Rocking up to next month’s Geneva Motor Show is Opel’s funky urban mini-crossover the Adam Rocks. The latest edition to Opel’s city chic Adam range was previewed as a concept at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show and, after receiving a rapturous reception, the production model is poised to make a show-stopping debut a year later.
Adam Rocks’ new crossover body style is supported by a chassis that is raised 15mm with a wider stance. Agile parkour athletes, who move from one place to another, negotiating urban obstacles in between, were the inspiration for this sporty crossover concept.
Parts of the chassis system have been modified or re-tuned – including dampers, springs, the rear suspension geometry and steering. The higher, wider looks are matched by a choice of 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels. These can be further personalised with new wheel clips in ‘Wild’ design and different colours that are unique to Rocks.
Protective, anthracite-coloured cladding is wrapped tightly around the Adam Rocks, giving it a tough, muscular look. The front trapezoidal grille, with a chrome central brand bar, is embedded in the cladding, while contrasting, satin chrome ‘boomerang’ elements frame the front fog lamps/indicator housings and the reversing/fog lamps at the rear. An integrated rear roof spoiler and LED daytime running lights also come as standard. Silver skid plates front and rear and a bold chrome exhaust complete the exterior design.
New exterior paint colours will be introduced with Adam Rocks, starting with the vibrant yellow Goldbusters.
Rocks combines its rugged individuality with open air fun. The electric folding canvas roof is operated via a button located in the front area of the headliner and folds back neatly on to the C-pillars in just five seconds. Creating a wide opening into the sky, this stylish system has no negative impact on body stiffness or on the car’s functionality: the boot keeps the full opening of a hatchback and loading volume remains untouched.
Rocks is the first model to feature Opel’s all-new 1.0-litre ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo three-cylinder engine. This high-tech pocket rocket raises the bar for three-cylinder engine refinement and packs up to 115hp, with impressive low-end torque of 166Nm.
Contributing to the overall efficiency of the all-aluminium engine with a single scroll turbocharger include direct injection, variable valve timing, a switchable water pump and an integrated exhaust manifold. Fuel-saving Start/Stop technology is an integral part of the system and offered as standard. The new 1.0 ECOTEC comes with a choice of two power outputs, 90hp and 115hp.
Both versions of the new three-cylinder powerhouse are mated to an all-new six-speed manual gearbox with a compact package design. During its development, focus was on efficiency (thanks to reduced friction) and benchmark shifting: gear change is comfortable, precise and smooth.
“Adam Rocks combines the toughness of a crossover with the coolness of open air driving,” said Stuart Harris, Opel’s Head of Carline Brand. “It’s the perfect Adam for active drivers wanting to stand out from the crowd.”
Adam Rocks pricing will be announced when it goes on sale in the summer. Production is due to start in Eisenach, Germany in August.
