The Opel Adam S 1.4 Turbo, produced from 2018 to May 2019, represented the performance-oriented variant of the Opel Adam, a city car marketed primarily in Europe. Positioned as the flagship trim, the Adam S aimed to inject a dose of sporty appeal into the subcompact segment. It distinguished itself from the standard Adam models through a more powerful engine, revised suspension, and aggressive styling cues. The Adam S was a late-life update to the original Adam (A14) platform, intended to maintain interest in the model as it approached the end of its production run. This variant was never officially sold in the United States, but represents a significant offering in the European small car market.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Adam |
| Generation | Adam |
| Type (Engine) | S 1.4 Turbo (150 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| End of production | May, 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.1-8.2 l/100 km (29 – 28.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.2-5.3 l/100 km (45.2 – 44.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.3-6.4 l/100 km (37.3 – 36.8 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 144-145 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-Temp |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 3000-4500 rpm (162.26 lb.-ft. @ 3000-4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B14NET |
| Engine displacement | 1364 cm3 (83.24 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 72.5 mm (2.85 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.6 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1103 kg (2431.7 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1565 kg (3450.23 lbs.) |
| Max load | 462 kg (1018.54 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 170 l (6 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 663 l (23.41 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 35 l (9.25 US gal | 7.7 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 50 kg (110.23 lbs.) |
| Length | 3708 mm (145.98 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 (Back) track | 1464 mm (57.64 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.06 m (36.29 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Adam S is the B14NET, a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is part of Opel/Vauxhall’s Family 0 small engine family. It utilizes direct fuel injection and an intercooled turbocharger to produce 150 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque between 3000 and 4500 rpm. The engine features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design with four valves per cylinder. The turbocharger is a relatively small unit, optimized for quick spool-up and responsiveness rather than outright peak power. The Adam S exclusively came with a six-speed manual transmission, designed to handle the increased output and provide a more engaging driving experience. The transmission’s gear ratios are relatively short, contributing to the car’s brisk acceleration.
Driving Characteristics
The Adam S, with its 150 hp and relatively light weight of around 1103 kg (2432 lbs), offered a surprisingly lively driving experience. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took approximately 8.5 seconds. While not a sports car by any means, the Adam S felt nimble and eager in city driving and on winding roads. The short gear ratios of the six-speed manual transmission kept the engine in its power band, providing good responsiveness. Compared to the standard Adam models with smaller, naturally aspirated engines, the Adam S offered a significant performance upgrade. The suspension was also noticeably firmer, reducing body roll and improving handling. However, this came at the expense of some ride comfort. The steering was direct and well-weighted, providing good feedback to the driver.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Adam S came standard with a number of features designed to enhance its sporty image. These included sports seats with distinctive upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, air conditioning, and a touchscreen infotainment system. Exterior features included a unique front grille, side skirts, a rear spoiler, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, upgraded audio system, and various styling packages. The interior, while compact, was well-designed and featured high-quality materials for its class. The Adam S was positioned as the top-of-the-line trim, offering a more premium experience than the base Adam models.
Chassis & Braking
The Adam S featured a revised suspension setup compared to the standard Adam. The front suspension utilized MacPherson struts, while the rear suspension employed a torsion beam axle. The springs and dampers were stiffer, lowering the ride height by 15mm and improving handling. The braking system consisted of disc brakes on all four wheels, providing adequate stopping power. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard. The steering was a rack-and-pinion system with electric power assistance, offering precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Adam S was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its lively performance, nimble handling, and stylish design. However, some critics noted that the ride could be a bit firm and that the interior space was limited. Compared to other small cars in its class, such as the Volkswagen Polo GTI or the Ford Fiesta ST, the Adam S offered a slightly different character. It was more focused on style and urban agility than outright track performance. Fuel economy was respectable, with combined fuel consumption figures ranging from 6.3 to 6.4 l/100 km (37.3-36.8 US mpg). Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported minor issues with the infotainment system.
Legacy
The Opel Adam S, while a relatively short-lived model, has gained a following among enthusiasts who appreciate its unique blend of style, performance, and affordability. The B14NET engine, while not known for being exceptionally durable, is generally reliable with proper maintenance. Today, the Adam S can be found on the used car market at relatively affordable prices. It represents a fun and engaging option for those looking for a small, sporty hatchback. The Adam S’s impact lies in demonstrating that even a small city car could offer a genuinely enjoyable driving experience.
