Opel has introduced the range-topping Adam S to South Africa, but with only 50 units allocated to our market.
The Adam S completes the Adam line-up, with the newcomer positioned to attract young buyers who seek a compact and agile car with an overtly performance-orientated personality.
With 110kW and 220Nm from its turbocharged 1.4-litre Ecotec engine, and an unladen mass of 1 178kg, the Adam S delivers specific output exceeding 74kW/litre.
The Adam S is available in three distinctive “Twisted” colour combos: Saturday White Fever, Shiny Rock and Red ‘n’ Roll.
The first two have contrasting red roof and pillars, while the latter has a slate grey upper section.
The 18-inch “Propeller” wheels have a distinctive five-spoke design, with red brake callipers clearly visible.
For the first time in an Adam, the exhaust tip – in this instance a chromed, oval one – can be readily seen.
“The Opel Adam S has been designed and engineered for people who want to enjoy a sporty driving experience in a car with a unique and individual look. To achieve this, Opel engineers came up with a powertrain that would give its best across a broad rev range.
“With the strong inherent torque characteristics and the use of a sixspeed gearbox, the driver will always enjoy instant response,” said Brian Olson, vice president: vehicle sales and marketing at GM South Africa.
Under the skin the Adam S boasts a stiffer front anti-roll bar and stiffer springs for improved driving dynamics.
In addition, Opel has upgraded the brakes to the same specification as the previous-generation Corsa OPC – this means front discs measuring 308mm in diameter, grabbed by callipers with increased pad area.
The Opel Adam S is said to reach 100km/h in 8.5 seconds and continue on to 210km/h. But it also impresses with great elasticity: it makes the transition from 80 to 120km/h in fifth gear in just 7.9 seconds, it is claimed.
For the ultimate in feel and feedback, the S allows the driver to deactivate the Electronic Stability Programme at the press of a button for even more spirited driving in, say, a circuit environment.
“The Adam S combines sporty details and styling accents with a range of real driver benefits to deliver an authentic performance driving experience. Not only does it look the part, but it’ll feel it too each and every time you get behind the wheel,” said Olson.
The “donor” package for the Adam S was the Adam Jam Xtreme, so the standard equipment list is expansive. This includes climate control, height and reach-adjustable steering column, power windows, cruise control and a split/foldable rear seat for added practicality.
Advanced Park Assist, Side Blind Spot Alert, Intellilink and Siri Eyes Free are just some of the features that position the Adam as South Africa’s most technologically-advanced small car – and they are all standard on the new S derivative.
“The Adam range brought a new level of sophistication and technology to the micro-hatch marketplace,” concluded Olson.
As part of Opel’s Complete Care package, Adam S comes with a standard five-year or 120 000km warranty, roadside assistance,and three years or 60 000km service plan.
The Opel Adam S has a price tag of R330 000.
Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.
