Vauxhall Adam - car review

Why Adam? it's one question that would not go away. Ampera, I get that - a reference to electricity. Mokka, not sure, but I'm learning to ignore the obvious coffee references... but Adam, why Adam? Is that first of its kind? Will there be an Eve? Does it stand for Another Diminutive AutoMobile?

 Turns out, and this is obvious now I've been told, that the current crop of Vauxhall cars end in 'a' - Agila, Astra, Corsa, Insignia, Zafira, see the two above for further proof. So, for the company's new urbanite runaround instead of following convention the naming bods went and stuck the 'a' at the beginning - clever eh?

And that's not the only reason, let's face it, Adam is a strange name for a car and that, says Vauxhall, is the whole point. You're not likely to forget it. You may well *********r face up, you may even blurt out 'are you joking?' But one thing is certain, you won't forget Adam. Try as you may to cast him from the Eden that is your mind you just can't. He'll remain with his floating roof and IntelliLink system, staring through the gate and wondering whether that apple was such a good idea after all.

Oh yes, Adam is adaptable, he can use Apple devices, for that matter Adam can employ whatever mobile device you happen to own. That's the beauty of his IntelliLink system - communications, directions, music, video and even apps - that optional extra is a very tempting proposition indeed. But it comes at a price - £275.And temptation is a theme for Adam. Options is what he's all about and although I'm a little sceptical about the numbers involved, Vauxhall claims four billion - and that's not a misprint - different combinations are possible for this chirpy city car, that's a wardrobe that would put even Gok Wan to shame.

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Three versions provide a starting point for this optional extravaganza - JAM, GLAM and of course SLAM.JAM is just the sweetener. A little more than £11,000 will put you behind the wheel of one of these, but it's a fair bet that by the time you've left the showroom that figure will have climbed somewhat.Not that it needs to, standard equipment is impressive. Bluetooth, cruise control, and a DAB radio are all part of the package. This though is the opener. GLAM will offer a more opulent experience and SLAM, well that's for the sporty types. But whichever jump-off point you opt for, the opportunities to jazz up your Adam will test your creativity. From snazzy roof liners to coloured clip-ons for the alloy wheels the opportunities to personalise near endless.But like that tattoo of your former lover you may regret your impetuous decisions. Thankfully, should you tire of the acid yellow cabin, you'll be able to shop for an alternative interior ambience. Who knows, you may even consider seasonal changes. Of course, the switching out the cabin plastics is something the dealer will do for a fee, but it's not beyond the realms of possibility for you to do it yourself. After all, the packs can be bought off the shelf for fairly modest prices.

There is a mundane side to Adam, he is like all cars, used to get from A to B and although he won't be making too many long haul journeys, when called upon to do so, even the smallest engine in the line-up does a reasonable job of handling motorway speeds. Surprisingly, the 1.2-litre 70PS unit remains fairly quiet at the legal limit despite running in excess of 3,000rpm in fifth gear. Pushing on through the gears will raise a roar out of the little engine, but that's to be expected. This is a thoroughly entertaining car to drive, it's never going to be quick, but it's well-sorted. And here's where there's a decision to make, before considering the SLAM with its bigger engine and firmer ride, take the JAM for a test drive. Over the course of everyday life, the comfort chassis with its more compliant ride will prove a better companion across pot-hole riddled roads that criss-cross our cities and countryside.

A final mention should go to the rear seats. This is a first car for the young and a second car for families, or as Vauxhall calls them 'the young at heart' and as such the rear seats are not the biggest. In fact, with two blokes in the rear it was snug to say the least. Any taller than 5'7" and may want to consider sitting in the front.An upside to this squeeze in the back is the reasonable boot space. Although not the widest, it's deep, so room for plenty of shopping. Unless of course you opt for the premium sound system with subwoofer. This bass bin will gobble up the extra depth, so, is to be shopping or sound?

Just another decision, among the millions of others to made when you sit down at the dealership and spec up your Adam. But whichever way you choose to go, one thing is certain, the starting point is pretty good.