First seen at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, and arriving in UK showrooms in March, the top-of-the-range ADAM GRAND SLAM is another addition to the ADAM revolution that has been going on since 2013 - with this version of the fashion-led A-sector competitor featuring the expected slick design and spirited 1.4-litre turbo (150PS) powertrain and the unexpected specially-tuned chassis and a VXR braking system in direct response to the Fiat 500 Abarth.
“The ADAM GRAND SLAM has been designed for people who want to enjoy a sporty driving experience in a car with a unique and individual look,” said Tim Tozer, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “I’m sure the latest addition to the ADAM range will be just as successful as its stylish stablemates.”
And that is some success to achieve!
DESIGN AND CONNECTIVITY
The ADAM GRAND SLAM grabs a muscular and naturally agile appearance from the off with its wide front and rear tracks, lower door blade in the lower door, LED-led signature ‘wing’ shaped daytime running lights and rear lamps, and characteristic ‘shock wave’ around the door handles enhancing the initial perceptions of the new model; the muscular view of the car being further added to by the GRAND SLAM’s front lip spoiler, side sill moldings and extended rear bumper cut-out with a visible, bold exhaust tailpipe.
The GRAND SLAM sits on exclusive, new 18" wheels with a total of ten body colours and a further four roof combinations available to the discerning customer, with the Red 'n‘ Roll roof design reserved exclusively for GRAND SLAM customers.
Inside, the Red 'n‘ Roll colour theme is continued with an optional leather package that includes a red leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake, racing décor on the instrument panel, unique grey/black/red key design and red stitching on the door panels, with further looking-good options available in the shape of special floor mats, aluminum-capped sports pedals and door entry strips with Vauxhall lettering.
There is also a multi-colour LED interior lighting package that allows eight different ambient lighting colours including white, dark blue, orange and red, to be displayed, proving that is also available the opinions of Brit Mark Adams, Vauxhall/Opel’s Vice President for Design, are not just empty words created for use in a PR release.
“The ADAM GRAND SLAM delivers fun and performance. Its bold proportions, slick and seductive design with typical Vauxhall cues and sophisticated surfacing emphasise its sporty characteristics and just make you want to take the wheel. And once you sit in it, you get even more excited by its sporty ambiance paired with high-quality materials and excellent craftsmanship.”
Inside is also where you find that connectivity is a big part of any ADAM's appeal. With the ADAM GRAND SLAM (and all other ADAM models), as an option, the driver and the passengers can enjoy the sophisticated IntelliLink system that offers state-of-the-art connectivity and apps, is fully-compatible withlthe very latest smartphones and tablets using both ANDROID and Apple iOS, and provides USB and Bluetooth connectivity, audio streaming, seven speakers and a 7" high-definition colour touch-screen.
Using Apple iOS devices in the system means that drivers are able to make use of the SIRI EYES FREE voice control function; the safe and easy-to-use technology helping to make ADAM one of the best connected small cars on the market.
POWERTRAIN
When it comes to the engine, the ADAM GRAND SLAM doesn't hold back with the new version of the 1.4-litre Turbo ECOTEC unit creating 150PS and 220Nm of torque with a specific power output that exceeds 100PS/litre whilst meeting those stringent Euro 6 emission standards. The new turbocharged engine fitted with Start/Stop technology has been especially developed for the GRAND SLAM from ADAM’s existing four-cylinder, 1.4-litre engine, delivering 50% more power and 70% more torque than its naturally-aspirated 1.4-litre stable-mate. This enables an acceleration of 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds on towards a top speed of 124mph; but it's the responsiveness of the car that catches the eye with a focus on elasticity particularly noticeable during fifth-gear acceleration from 50mph to 75mph, which is achieved in just 7.9 seconds.
This enables the new car with its new 1.4-Litre Turbo engine to deliver outstanding responsiveness and outstanding mid-range torque, and making it ideal for winding country roads; all the time still managing to achieve fuel economy figures of 47.8mpg combined and emissons of just 139g/km CO2.
Available in March as we said, the new ADAM GRAND SLAM features high levels of standard spec that includes: 18” alloy wheels, Red painted calipers (disc front 16” rear discs 15”), Performance chassis, VXR Styling pack, Rear mounted roof spoiler, Rear Lower spoiler extended with cut out and visible chrome exhaust, Roof Colour pack (Optional, Red coloured roof unique to GRAND SLAM), ESP switch off button, Aluminium sports pedals, Dark-tinted rear windows, Electronic climate control, CD player with USB facility and aux-in socket, Digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity, Steering wheel mounted audio controls, Leather-covered steering wheel, Black Cloth/Morrocana seats, Cruise control and trip computer, ESP-plus, ABS, Tyre pressure monitoring system and Six airbags.
With the Vauxhall ADAM already making a strong statement since its launch, the ADAM GRAND SLAM is a welcome addition to the range.