Adam S will feature an EcoTec1.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 148 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque which is delivered to the front wheels via a six-seed manual gearbox. Those are pretty similar numbers to the Fiat 500 Abarth which is rated at 150 hp and 170 peak torque.
According to Opel, the Adam S can finish the 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 8.5 seconds while capable of hitting speeds of well over 200km/h (124mph) – adding that the study could reach speeds as high as 220km/h (138mph). The 0-100km/h numbers are a bit disappointing considering the power and size of the vehicle. It should still be a fun little vehicle to drive though and its fuel economy is not bad returning 6.4L/100km (36.8mpg US).
With the increase in power, the Opel Adam S will feature a re-tuned chassis and includes larger OPS/VXR brakes to help the vehicle stop faster. They even painted the calipers red because a sporty model is not sporty until it has red or yellow calipers.
To differentiate the Adam S from a regular model, Opel has added an aerodynamics package which includes side skirts, changes to the front/rear bumpers, a roof spoiler, and optional 18-inch allow wheels wrapped in 225/35 tires. You can choose from ten different body paints and five roof combinations.
The interior will see minimal changes to the trim pieces while four different front seats are available such as Recaro Performance seats in nappa leather or Morrocana. No word on the pricing for the Opel Adam S but those figures will likely be available later this year. Overall, looks like a nice little performance-oriented car but the Ford Fiesta ST is still the king in this arena.
My current fiesta is a good car and i have owned an Opel before, i must admit, opels are always better and stronger built compared to fords. I might buy the new astra though it may be an import for me. If i can’s spare the cash, i will def go for the adam S.