The Opel Adam Rocks 1.4 ECOFLEX (87 hp) was a subcompact city car produced by Opel from January 2013 to June 2017. Positioned as a more rugged and stylish variant of the standard Opel Adam, the Rocks featured a slightly raised ride height, protective cladding, and a convertible-style roll-top canvas roof. This particular 1.4 ECOFLEX engine and five-speed manual transmission combination represented an entry-level offering within the Adam Rocks lineup, prioritizing fuel efficiency and affordability over outright performance. It was primarily marketed towards younger buyers and those seeking a fashionable and customizable urban vehicle, particularly in European markets.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Adam |
| Generation | Adam |
| Type (Engine) | Rocks 1.4 ECOFLEX (87 Hp) |
| Start of production | January, 2013 |
| End of production | June, 2017 |
| 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 | 119-118 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 176 km/h (109.36 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.2 kg/Hp, 81.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.2 kg/Nm, 122.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 87 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 62.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 130 Nm @ 4000 rpm (95.88 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B14XER |
| 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 (Back) 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 and type of gearbox | 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 |
Introduction
The Opel Adam Rocks 1.4 ECOFLEX (87 hp) debuted in 2013 as a more adventurous take on Opel’s city car, the Adam. Built on the General Motors’ H platform (also known as the 1HX0/A3 platform, shared with the Chevrolet Trax and Buick Encore), the Rocks aimed to blend the Adam’s stylish design with a more robust and outdoorsy aesthetic. The “ECOFLEX” designation indicated Opel’s focus on fuel efficiency, achieved through engine optimization and weight reduction measures. This 1.4-liter engine and five-speed manual transmission combination served as the entry point to the Rocks range, offering a balance between affordability and usability for urban driving.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Adam Rocks 1.4 ECOFLEX is the B14XER engine, a 1.4-liter (1398 cc) inline-four cylinder petrol engine. This engine utilizes multi-point fuel injection and a naturally aspirated configuration. The engine produces 87 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 130 Nm (95.88 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine features a compression ratio of 10.5:1. The five-speed manual transmission was the standard gearbox for this variant, offering a relatively conventional gear ratio spread designed for city driving and fuel economy. The transmission’s ratios were tuned to prioritize acceleration in lower gears and maintain reasonable engine speeds at highway cruising speeds. While not particularly sporty, the gearbox was known for its smooth operation and ease of use.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4 ECOFLEX engine in the Adam Rocks provided adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 11.9 seconds, and the top speed was around 109 mph. The car felt most comfortable in urban environments, where its nimble handling and relatively small size were advantageous. Compared to the more powerful 1.4 Turbo variants, the 1.4 ECOFLEX lacked the punch needed for quick overtaking maneuvers or spirited driving. The five-speed manual transmission allowed drivers to make the most of the engine’s limited power, but frequent downshifting was often required when tackling hills or accelerating quickly. The suspension was tuned for comfort, providing a reasonably smooth ride over uneven surfaces, but at the expense of some body roll in corners.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Adam Rocks 1.4 ECOFLEX typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system with USB connectivity. Safety features such as ABS, electronic stability control, and airbags were also standard. The “Rocks” trim added unique exterior styling elements, including plastic cladding around the wheel arches and sills, as well as the signature roll-top canvas roof. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a variety of color options available. Optional extras included alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and Opel’s IntelliLink infotainment system with touchscreen display and smartphone integration.
Chassis & Braking
The Adam Rocks utilized a front-wheel-drive chassis with a MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam suspension at the rear. The braking system consisted of disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. The steering was rack and pinion, providing precise and responsive handling. The suspension was tuned to prioritize ride comfort, but the torsion beam rear suspension could sometimes feel less refined than more sophisticated multi-link setups. The relatively lightweight construction of the Adam Rocks helped to offset the limitations of the suspension and braking system, providing a reasonably balanced driving experience.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Adam Rocks 1.4 ECOFLEX was generally well-received by critics as a stylish and affordable city car. However, the 1.4-liter engine was often criticized for its lack of power, particularly when compared to the more potent turbocharged options available in the Adam range. Fuel economy was a strong point, with the ECOFLEX model achieving combined fuel consumption figures of around 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg). Compared to the 1.4 Turbo, the ECOFLEX offered significantly lower running costs but sacrificed performance. The 1.4 ECOFLEX appealed to buyers who prioritized fuel efficiency and affordability over driving excitement.
Legacy
The Opel Adam Rocks, and specifically the 1.4 ECOFLEX variant, has proven to be a relatively reliable vehicle in the used car market. The B14XER engine is known for its durability, and routine maintenance is relatively straightforward and inexpensive. However, as with any used car, potential buyers should be aware of potential issues such as worn suspension components and electrical glitches. The Adam Rocks remains a popular choice for those seeking a stylish and affordable city car with a unique and distinctive design. Its blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and customization options continues to appeal to a wide range of buyers.
