7.11.2012 ADAM ready for UK launch in early 2013

The ADAM, Vauxhall’s A-segment newcomer, is due to be launched in the UK early in 2013.

The all-new three-door hatchback measures 3.70 metres in length and 1.72 metres in width, seats four people, and is Vauxhall’s first entrant into a segment which has grown by 30% since 2000.

The ADAM is initially offered with three petrol engines: 1.2-litre 70PS, 1.4-litre 87PS and 1.4-litre 100PS. All are mated to a five-speed manual transmission and can be specified with an ecoFLEX technology pack that further enhances their efficiency. The 1.4-litre units provide maximum torque of 130Nm at 4,000 rpm; the 100PS version accelerates from 0- 60mph in just 11.5 seconds and has a top speed of 115mph.

The ecoFLEX technology pack includes a Start-Stop system with a high-performance battery, heavy-duty starter, optimised generator and an ‘eco’ switch allowing its activation or de-activation; in addition, it also features an Eco Drive Assistant that monitors energy consumption and indicates when to shift up.

The Ecoflex’s 16" wheels and special low-rolling resistance tyres complete the package and help the ADAM achieve exceptional frugality in the combined cycle. The Vauxhall ADAM 1.2 ecoFLEX has fuel consumption of 56.5mpg with CO2 emissions of 118 g/km while both 1.4 ecoFLEX models consume 55.4mpg and have emissions of 119 g/km. While not class-leading with respect to low emissions, these models are at least in car tax band ‘C’, costing only £30 per year standard rate (£0 in first year).

Vauxhall is also developing a new generation small petrol engine that will premiere in the ADAM later in its life. This all-aluminum unit will feature direct injection, turbo-charging and Start-Stop technologies for further enhanced efficiency and performance. It will be combined with an all-new generation six-speed manual transmission.

One key debut for the ADAM is Advanced Park Assist II; never been seen before in a Vauxhall production car. Drivers engage the system with a button on the dashboard and it tells them when they reach a parking space large enough to accommodate the car. The system then automatically steers them into the parking space, with the driver only needing to control the brake, clutch and gears. APA II uses ultrasonic sensors to work its magic, and always comes in combination with Side Blind Spot Alert (SBSA).

Other innovation on-board the ADAM include ‘IntelliLink’, an all-new infotainment system which connects the owners smartphone (Apple iOS and Android) with the car making ADAM the best connected car on the market.

The IntelliLink infotainment system brings content from a smartphone onto the cars seven-inch, high resolution, full colour touch-screen display. Connectivity is provided via USB or Bluetooth for mass storage devices, including MP3 players, iPod, iPad, etc. The system, which is the first of its kind compatible with both Apple iOS and Andriod applications, enables personal playlists, photo galleries, phone books, other stored media and data to be accessed easily via the touch-screen in the car.

Targeting young and ‘young-at-heart’ car buyers, the ADAM is offered in three trim levels – JAM (fashionable/colourful) – GLAM (elegant/sophisticated) and SLAM (racy/sporty). Customisation option packs offer a choice of 12 body colours, 15 seat designs, 20 alloy wheel styles, three printed headliners and no less than 18 interior decor panels. Prices range from £11,255 (JAM 1.2-litre 70PS) up to £14,000 (SLAM 1.4-litre 100PS).

View models: Vauxhall ADAM