Adam rocks to its own beat (VIDEO)

Opel has added a limited edition derivative of the Opel Adam to its SA line-up: the Adam Rocks.

Inspired by parkour sports, the Adam Rocks is about self-expression and combines the resilience and agility of a mini-CUV (Cross Utility Vehicle) with the freedom of open air driving.

The uniquely charismatic Adam Rocks, with its tougher and more masculine appearance, is a city-sized, rural friendly all-rounder that inspires a whole new breed of urban adventurers.

The Adam Rocks expands on the Adam’s persona, with added details such as a swing top canvas roof, increased ride height, chunky cladding around the wheel arches and along the sills and front and rear skid plates.

On one hand, it’s a micro-crossover and on the other a free-spirited baby convertible. The city chic meets country style is apparent on the inside too, with a high-end sound system, comprehensive infotainment system and the ability to customise the cabin to satisfy individual tastes.

Aimed at trend orientated urban adventurers, the Adam Rocks offers all the features and accessories of the range topping Adam Glam, with added features and design cues.

“The award-winning Adam has been a big hit with South African consumers since we launched it almost a year ago, averaging sales in excess of 120 units a month. It created a highly viable niche and the Rocks builds on that. The concept of the Adam required a new set of rules – its own rules – and the Rocks has added a chapter by writing some new ones. The result is a vehicle which we expect to appeal to young trendse ers who cherish their individuality and creativity,” said Brian Olson, vice-president of vehicle sales service and marketing at GM sub-Saharan Africa.

The tried and tested McPherson strut front and torsion bar rear suspension systems have firmly established Adam as one of the best handling small cars on the road. Redeveloped, and raised by 15mm, they form the basis of the excellent driveability and road holding of the new Adam Rocks.

As well as an endearing off -beat thrum, Opel’s three-cylinder one litre turbo Ecotec engine gives more than enough forward thrust, whether you’re making a rapid lane change, cruising from one province to another or tackling a dusty track to your favourite hiking spot.

The same power plant as fitted to other Adam and Corsa models – it is a proud example of Opel’s engine-building prowess.

Lightweight it may be, but it outperforms many four-cylinder engines of larger capacity. With impressive headline numbers of 85kW and 170Nm, the engine is said to consume just 5.0 litres/100km and emissions are a low 115g/km – meeting the highest (Euro 6) emission standards.

With a six-speed manual box, drivers have the right gear for every condition and occasion from the super-light 37kg transmission.

When it comes to traditional safety features, there’s a full-house of six airbags – the passenger facing one easily deactivated – plus ISOFIX child seat anchorage, dual seatbelt pretensioners and of course stability control (ESP).

The Adam in fact boasts ESP Plus, the latest development on a technology which has proven accident-reducing ability. LED daytime running lights are fitted. The all-disc braking system is assisted by ABS and EBD.

And crossing the divide from mere convenience to driver safety are features like rain sensing wipers, headlights – which activate automatically as the ambient light reduces – hill start assist, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Moving the Adam into the realm of features only normally associated with cars with seven-figure price tags is APA2 – Advanced Park Assist. Also standard is Side Blind Spot Alert, or SBSA.

The Rocks also features Siri Eyes Free, a unique-in-class feature that integrates the Intellilink system with later-generation iPhones and iPads via a USB cable. It activates Apple’s voice control so you can ask Siri about the weather, where the next fuel station is and remind her to remind you to pay the electricity bill.

As part of Opel’s complete care package Adam Rocks comes with a standard five years or 120 000km warranty, roadside assistance and three years or 60 000km service plan.

Pricing for the Adam Rocks 1.0T ecoFlex is R273 400.