The Opel Adam Rocks 1.4 ECOFLEX (100 hp) was a subcompact city car produced by Opel, the German subsidiary of Stellantis, during the 2014 model year. Positioned as a more rugged and stylish variant of the standard Opel Adam, the Rocks featured a raised ride height, plastic body cladding, and a convertible-style roll-top canvas roof. It was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a fashionable and individualistic vehicle for urban environments. The Adam Rocks was based on Opel’s ‘New MINI’ platform, internally designated as the A05, and shared its core mechanical components with other vehicles within the General Motors portfolio at the time. This particular 1.4 ECOFLEX engine and five-speed manual transmission combination represented an entry-level offering within the Rocks lineup, prioritizing fuel efficiency and affordability.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Adam |
| Generation | Adam |
| Type (Engine) | Rocks 1.4 ECOFLEX (100 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2014 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 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) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg, 55.4 UK mpg, 19.6 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 119 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h (114.95 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.7 kg/Hp, 93.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.2 kg/Nm, 122.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 100 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 71.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 130 Nm @ 4000 rpm (95.88 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A14XER |
| Engine displacement | 1398 cm3 (85.31 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 73.4 mm (2.89 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.6 mm (3.25 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 | 1065 kg (2347.92 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1480 kg (3262.84 lbs.) |
| Max load | 415 kg (914.92 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 38 l (10.04 US gal | 8.36 UK gal) |
| 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 | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/55 R16; 215/45 R17; 225/35 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17; 7.5J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Opel Adam Rocks 1.4 ECOFLEX utilized the A14XER engine, a 1.4-liter (1398 cc) inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine was part of Opel’s ‘Family 1’ small engine family, known for its relatively simple design and focus on fuel efficiency. The A14XER featured multi-point fuel injection and a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. The engine produced 100 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 130 Nm (95.88 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The ECOFLEX designation indicated the inclusion of fuel-saving technologies, such as optimized engine management and reduced friction components. The engine was paired with a five-speed manual transmission, which was the standard offering for this variant. The transmission was chosen for its cost-effectiveness and contribution to overall fuel economy. While an Easytronic automated manual transmission was available on other Adam Rocks models, it wasn’t offered with this specific engine.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4 ECOFLEX engine in the Adam Rocks provided adequate, but not particularly brisk, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 10.9 seconds, and the top speed was 114.95 mph. The five-speed manual transmission offered reasonable gear spacing, but the engine felt somewhat strained at higher speeds or when carrying a full load. Compared to the more powerful 1.4 Turbo (150 hp) version of the Adam Rocks, the 1.4 ECOFLEX lacked the punch for quick overtaking maneuvers. However, the lower-powered engine was more forgiving for new drivers and offered better fuel economy. The raised suspension of the Rocks model, combined with the relatively narrow tires, resulted in a slightly less refined ride than the standard Adam, but it also provided improved visibility and a more confident feel on rougher road surfaces. The steering was light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in urban environments.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Adam Rocks 1.4 ECOFLEX typically came with a decent level of standard equipment, reflecting its position as a stylish city car. Standard features included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, a CD/MP3 stereo system, and ABS brakes. The interior featured cloth upholstery and a relatively minimalist dashboard design. The signature feature of the Rocks model was its canvas roll-top roof, which could be opened to provide an open-air driving experience. Optional extras included alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, parking sensors, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior trim levels were generally focused on providing a youthful and fashionable aesthetic, with a range of color and material options available.
Chassis & Braking
The Adam Rocks utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. The torsion beam rear suspension was a cost-effective solution that provided adequate handling characteristics for a city car. The raised ride height of the Rocks model, approximately 15mm higher than the standard Adam, provided increased ground clearance and a more rugged appearance. Braking duties were handled by disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard equipment. The steering system employed a rack and pinion setup, providing light and precise steering feel. The chassis was designed to prioritize agility and maneuverability in urban environments.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Adam Rocks 1.4 ECOFLEX was generally well-received by critics as a stylish and individualistic city car. However, some reviewers noted that the 1.4-liter engine felt underpowered, particularly when compared to the more powerful turbocharged options. The fuel economy of the 1.4 ECOFLEX was praised, with combined fuel consumption figures of around 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg). Compared to other subcompact hatchbacks in the European market, such as the Fiat 500 and the Volkswagen up!, the Adam Rocks offered a unique combination of style, practicality, and affordability. The Rocks’ raised ride height and rugged styling set it apart from its competitors. Reliability reports for the A14XER engine were generally positive, with few major issues reported.
Legacy
The Opel Adam Rocks, and specifically the 1.4 ECOFLEX variant, has become a relatively affordable and accessible option in the used car market. The A14XER engine is known for its durability and relatively low maintenance costs. While not a performance standout, the 1.4 ECOFLEX engine provides reliable transportation and good fuel economy. The Adam Rocks’ unique styling and convertible-style roof continue to appeal to buyers seeking a fashionable and individualistic city car. The model represents a significant design departure for Opel, showcasing the brand’s willingness to experiment with new styles and target a younger demographic. The Adam Rocks, while discontinued, remains a recognizable and fondly remembered vehicle within the Opel lineup.
