The Adam Grand Slam - Vauxhall’s pocket rocket

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.

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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