The Adam Grand Slam - Vauxhall’s pocket rocket
The Vauxhall Adam is a no brainer for anyone looking for a city car that;s genuinely fun to drive.
Ever since the Vauxhall Adam first arrived, we've been crying out for a more sporty version of this desirable and fashionable supermini, says James Batchelor in AutoExpress. Now, it has arrived. This is the Grand Slam, and the changes have made the car quite a "credible little pocket rocket".
It has a "racy demeanor" and its "dinky" 1.4-litre petrol engine gives the performance quite a punch. The chassis and braking systems come from the Vauxhall Corsa VXR, making the ride overly firm but also giving it "proper hot hatchback muscle". But the "real delight" is the handling: "show the little car a corner and it darts into the apex with real verve".
The new model sports a "mean and moody lowered look", says CJ Hubbard in Car magazine. And although the performance figures might not sound like much a top speed of 124mph and a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds the "little rollerskate" is nevertheless enjoyable to drive.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
You have to work the engine pretty hard, but this is "part of the fun", and the relatively modest performance means you can "thrash it everywhere" without worrying your social conscience. There are "much sportier choices available for not much more money", but the Adam is "refreshingly uncomplicated" and its individual looks will make you stand out from the crowd.
Any hot hatch faces serious competition from the Ford Fiesta ST, a "leviathan" in the sector, says Darren Moss in Autocar. But for fans of the Adam, or anyone looking for a city car that is genuinely fun to drive", this is a "no-brainer".
Price: £16,995Engine: 1.4-litre, four cylinder turboPower: 148bhp0-62mph: 8.5 secondsTop speed: 124mph. Economy: 57.6mpgCarbon: 149g/km
Sign up to Money Morning
Our team, led by award winning editors, is dedicated to delivering you the top news, analysis, and guides to help you manage your money, grow your investments and build wealth.
-
How to boost your pension by £33,000 by paying it an annual Christmas bonus
Contributing an extra £400 into your pension pot this festive period will give the gift of compound interest and should make your retirement feel more jolly and bright
By Ruth Emery Published
-
Japan’s medium-sized stocks provide shelter from trade wars
Nicholas Price, portfolio manager of Fidelity Japan Trust, tells us where to invest in Japan
By Nicholas Price Published