Vauxhall Adam review (2012-2019)
If you like to give your car a human name, this small Vauxhall already comes with one – Adam. Don’t worry, you can always rechristen it. The Adam comes with a range of customisation options and makes a good first-car alternative to the Fiat 500 and the Mini. Read our full Vauxhall Adam review below.
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Pros
- Lots of personalisation options
- Ideal for new drivers
- Great around town
Cons
- Divisive looks
- Loud on the motorway
Interior
Our rating: 6/10
Tech and features
If you think the Adam’s name is a little out there, just wait till you hear the trim levels those wacky marketers came up with when they were hanging out on their bean bags – Jam, Glam and Slam.
The good news is that even the entry-level Jam comes well equipped with features such as Bluetooth, a DAB digital radio and air-con fitted as standard.
Vauxhall also offered the Adam with an optional seven-inch ‘IntelliLink’ touchscreen infotainment system at an affordable price, so many customers took it up when the car was new.
If you find a car with it fitted, you can connect your smartphone and use its maps to navigate with.
It’s easy to access some of the phone's apps as well and, where fitted, use a button on the steering wheel to control the system by voice to make telephone calls and select music.
As with the outside, few Adams are the same inside thanks to the huge range of colour and trim options on offer.
There are more than a dozen different seat trims and a multitude of different dashboard colours.
Even the ceiling design comes in different styles, with choices such as a chequered design, autumn leaves, blue sky and even one with tiny LED lights twinkling down.
Whichever trim you choose, the Adam is very solidly put together, and the seats provide good comfort.
Performance
Our rating: 6/10
Handling and ride comfort
If you’re still having bad dreams about performing three-point turns in your recently passed driving test, or if parking brings you out in a cold sweat, the Vauxhall Adam makes for an excellent and reassuring choice of first car.
Its light steering takes the stress out of city driving, and although the ride can be a little on the firm side, the Adam is perfectly easy to drive on country roads too.
Of the petrol engines on offer, we recommend the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged unit.
It’s got a lively feel, sounds good and will get you from A to B with ease.
Practicality
Our rating: 6/10
While the Adam is obviously a small car, there’s a decent amount of space in the front seats.
Rear seats
Not surprisingly, the rear of the cabin is more cramped, although young children will be quite content back there.
Storage solutions
Although the Adam’s glovebox is a bit on the small side, there are plenty of other useful storage areas, with a shelf for your phone, cup holders for drinks and door bins large enough for water bottles.
Boot space
No one expects a big boot with a car like this, and while the Adam’s is indeed small, you should be able to get a couple of aircraft cabin-size suitcases in there.
Running costs
Our rating: 7/10
Insurance groups
Insurance won’t break your bank account as the Adam can be one of the most affordable cars to obtain cover for.
Fuel economy
Drive the 1.0-litre engine carefully and you could see up to 50mpg fuel economy, depending on the trim level (and how often you make short trips).
The verdict
Interior
6/10
Performance
6/10
Practicality
6/10
Running costs
7/10
The Vauxhall Adam is up against big city car and supermini players and is a worthy rival.
It’s a great choice for first-time buyers, and half the fun in the buying process is in looking at all the different and very colourful trim choices on offer.
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