A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
4.2
Running Costs
4.1
Practicality
3.5
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a small car with bags of personality and customisation options? The Vauxhall ADAM might be exactly what you’re after. This stylish city car was designed to compete with premium rivals like the Mini Hatch and Fiat 500, offering a more upmarket feel than traditional budget options. The ADAM stands out with its distinctive design, extensive personalisation choices, and surprisingly refined interior quality for a Vauxhall.
While it may not have the heritage of some competitors, the ADAM delivers where it counts for urban drivers. The compact dimensions make parking a breeze, while the elevated driving position gives you a commanding view of the road ahead. Inside, you’ll find better materials and build quality than you might expect, plus plenty of modern technology to keep you connected. The range of petrol engines provides adequate performance for city driving, though this isn’t a car built for motorway sprints.
What makes the ADAM particularly appealing is its value proposition compared to premium alternatives. You get much of the style and personalisation of more expensive rivals, but with lower running costs and more affordable servicing. Whether you’re a young professional wanting something distinctive or simply need a reliable urban runabout with character, the ADAM offers an interesting alternative to the usual small car choices. With flexible finance options available, it’s more accessible than you might think.
What's the Vauxhall ADAM Like to Drive?
The Vauxhall ADAM offers a choice of efficient petrol engines that prioritise economy over outright performance. The entry level 1.2 litre naturally aspirated engine produces 70 horsepower and is adequate for city driving, though it can feel sluggish on motorways. The more popular 1.4 litre unit with 87 horsepower provides better all round performance, offering decent acceleration for overtaking and merging. For those wanting more excitement, the turbocharged 1.0 litre three cylinder engine delivers 115 horsepower and transforms the driving experience completely.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.2L 4-cylinder / 1.4L 4-cylinder / 1.0L 3-cylinder Turbo
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Power Output
70 - 115 bhp
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0-60 mph
13.9 - 9.9 seconds
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MPG Combined
45 - 58 mpg
- Boot Space
- 170 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★☆ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Vauxhall ADAM: Comfort & Features
Step inside the ADAM and you’re greeted by one of the most distinctive interiors in the small car class. The dashboard features flowing, organic shapes with high quality materials and attention to detail that feels premium. Soft touch plastics dominate the upper surfaces, while the seats are supportive and comfortable even on longer journeys. The driving position is excellent, with plenty of adjustment to help drivers of all sizes find their ideal setup.
A genuinely charming city car. The ADAM’s quirky styling and surprisingly robust feel offer a refreshing alternative in a crowded segment, prioritizing personality over outright practicality.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Vauxhall ADAM?
The ADAM scores well when it comes to running costs, making it an attractive proposition for budget conscious buyers. Fuel economy is a particular strength, with the smaller engines capable of achieving over 50 mpg in real world driving conditions. The 1.0 litre turbo engine offers the best balance of performance and efficiency, delivering both adequate power and excellent fuel consumption. Insurance groups are reasonable, typically ranging from group 8 to 15 depending on the engine choice.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Vauxhall ADAM
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Ford Fiesta
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Seat Ibiza
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| Starting Price | £13,000 | £16,000 | £15,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.0L Turbo 115hp | 1.0L EcoBoost 100hp | 1.0L TSI 95hp |
| Power | 115 bhp | 100 bhp | 95 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 9.9 seconds | 10.5 seconds | 11.2 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 55 mpg | 53 mpg | 52 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 170 litres | 292 litres | 355 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Unique styling, Extensive customisation, Premium interior | Excellent handling, Practical space, Proven reliability | Great value, Spacious cabin, Advanced tech |
Vauxhall ADAM Practicality & Boot Space
The ADAM’s biggest compromise comes in the practicality department, where its stylish design takes priority over maximum space efficiency. The 170 litre boot is one of the smallest in the class, suitable for a weekly shop but challenging when you need to carry larger items. The rear seats fold down to expand cargo space, but the opening is quite narrow which limits what you can actually fit through it.
I absolutely love my ADAM. It’s so stylish and feels much more expensive than it actually was. The handling is fantastic around town and the interior always gets compliments. My only complaint is the tiny boot space, but I knew that when I bought it.
The Vauxhall ADAM carved out its own niche in the competitive small car market by prioritising style, personality, and customisation over pure practicality. It successfully delivers a premium feeling experience at an accessible price point, with build quality and interior design that punches well above its weight. The engaging handling and efficient engines make it genuinely enjoyable to drive on a daily basis.