Last week we showed you first uncovered spy photographs of Opel's upcoming new small car, the Adam. Now Opel has released first official images of its vital new Audi A1, Fiat 500 rival.
Opel may be going through difficult times in Europe, but this proud German automaker is also celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. And to honour its founding father (Adam Opel), the new city car has borrowed his name.
The 3,7-metre long Opel is, however, targeted at those who are unlikely to even know about the brand's founder – the smartphone generation. As such, the Adam promises to be one of the most "connected" cars on the planet, being compatible with a wide range of mobile devices via Bluetooth or USB. The car's infotainment system is iOS and Android compatible and a smart 7-inch touchscreen is fitted. Also, buyers can choose from a vast range of personalisation options, as with the Fiat 500, including a two-tone paintjob. Wheel sizes of up to 18-inches are available, but the standard wheel is a 16-inch offering.
Initially the Adam will be offered with a choice of two four-cylinder petrol engines, 1,2- and 1,4-litres in size, with power outputs being 52 kW, 65 kW and 75 kW. All engines are mated with a five-speed manual gearbox. A smaller, direct-injection, turbocharged engine with a six-speed manual transmission is also destined for the Adam. This engine is believed to be a 1,0-litre, three-cylinder unit.
The Adam goes on sale in Europe in January 2013. South African availability is in doubt. Although GMSA (General Motors South Africa) recently again committed to Opel, the local model line-up is heavily dependent on the likely pricing of vehicles. The Adam is likely to be quite pricey to start off with, seeing as it is very much a product of Opel's attempted move up the premium ladder. If the Adam can be priced competitively with the 500, however, it would fit very well with GMSA's own ambitions of repositioning Opel.
View the Opel Adam promo trailer highlighting some of the car's clever features
