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Sophisticated and slick [Newcastle Journal (England)]
[September 20, 2014]

Sophisticated and slick [Newcastle Journal (England)]


(Newcastle Journal (England) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) VAUXHALL is preparing to introduce a new flagship model for its Adam range, which will take the brand into the lower echelons of the junior executive market currently dominated by Audi and BMW.



As a turbocharged 125mph super-sporty newcomer, the Adam S will overlap the likes of the Audi A1 and BMW 1 Series ranges that are currently attracting well-heeled downsizers.

The basic premise is to produce cars that are so sophisticated that they will meet the expectations of discerning drivers who previously bought larger, more expensive and less economical models.


These folk are now happy to be seen behind the wheel of the most compact of cars with prestigious German badges, and Vauxhall is aiming to target a slice of the action.

The Adam S will be seen for the first time at next month's Paris Motor Show before going on sale here in January. At this stage there is no indication of likely prices, although it is not expected to cost anything even approaching the Pounds 31,000 price tag of BMW's most expensive 1 Series model.

Like the Audi A1, the Adam range starts with a 1.2-litre petrol engine, but unlike the Audi and BMW models, the only other alternative is a 1.4-litre unit, albeit with a choice of two power outputs and a myriad of trim and equipment levels.

The more powerful of those two options generates a respectable output of 100bhp, which in the case of the newcomer rises by a whopping 50 per cent to 150bhp with a 70 per cent increase in torque, or pulling power, at an impressive new high of 220Nm.

The light yet powerful engine is a turbocharged, high performance unit derived from the Adam's existing four-cylinder, 1.4-litre unit, that has been exclusively developed for the Adam S. This, coupled with a slick six-speed manual gearbox, enables the car to accelerate to 60mph in just eight and a half seconds, whilst averaging 40mpg with a respectable CO2 rating of 149g/km.

To handle the extra power and performance there is a speciallytuned chassis and beef-up braking system courtesy of its VXR stablemates.

The engine is fitted with Start/Stop technology and already meets Euro 6 emission standards, with the additional advantage of the turbocharger being integrated within the exhaust manifold to make the engine lighter and more compact.

Among the many other innovative weight-saving features are a cast iron engine block with a hollow frame structure, hollow-cast camshafts and even a plastic intake manifold capable of withstanding incredibly high temperatures.

The sporty driving characteristics are enhanced by the specially tuned performance chassis, developed specifically for the Adam S, plus more direct and sharper steering. The car also gets large VXR S brakes, custom-made for the various wheel sizes, including standard 17-inch or optional 18-inch alloys.

The front lip spoiler, side sill mouldings and an extended rear bumper cut-out with a bolder exhaust tailpipe combine to create a more sporting appearance.

The Mini and Citroen DS ranges will also be among the many Adam S rivals, so it comes as no surprise that there will be plenty of customisation options to enable it to compete with their seemingly- endless combinations.

These will include ten body paint choices and four roof combinations, with the so-called Red n' Roll roof design being reserved exclusively for Adam S models. There will also be a distinctive spoiler above the rear window and Adam S logos on the rear roof support pillars.

Inside, the driver and front passenger can choose from four different seat arrangements, three of which are exclusively available for this model, including trendy Recaro Performance seats in Morrocana or nappa leather. The interior reflects the Red n' Roll design, with the optional leather package including a black and red steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake plus red and white lighting for the instrument panels and doors.

The Adam S also gets tinted, LED daytime running and rear tail lights, electronic climate control and a sophisticated IntelliLink system that offers the latest connectivity and apps. This infotainment system is compatible with the latest smartphones using both Android and Apple iOS. It includes USB and Bluetooth connectivity, audio streaming, seven speakers and a seven-inch high- definition colour touch-screen. The smart IntelliLink system also provides navigation by the BringGo app, plus Stitcher and TuneIn.

The integration of Apple iOS devices into the system enables use of the (annoying) Siri voice control function, making the Adam one of the best-connected small cars currently available.

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