The Opel Adam is like Pikachu, a cute and well-known Pokemon character that has become a thing of an icon recently, thanks to the latest craze, Pokemon Go.
Of course, that would lead you to think that the Opel Astra could be a Charmander - another character from Pokemon that has a flame at the end of its tail - signifying how much of a fiesty little thing it can actually be.
Pokemon characters aside, the Opel Adam is more than just a cutesy car that will make kids or the fairer sex go gaga over it.Exterior
At first glance, the Adam is certainly an eye-catching little automobile. Its diminutive, two-tone body is chock full of curvy sheet metal and pinched out lines, and we reckon that the Adam does not have a bad angle.
Certain details stand out - the sharp, angular taillights, the strip of chrome running just beneath the roof line that culminates at a Adam badge on the C-pillar, as well as the grinning front fascia. We also especially like how the wheels are pushed out right to the edges of its compact body.
Of course, that would lead you to think that the Opel Astra could be a Charmander - another character from Pokemon that has a flame at the end of its tail - signifying how much of a fiesty little thing it can actually be.
Pokemon characters aside, the Opel Adam is more than just a cutesy car that will make kids or the fairer sex go gaga over it.Exterior
At first glance, the Adam is certainly an eye-catching little automobile. Its diminutive, two-tone body is chock full of curvy sheet metal and pinched out lines, and we reckon that the Adam does not have a bad angle.
Certain details stand out - the sharp, angular taillights, the strip of chrome running just beneath the roof line that culminates at a Adam badge on the C-pillar, as well as the grinning front fascia. We also especially like how the wheels are pushed out right to the edges of its compact body.
Our test car came in a two-tone black/yellow paintwork, which most definitely has a Pikachu-vibe to it. Take a quick glance around the Opel showroom and you will realise that the Adam is also available in a variety of bold and eclectic colours, so it's a car that's certainly high on personality.
The car attracted tons of glances on the road during our time with it. Maybe it's the fact that most Singaporeans have never seen something quite like it before, or maybe it's just such a grin-inducing figure. For us, it's undoubtedly the latter because the car puts a smile on our faces each time we walked up to it.
The car attracted tons of glances on the road during our time with it. Maybe it's the fact that most Singaporeans have never seen something quite like it before, or maybe it's just such a grin-inducing figure. For us, it's undoubtedly the latter because the car puts a smile on our faces each time we walked up to it.
Interior
Being a compact city car, the interior leans expectedly towards the cramped side. It's perfectly fine for the driver and one passenger, and while it is technically possible to fit two passerngers in the rear, it can get a tad claustrophobic at the back.
Being a compact city car, the interior leans expectedly towards the cramped side. It's perfectly fine for the driver and one passenger, and while it is technically possible to fit two passerngers in the rear, it can get a tad claustrophobic at the back.
The cabon also manages to pack a little zest. You get some funky detailing, such as chrome trimming and silver plastic, as well as the intricately-detailed trim on the dashboard.
You also do get a fairly generous amount of kit for a car in this class. Modern amenities include Apple CarPlay on the infotaiment system, as well as cruise control with speed limiter, and steering-mounted controls.
You also do get a fairly generous amount of kit for a car in this class. Modern amenities include Apple CarPlay on the infotaiment system, as well as cruise control with speed limiter, and steering-mounted controls.
The Drive
Here is where the Pikachu comparisons really rears its head. As with a young and inexperienced Pikachu, the initial impressions aren't good. The Adam is belaboured by Opel's Easytronic transmission, which is anything but 'easy'.
In full automatic mode, the transmission is dismal, and there's no hiding from it. Gear changes are met with a distinct lurch, especially at low speeds. The transmission also doesn't do a good job of managing gears, most notable between first and second. This is especially problematic when negotiating ramps in numerous carparks in Singapore - we had some wheelspin action going up a ramp, as the car decided to drop gears half way.
In manual mode, things are notably better. However, you still have to drive as if you are driving an actual manual car. This means lifting off the gas before shifting gears, to achieve smooth gear shifts.
However, just like Pikachu, once you spend more time with the Adam and get to grips with its Easytronic gearbox, it is actually a fun car to drive. Its tiny footprint means it's quite a laugh on the roads, too. It's easy to place, it's nimble and light on its feet, and the 1.4-litre engine feels perky and eager, capable of feeding your overtaking needs.
Conclusion
The Adam has shortcomings - it would be much better with a actual manual or a proper automatic transmission, and we reckon it needs a sixth gear as well. But even as it is, it's a car that you can certainly fall in love with, especially if you are in the market for a compact city car that oozes character.
This car is a handful but once you get the hang of it, it can become as lovable as Pikachu. All of its flaws actually add to its character. It's a distinct car that feels different and is wrapped in a stylish and attractive body that is sure to turn heads.
This isn't a car for everyone. But for a young driver that's picking his or her first car, instead of choosing your run-of-the-mill Charmanders, Squirtles or Bulbasaurs, why not venture out and choose something a little different?
Just as how Pikachu became his owner Ash's life-long companion (and also refused to evolve and grow up), the adorable little Adam - and all its personality quirks - can serve as a worthwhile companion for a budding car driver.
The Adam has shortcomings - it would be much better with a actual manual or a proper automatic transmission, and we reckon it needs a sixth gear as well. But even as it is, it's a car that you can certainly fall in love with, especially if you are in the market for a compact city car that oozes character.
This car is a handful but once you get the hang of it, it can become as lovable as Pikachu. All of its flaws actually add to its character. It's a distinct car that feels different and is wrapped in a stylish and attractive body that is sure to turn heads.
This isn't a car for everyone. But for a young driver that's picking his or her first car, instead of choosing your run-of-the-mill Charmanders, Squirtles or Bulbasaurs, why not venture out and choose something a little different?
Just as how Pikachu became his owner Ash's life-long companion (and also refused to evolve and grow up), the adorable little Adam - and all its personality quirks - can serve as a worthwhile companion for a budding car driver.
