Rocking up to next month’s Geneva Motor Show is Vauxhall’s funky urban mini-crossover called Adam Rocks. Yep, that’s the official name for this new model, how cool is that!
Compared with other members of the Adam family (take note that this car has no association with the fictional movie of the same name), Rock is actually taller, wider and tougher in appearance, while also offering a full-length electric folding canvas roof.
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 including dampers, springs, the rear suspension geometry, and steering have been re-tuned for better handling. 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 choice of 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.
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 5 seconds. This sunroof 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. The entire roof module is acoustically tuned for noise insulation inside the cabin, and the robust, three-layer fabric has a neoprene centre for weatherproofing and durability. The folding canvas roof is available in a choice of three exterior colours including Black, Sweet Coffee or Light Oak.
Inside, two new, exclusive Rocks interior trims have been designed. They include a main instrument cluster, seat and door panel colours and other trim elements that cater towards chic and stylish owners. One trim is taken directly from the Adam Rocks concept car revealed last year: it has elegant-sporty Peanut-coloured fabric seats and door panels, leather steering wheel, gearshift and handbrake in the same colour, and a “Surf” décor trim. The other features a sophisticated Coffee Bean design – rich dark brown seats in a black cabin trimmed with bright blue stitching.
Rocks is the first production model to feature Vauxhall’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 113hp, 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, 88hp and 113hp. Both versions of the new three-cylinder powerhouse are mated to an all-new six-speed manual gearbox.
The new engine tops a powertrain portfolio including Adam’s three current 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated units comprising a 1.2-litre engine with 68hp and a 1.4-litre available in two power outputs, 85hp and 98hp. Adam Rock pricing will be announced when it goes on sale in the summer with production due to begin in August.
