Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Adam |
| Generation | Adam |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 ECOFLEX (70 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 115 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 14.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 165 km/h (102.53 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.4 kg/Hp, 69.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.8 kg/Nm, 113.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 70 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 57 Hp/l |
| Torque | 115 Nm @ 4000 rpm (84.82 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A12XEL |
| Engine displacement | 1229 cm3 (75 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 73.4 mm (2.89 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 72.6 mm (2.86 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1011-1026 kg (2228.87 – 2261.94 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1455-1470 kg (3207.73 – 3240.8 lbs.) |
| Max load | 444 kg (978.85 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 35 l (9.25 US gal | 7.7 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 50 kg (110.23 lbs.) |
| Length | 3698 mm (145.59 in.) |
| Width | 1720 mm (67.72 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1966 mm (77.4 in.) |
| Height | 1484 mm (58.43 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2311 mm (90.98 in.) |
| Front track | 1472 mm (57.95 in.) |
| Rear track | 1464 mm (57.64 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.17-11.06 m (33.37 – 36.29 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
The Opel Adam 1.2 ECOFLEX (70 hp) represented Opel’s entry point into the Adam range, launched in 2012. Designed as a stylish and customizable city car, the Adam aimed to appeal to a younger audience seeking a fashionable and economical vehicle. The 1.2 ECOFLEX variant, with its smaller engine and focus on fuel efficiency, was positioned as the most affordable and practical option in the lineup. It competed with other subcompacts like the Fiat 500, Volkswagen up!, and Toyota Aygo, offering a unique blend of style and economy. The Adam was built on the General Motors Gamma II platform, also used for models like the Chevrolet Trax and Opel/Vauxhall Mokka.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Adam 1.2 ECOFLEX is the A12XEL engine, a 1.2-liter inline four-cylinder petrol engine. This engine is naturally aspirated and utilizes multi-point fuel injection. The A12XEL is known for its simplicity and reliability, though it doesn’t offer particularly high performance. The engine produces 70 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 115 Nm (84.82 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The ECOFLEX designation indicates specific modifications aimed at improving fuel economy, such as optimized engine mapping and reduced weight components. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission, chosen for its efficiency and affordability. The transmission’s gear ratios are geared towards maximizing fuel economy rather than providing rapid acceleration.
Driving Characteristics
The driving experience in the Adam 1.2 ECOFLEX is best described as adequate for urban driving. With only 70 hp, acceleration is leisurely, taking approximately 14.9 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h). The engine feels strained when climbing hills or attempting quick overtaking maneuvers. The five-speed manual transmission is light and easy to use, but the long gearing emphasizes fuel economy over responsiveness. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight city streets. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road reasonably well, although it can feel a bit soft during more spirited driving. Compared to higher-powered Adam variants, such as those with the 1.4-liter engine, the 1.2 ECOFLEX feels significantly slower and less refined.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Adam 1.2 ECOFLEX typically came with a relatively basic level of equipment, reflecting its position as the entry-level model. Standard features generally included power steering, ABS brakes, front airbags, and a basic audio system with USB connectivity. Air conditioning was often an optional extra. The interior featured cloth upholstery and a simple dashboard layout. However, the Adam was renowned for its extensive customization options. Buyers could choose from a wide range of exterior colors, roof designs (including contrasting colors), interior trim options, and accessory packs. These customization options allowed owners to personalize their Adam and create a unique vehicle. Higher trim levels added features like alloy wheels, upgraded audio systems, and more sophisticated interior trim.
Chassis & Braking
The Adam 1.2 ECOFLEX utilizes a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provides a good balance between comfort and handling for a city car. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are drums. The braking system is adequate for the car’s weight and performance, providing sufficient stopping power in most situations. The steering is a rack and pinion system, offering precise and responsive steering feel. The relatively lightweight construction of the Adam contributes to its nimble handling characteristics. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Adam 1.2 ECOFLEX was generally well-received by critics for its stylish design, fuel efficiency, and customization options. However, its limited performance and relatively basic equipment levels were often noted. Compared to other trims in the Adam lineup, the 1.2 ECOFLEX offered the lowest price point but also the least amount of power and refinement. The 1.4-liter variants provided significantly more performance, while the diesel-powered models offered even better fuel economy. In terms of fuel economy, the 1.2 ECOFLEX performed competitively with other subcompacts in its class, achieving around 5 liters per 100 kilometers (47 US mpg) in combined driving. Reliability was generally considered good, with the A12XEL engine proving to be a durable and dependable unit.
Legacy
The Opel Adam, including the 1.2 ECOFLEX variant, enjoyed moderate success in the European market. While it didn’t achieve the sales figures of some of its more established rivals, it carved out a niche for itself as a stylish and customizable city car. The A12XEL engine, while not a powerhouse, proved to be a reliable and economical powerplant. On the used car market today, the Adam 1.2 ECOFLEX remains an affordable and practical option for those seeking a small, fuel-efficient vehicle. Its simple mechanicals and relatively low running costs make it an attractive choice for first-time car buyers or those looking for a city runabout. However, potential buyers should be aware of its limited performance and the availability of spare parts, which may become more challenging as the model ages.
