Posted on: Jul 11, 2012 | 7,815 reads

Opel Debuts the 'Urban-Chic' Adam

GM's European division gears up to take on the Fiat 500 with a highly-customizable hatchback.

Stylish, affordable city cars are big business in Europe. Just ask Fiat with its popular 500. Now General Motors has officially unveiled its answer in the form of the new Opel Adam. Named (like the Ferrari Enzo) after the company's founder, the hatchback is highly customizable, following the trend that gives new car buyers the ability to personalize their vehicles. Taking a similar form to the Fiat 500, Audi A1 and Citroen DS3, the Opel is distinguished by a "floating roof" design.

more at CarBuzz:
McLaren Reveals Anniversary 12C McLaren Denies Honda Rumors Top 5 Maserati Concepts

A two-tone exterior allows for a range of color combinations, complimented by various LED lighting options. Opel design chief Mark Adams sums up what makes Adam unique: "No other car in this segment can be individualized as much as ADAM because we are offering virtually unlimited exterior/interior color, fabric and kit combination choices. It's very unlikely that you'll find two identical ADAMs out there." Further specification can be found under the hood, where the Adam boasts a lineup of efficient 4-cylinder ecoFLEX engines, beginning with a frugal 70-horsepower 1.2-liter motor.

A 1.4-liter option is available with outputs of either 87 or 100 horsepower. They are equipped with Vauxhall's new five-speed manual transmission and optional Start/Stop tech. The company plans to add a new smaller engine to the lineup as well, complete with forced induction and direct injection.

The A-segment model is made of high-strength steel and measures almost 3.7 meters long and 1.72 meters wide. MacPherson struts are fitted up front while a compound crank system forms the rear suspension. The Adam is also equipped with a new infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and satnav, optional Advanced Park Assist II and ESP with Hill Start Assist. The new Opel Adam will make its official debut this September at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, after which deliveries will commence in January 2013.