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
3.8/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.5
Comfort & Interior
4
Running Costs
3.8
Practicality
3.2
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 personality and style? The Vauxhall Adam might be exactly what you need. This trendy city car was designed to stand out from the crowd, offering extensive personalisation options and youthful styling in a compact package. It’s the car for people who want something different from the usual small hatchback formula.
From the moment you see it, the Adam makes a statement. Its bold styling and customisable exterior give it a distinctive presence that rivals like the Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo simply can’t match. The interior follows the same philosophy with colourful trim options and modern technology. You get the sense that Vauxhall really tried to create something special for younger buyers who value style over pure practicality.
Driving the Adam is a surprisingly engaging experience. The steering is direct and the chassis feels well balanced, making it fun to drive around town and on country roads. It’s not the most refined small car on the market, and the ride can feel firm over rough surfaces. While it may not offer the best value proposition in its class, the Adam delivers character and individuality that you simply won’t find elsewhere. For buyers who prioritise style and personalisation, it offers something genuinely different.
What's the Vauxhall Adam Like to Drive?
The Vauxhall Adam offers a range of petrol engines designed for city driving and everyday use. The entry level 1.2 litre naturally aspirated engine produces around 70 horsepower and is adequate for urban driving but feels underpowered on motorways. The sweet spot is the 1.0 litre three cylinder turbo engine with 115 horsepower, which provides much better acceleration and flexibility. For those wanting more excitement, the Adam S variant offers a 1.4 litre turbo with 150 horsepower that transforms the car’s character completely.
Where the Adam really impresses is in its handling and agility. The steering is precise and well weighted, giving you confidence when navigating tight city streets or winding country lanes. The suspension setup is on the firm side, which helps with body control but can make the ride feel choppy over poor road surfaces. The compact dimensions and responsive controls make it an enjoyable small hatchback to drive, even if it’s not the most refined option available. You get genuine driving enjoyment from this characterful city car.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.2L 4-cylinder / 1.0L 3-cylinder Turbo / 1.4L Turbo
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Power Output
70 - 150 bhp
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0-60 mph
13.5 - 8.9 seconds
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MPG Combined
42 - 58 mpg
- Boot Space
- 170 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★☆ (Euro NCAP)
How Comfortable Is the Vauxhall Adam?
Step inside the Adam and you’re greeted by one of the most colourful and customisable interiors in the small car class. The dashboard design is modern and youthful, with the option to choose from various colour schemes and trim materials. The infotainment system includes a seven inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, though the interface can feel slow compared to more modern systems. The materials used feel solid for the price point, though some hard plastics are evident in less visible areas.
The front seats offer good support and comfort for shorter journeys, though taller drivers might find the driving position slightly cramped. The cabin is reasonably quiet at city speeds but road and wind noise become more noticeable on faster roads. Climate control is available on higher specification models, along with heated seats and other comfort features. The Adam’s interior is all about personalisation and style rather than outright luxury, but it succeeds in creating a unique and appealing environment that younger buyers will love.
The Vauxhall Adam succeeds in bringing personality and style to the small car market in a way that few rivals match. Its extensive personalisation options, distinctive styling, and engaging driving experience make it stand out from more conventional competitors. The interior design is creative and youthful, while the range of engines offers something for everyone from economy focused buyers to those wanting genuine performance.
Is the Vauxhall Adam Expensive to Run?
The Vauxhall Adam delivers reasonable running costs for a petrol powered small car. The most efficient engines can achieve between 50 to 58 MPG in real world driving, helping to keep fuel bills manageable. Insurance groups range from 8 to 18 depending on the engine and specification level, which is competitive for the class. The turbo engines offer the best balance of performance and economy, making them the smart choice for most buyers.
Purchase prices for used Adams have become very attractive, with good examples available from around £6,000 to £12,000 depending on age and mileage. This represents excellent value considering the car’s unique styling and personalisation options. Servicing costs are reasonable through Vauxhall dealers, though independent specialists can offer savings. With flexible car finance options available, the Adam becomes an accessible choice for buyers wanting something different from the usual small car offerings.
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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Hyundai i20
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £8,000 | £7,500 | £8,500 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.0L Turbo 115hp | 1.0L EcoBoost 100hp | 1.2L 84hp |
| Power | 115 bhp | 100 bhp | 84 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 9.9 seconds | 11.2 seconds | 12.3 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 54 mpg | 56 mpg | 52 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 170 litres | 292 litres | 262 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Extensive customisation, Stylish design, Fun handling | Excellent to drive, Practical, Reliable | Generous warranty, Good value, Spacious interior |
Vauxhall Adam Practicality & Boot Space
The Vauxhall Adam’s biggest weakness is practicality, particularly when it comes to cargo space. The 170 litre boot is one of the smallest in the class, making it challenging to carry large shopping trips or luggage. The rear seats do fold down to expand the space, but even then it lags behind most rivals. Interior storage is adequate with door bins and a central storage compartment, though you won’t find the clever storage solutions of some competitors.
Where the Adam makes up ground is in its compact external dimensions, making it perfect for tight city parking and narrow streets. For a single person or couple without regular cargo carrying needs, the Adam works well as an urban runabout. The rear seats are best suited to children or short adult journeys, as legroom is limited. For buyers prioritising style over pure practicality, the Adam delivers enough space for everyday essentials while offering something genuinely different from conventional used Vauxhall cars.
Absolutely love my Adam S! The styling turns heads everywhere I go and it’s genuinely fun to drive on twisty roads. The boot is tiny but I knew that when I bought it. For a young person wanting something different, it’s perfect.
The Vauxhall Adam occupies a unique position in the small car market by prioritising style and personalisation over conventional practicality. It offers extensive customisation options, distinctive design, and surprisingly engaging driving dynamics that set it apart from mainstream rivals. While the small boot and firm ride quality won’t suit everyone, these compromises are part of the Adam’s character focused approach.
You choose the Adam because you want a car that reflects your personality and stands out from the crowd. Its colourful interior options, bold exterior styling, and fun to drive nature make it perfect for younger buyers or anyone wanting something different. With cars under £10,000 now offering excellent value, the Adam represents an affordable way to own something truly distinctive in the increasingly bland small car market.
