Skip advert
Advertisement

Vauxhall Adam Rocks S 2016 review

The Vauxhall Adam Rocks S is a sporty city car that's had a confusing SUV-style upgrade

Overall Auto Express rating

2.0

How we review cars
Find your Vauxhall Adam
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

The Vauxhall Adam Rocks S has a punchy 1.4-litre petrol under the bonnet and comes wrapped in a stylish body, but it’s let down by a very high price tag. It’s not particularly fast, nor is it that great to drive, and that’s a problem for a car that costs more than a Ford Fiesta ST. It fills a different niche with the SUV-inspired styling, but the crossover body doesn’t offer anything more than the standard Adam S in the way of practicality.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There’s no shortage of fun, fast small cars available in the UK – you need only look at the Ford Fiesta ST, Peugeot 208 GTi or MINI Cooper S for proof of that.

But this Vauxhall Adam Rocks S appears to have carved its own niche within a niche. It’s based on the more conventional Adam S, but in Rocks form, it also gets some SUV-style body cladding and a raised ride height.

While it sounds like an odd combination, that hasn’t stopped Vauxhall putting it on sale for a barely believable £19,045. That’s £1,300 more than a Ford Fiesta ST, a car that not only sits in the class above in terms of size and space, but also has the edge for speed and handling. If it’s the SUV styling that’s got your attention, then models like the Fiat 500X cost significantly less.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The Adam Rocks S will cover 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds, thanks to its 148bhp 1.4-litre engine, putting it firmly in warm rather than hot hatch territory. The engine is eager to rev and feels punchy in the mid-range, but it’s missing the zing of a proper hot hatch.

It might not be fast, but it is frugal; the 47.9mpg claimed economy and 139g/km CO2 emissions should ensure the Rocks S is relatively cheap to run. The steering is nicely weighted, but it’s a little vague and the raised ride height makes the Adam feel a bit too limp through corners, even with this model’s standard sports suspension. The ride isn’t bad, though, with the car feeling settled on most roads. Adding a sense of involvement are the satisfying, smooth shifts of the six-speed gearbox.

The fact the Adam Rocks S offers nothing special when it comes to performance and handling really puts that huge price tag into focus. If you’re after a hot hatch, there are so many better choices, but if you want something softer, there are cheaper options, too – even the more practical Corsa with the same engine only costs from £17,525.

What the Adam Rocks S does have going for it is the kit list, with a roof spoiler, chrome tailpipe, tinted windows, 18-inch alloys, DAB radio, Bluetooth and USB. You’ll also benefit from Vauxhall’s OnStar service and a fabric sunroof as standard.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Vauxhall Mokka facelift takes the fight to the Ford Puma with £24k starting price
Vauxhall Mokka facelift - front static

New Vauxhall Mokka facelift takes the fight to the Ford Puma with £24k starting price

Vauxhall’s stylish small SUV has been given an interior makeover, bigger screens and a simplified engine line-up
News
6 Nov 2024
Dacia Spring Cargo is a new city slicker electric van for only £13k
Dacia Spring Cargo - front static

Dacia Spring Cargo is a new city slicker electric van for only £13k

The commercial version of Dacia’s cut-price Spring EV ditches the back seats to increase cargo space
News
5 Nov 2024
New Suzuki e Vitara revealed: Japanese brand’s first EV only offers 248-mile range
Suzuki e Vitara reveal - front

New Suzuki e Vitara revealed: Japanese brand’s first EV only offers 248-mile range

The compact Suzuki e Vitara electric SUV will be available with four-wheel drive, and should arrive next summer
News
4 Nov 2024