Vauxhall has announced it will be unveiling the production version of its new urban mini-crossover the ADAM ROCKS at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.
The latest edition to the brand’s ADAM range was originally previewed as a concept car at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show and now the production model is poised to make its debut a year later.
Compared with other members of the ADAM family, ROCKS is taller, wider and more robust in appearance, while also offering a full-length electric folding canvas roof.
The new crossover body style is supported by a chassis that is raised 15mm with a wider stance. Vauxhall designers say the crossover’s styling was inspired by parkour athletes.
Parts of the chassis system have been modified or re-tuned – including dampers, springs, the rear suspension geometry, and steering. The higher, wider looks are matched by a choice of 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels. These can be further personalised with new wheel clips in “Wild” design and different colours that are unique to ROCKS.
Protective, anthracite-coloured cladding is wrapped around the car’s body in order to give it a ‘muscular’ look. The front trapezoidal grille, with a chrome central brand bar, is embedded in the cladding, while contrasting, satin chrome ‘boomerang’ elements frame the front fog lamps/indicator housings and the reversing/fog lamps at the rear. An integrated rear roof spoiler and LED daytime running lights also come as standard. Silver skid plates front and rear and a chrome exhaust complete the exterior design.
The electric folding canvas roof is operated via a button located in the front area of the headliner and folds back on to the C-pillars in five seconds. This system has no negative impact on body stiffness, claims Vauxhall. The car’s functionality also remains untouched, as the boot keeps the full opening of a hatchback and loading volume is also unimpinged.
ROCKS is also the first model to feature Vauxhall’s all-new 1.0-litre ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo three-cylinder engine, which manages 113 bhp, with a low-end torque of 122lb ft (166 Nm). The engine comes with a choice of two power outputs, 89 bhp and 113 bhp.
Both versions of the new three-cylinder unit are mated to an all-new six-speed manual gearbox.
The new engine tops a powertrain portfolio including ADAM’s three current four-cylinder naturally-aspirated units comprising a 1.2-litre engine with 69 bhp and a 1.4-litre available in two power outputs, 86 bhp and 99 bhp.
ADAM ROCKS pricing will be announced when it goes on sale in the summer. Production is due to start in Eisenach, Germany in August.
Source: Vauxhall
