Back in the old days, low running costs and parking-friendly dimensions were enough to win over small car buyers. But, those days are well and truly over, with style now a crucial element in the mix.

The Vauxhall ADAM, then, certainly fits the bill, equalling its Citroen DS3 and Fiat 500 competition for good looks. According to Vauxhall, it’s the most customisable car ever with over one million different style combinations, which can only help its cause.

Aimed at the younger car buyer, the ADAM would be perfect for someone looking to drive around the city in style, while behind the wheel of a car that is unique to them.

Performance

There is not that much on offer when it comes to engine options in the ADAM, with the entry-level 1.2-litre petrol proving disappointing in terms of both power and efficiency. With just 69bhp on tap, the ADAM fails to match the satisfying thrust of the Citroen DS3’s equivalent 81bhp 1.2-litre petrol.

The ADAM’s 1.2-litre petrol also takes 14.9 seconds to reach the 62mph. For those wanting some punch, there’s a 99bhp 1.4-litre petrol option. Still, that doesn’t touch the DS3’s range-topping 153bhp option. The new three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine was a welcome and much needed addition to the Vauxhall ADAM range, dramatically improving the model’s chances in this competitive sector. With the new engine, the ADAM’s 0-62mph sprint time is reduced to 9.9 seconds, with the model offering a top speed of 121mph.

Our pick of the range is the 1.0-litre unit, offering a good blend of efficiency and nippy performance – perfect for city driving. All versions of the ADAM come with a manual gearbox, so automatic drivers will be better off with the likes of the Citroen DS3 and Fiat 500.

Ride and Handling

The light steering on the ADAM is definitely aimed at city dwellers, serving you well when navigating around one-way streets.

The light steering on the ADAM is definitely aimed at city dwellers, serving you well when navigating around one-way streets. But when you take it up to speed on a country road, it all goes a bit belly-up, as it can be hard to tell what the front wheels are up to, due to the lack of feedback. An entertaining drive is probably not going to be a priority with such a stylish car, but there will no doubt be some enthusiastic drivers that will find the steering disappointing. The amount of grip on offer isn't a problem, but the ride is rather firm, making it easily unsettled over speed bumps and poorer road surfaces. Be extra careful when it comes to splashing out and getting 17- or 18-inch wheels, you may end up paying the price when it comes to comfort.

Interior and Equipment

Vauxhall says that there are over one million different personalisation possibilities for the ADAM, thanks to how much customisation is offered.

There is so much standard and optional kit to choose from for the ADAM - which can only be a good thing, considering the range of chic superminis in the segment. Over ten body colours and three different roof colours are available, while customers can even customise the colour of the dashboard with clip-on trims. The ADAM definitely has the edge over fashionable competition like the Fiat 500 when it comes to style and customisation options. Even entry level models offer desirable kit like Bluetooth, cruise control and a leather steering wheel. Vauxhall’s handy IntelliLink system is available as an upgrade for a reasonable £275. However, the ADAM struggles on the practicality front; rear seat passengers will quickly become uncomfortable due to the lack of leg- and headroom. And things don’t get better in the boot either, with the ADAM offering just 175 litres. That’s more than 100 litres less than the DS3.

Cost

Be careful when choosing extra equipment, as too much personalisation can harm future residual values.

When compared to rivals such as the Fiat 500 (£10,420) and Citroen DS3 (£12,865), the £11,255 ADAM is priced in between. The most efficient model in the range is the new Vauxhall ADAM 1.0-litre Ecotec, which emits sub-100g/km of CO2 (99g/km), while returning a claimed 62mpg. This new engine certainly levelled the playing field, with other engines in the range falling well behind those fitted in the ADAM’s rivals. With its highly customisable nature, the ADAM is certainly suited to private buyers, although the inclusion of a sub-100g/km CO2 engine makes it a more interesting choice for business drivers than before. The city car can be leased from the manufacturer for around £159 per month, which is more than the typical Fiat 500 monthly payments of around £129. One thing to consider: be careful when choosing extra equipment, as too much personalisation can harm future residual values.

Our Verdict

When it comes to style and customisable options, the Vauxhall ADAM has some heavyweight credentials in its market segment and, arguably, justifies its £11,255 price tag on kit alone. But factor in its lack of pizzazz on the road, and the joy of the kit seems to fizzle out a little. The ADAM is great for those who want a quirky and fun car to nip from A to B. However, if you are someone who is looking for a complete package of low CO2, head-turning presence and a composed drive, you should weigh up its French competition first. However, the inclusion of the new 1.0-litre Ecotec engine will go a long way to making the ADAM more appealing to its target customers.