Even a charmer like the Opel Adam has to go to the TÜV regularly. The testers make their judgments regardless of the cuteness factor and come to the conclusion that anyone looking for a good-looking microcar is in good hands with the Opel Adam. He scores with a chic exterior and interior and usually knows how to behave well at the HU.
He was the “Prince Charming” in Opel’s range, the small car Adam, which delighted many buyers between 2013 and 2019 with its appearance and the many customization options. The question remains, how the little Schnuckel performs at TÜV.
body and interior
What the 3.70 meter short Adam lacks in length and above all in space for rear users, it makes up for with its likeable appearance. The tight dimensions, plus curves in the right places on the body, the slightly curved roof and the boldly designed front still make the little one an eye-catcher.
The three-door was also available in the “Rocks” version. Here the short imitated the design of SUVs with hinted underbody protection, robust side skirts and surrounds for the large wheel arches and mutated into a cute little bear.
The space is divided in two. At the front there is little to complain about, on the back seat intended for two people sit better only children because of the sloping roof line. The trunk holds at least 170 liters, which is enough for two large crates of drinks. A maximum of 670 liters of luggage fit into the Adam. If you want to invite, you also train your arm muscles when balancing the high loading sill.
When it comes to the interior, Opel hasn’t messed around, it’s been paddling. Unlike what is often the case in small cars, the interior of the Adam featured materials that were pleasant to the touch.
engines and propulsion
At the market launch there were three four-cylinder petrol engines to choose from, a 1.2 liter with 51 kW/70 hp and 115 Nm and a 1.4 liter with 64 kW/87 hp and 74 kW/100 hp and 130 Nm each. If you are willing to use the standard manual five-speed gearbox diligently, you can cruise relaxed with the four-cylinder. An average of 5.3 liters flow through the lines here. On paper, the 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbos with 66 kW/90 hp and 85 kW/115 hp available from 2014 are more economical. The standard consumption (NEDC) is 4.2 and 4.9 liters. Since the turbos encourage more brisk acceleration and driving due to their liveliness (each 170 Nm) and the manual six-speed gearbox, those interested in used cars have to expect higher consumption – depending on their driving style.
If you like it sporty, it’s best to go for the 1.4 with 110 kW/150 hp, which was marketed as “S”. After all, it offers 220 Nm and a top speed of 210 km/h. As an economical alternative, the 87 hp engine was also available as a variant with LPG.
equipment and security
The basic version called Adam was more there to keep the entry price comparatively low. Although it was properly equipped, but without air conditioning, it did not offer any customization options. These were only available with the variants “Jam”, “Glam” and “Slam”. Among other things, first-time buyers could choose from twelve exterior colors, three roof finishes and rims in sizes from 15 to 18 inches. An electric folding roof was also available. Opel also offered all sorts of extras for the interior design, such as a headliner in a checkerboard pattern or with LED lights. If you want to transport a bike with the Adam, look for models with a pull-out bike drawer in the rear. The Adam passed the NCAP crash test in 2013 with a four-star rating, a solid result for a subcompact.
quality
The Adam masters the TÜV main inspection (HU) a little better than the average of all tested vehicles. The checkpoints axle suspension, light, brake components and exhaust system are usually inconspicuous. But he has problems and – especially older specimens – with springs and damping as well as the steering. The functioning of the foot brake also gives cause for criticism from the TÜV testers in older models. Interested parties should make sure that their preferred candidate does not spill oil.
Conclusion: Anyone looking for a good-looking microcar is in good hands with the Opel Adam. The competitor to the Mini or Fiat 500 scores with a chic exterior and interior and usually knows how to behave well with the TÜV inspector. For older models with high mileage around 5000 euros are due. If you want the electric folding roof, you have to dig deeper into your pocket. They are offered from around 7500 euros.
