Introduction

As Vauxhall’s high-style answer to the Fiat 500, the Mini, the Audi A1 and the DS3, the Adam city car focuses on aesthetics and the many personalisation options rather than space, practicality and driving dynamics. Colour, design and the humorous names that identify them are the biggest parts of the Adam’s personality, but under the glitzy look are the underpinnings of the larger, previous-generation Vauxhall Corsa, suitably trimmed for its new role. There's an Adam Rocks version, too, with a faint dusting of faux-SUV.

Did you know? The Adam is the first mainstream Vauxhall to have a name that doesn’t end with an 'A' since the demise of the Cavalier

Verdict | Design | Interior | Technology | Performance | Safety | Specs | Running Costs | Pricing

Verdict: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ (6.1/10)

The Adam was built to steal sales from fashionable, high-style rivals and in that mission it has largely failed. It hasn’t captured the public’s imagination in the same way as, say, a Fiat 500 has, nor does it have an instantly-recognisable style or significantly cheaper prices than the Fiat. Because of these things, it’s easy to dismiss it without a test drive. However, on the road, the Adam is nimble, agile and, with more powerful engines, has a cheerfulness that makes it decent company. On the whole, though, despite Vauxhall's attempts to force coolness upon it, it’s just not as appealing as other options out there.