Opel has released preliminary information on a new small car that sits below the Corsa in the range. Called the Adam (after Opel's founder), the three-door hatchback majors on style and personalisation. Opel claims that there are one million different combinations of options and colours, making it unlikely that any two Adams will be the same. The new supermini goes on sale following its world debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, with first deliveries in January 2013.
Exterior
Opel's designers have really gone to town on the exterior of the Adam. While the profile and shape of the rear hatch have echoes of the Fiat 500 and Audi A1, the Adam's face is unique and it's all combined with Opel's own brand of side sculpting. Two-tone bodywork and large wheels feature in all the images provided so far, though we'll be keen to see what an entry-level model looks like. Two roof colours are offered and the detailing of the C-pillar (bearing the Adam name) gives the new car a unique look.
Wheels range in size from 16- to 18-inches, with cars on 17- and 18-inch alloys fitted with lower sports suspension. LED daytime running lights are optional.
The Adam is 3.7 metres long and 1.72 metres wide, built on a wheelbase of 2,311mm with front and rear tracks of 1,485- and 1,478mm respectively. That makes it considerably shorter, but wider than the current Opel Corsa.
Interior
The customisation continues inside. Buyers can even specify their headlining, including an LED-lit 'starlight' option. Three trim levels will be offered initially (we've not received confirmation that this will be the case in Ireland): JAM aims to be fashionable and colourful; GLAM is the elegant and 'sophisticated' option; while SLAM is for customers that want a sportier image. We've yet to see images indicating the differences, though the one interior shot released features lots of body-coloured trim as sports seats - presumably that's the SLAM.
Mechanicals
Initially, the Adam engine line-up will consist of three petrol options, all four-cylinder units. The entry-level 1.2-litre engine makes 70hp, while a 1.4-litre version comes in 87- or 100hp guises. Somewhat surprisingly, stop-start will be optional. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard.
Of more interest is a new generation of petrol engine from Opel, which the Adam will receive before any other car in the range. Details are scant, but it's a small capacity unit featuring direct injection and either super- or turbocharging. It'll be mated with a six-speed manual gearbox too.
Anything else?
Opel makes a big deal in its preliminary information of the Adam's technology and customisation, though until pricing and full specifications are released we won't know if it's good value. A seven-inch, full colour touch-screen infotainment system sounds promising, and it's promised to feature internet-based apps, along with good integration with Android and Apple devices. Other options include a heated steering wheel, a self-parking feature and blind sport alert.
It appears that most of the safety equipment will be standard, including ESP and six airbags.