Opel Adam Rocks (2015)

All-new 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo with 90 and 115 hp

The Opel Adam Rocks showcases the arrival of an all-new development under its hood. In addition to familiar naturally-aspirated, 1.2 and 1.4-liter gasoline engines delivering 51 kW/70 hp to 74 kW/100 hp, Opel is offering its all-new 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo for the first time. This all-aluminum three-cylinder unit delivers 66 kW/90 hp, while a top-of-the-line version reaches 85 kW/115 hp. The four-cylinder engines are mated to a five-speed transmission and both 1.0-liter Turbo units come with a new compact and lightweight six-speed manual gearbox. This gives Adam Rocks a comfortable, superbly smooth and fast shift operation.

Maximum speed is 180 km/h (66 kW/90 hp) and 196 km/h (85 kW/115 hp), and the sprint from zero to 100 km/h takes just 11.9 and 9.9 seconds respectively. Both versions deliver strong, low-end torque of 170 Nm from just 1,800 rpm.

The all-aluminum engine features state-of-the-art technologies such as high-pressure direct fuel injection, continuously variable valve timing, a switchable water pump, a cylinder-head integrated exhaust manifold and a single scroll turbocharger. Despite its fiery performance, the 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo consumes just 4.5 liters (66 kW/90 hp) and 5.1 liters (85 kW/115 hp) of fuel per 100 km over the combined cycle, not least thanks to Start/Stop fitted as standard (according to Regulation [EC] no. 715/2007).

Adam Rocks' suspension system - McPherson struts on a sub-frame up front and a torsion beam at rear - has been modified to suit its wider range of use. The car's off-road character is emphasized by a 15-mm increase in ride height compared to Adam with identical 17-inch wheels, giving Opel's mini crossover SUV-like ground clearance of around 14 centimeters. Chassis components modified or re-tuned include the dampers, springs, rear suspension geometry and steering. Adam Rocks' rugged good looks are enhanced by wide front and rear tracks (1,472 and 1,464 mm respectively) which, combined with a 2,311 mm long wheelbase, also ensure a high level of driving stability and comfort.

Made in Germany: Adam Rocks brings hallmark quality to the road

Adam Rocks went from concept car to production readiness in just twelve months. It was born and nurtured at Opel's International Technical Development Center (ITDC) in Rüsselsheim and, like the rest of the Adam family, it is built in Germany at Opel's Eisenach plant. Opel is the only automaker to develop and make a small car like Rocks in Germany, and the Eisenach plant's high efficiency has made it possible.

Design

Adam Rocks takes Opel's trendy Adam family into a new market niche. Cool and tough, chunky and funky: Adam Rocks combines the joy of driving under an open sky with all the fun of an adventure-loving mini-crossover. And just like with its stable-mates, Adam Rocks customers can also choose from countless personalization options.

The latest member of Opel's urban lifestyle family is a small, 3.75-meter long car with a huge zest for life - inside and outside the city. Featuring an electrically operated, retracting, Swing Top canvas roof as standard, signature body cladding all-round and a 15 mm raised ride height, Adam Rocks creates a new market niche: it is the first three-door urban pocket-crossover under four meters in length complete with a canvas roof for spontaneous open-air driving. To further individualize its cabin, Opel designers have developed new design elements, décors and seating trims which are all unique to Adam Rocks.

Looks tailored for adventure

The Adam Rocks' bodystyle was inspired by the exploits of agile 'Parkour' athletes who use the city landscape as their playground in their own unconventional way. Rugged good looks and a muscular body design will appeal to those seeking personal freedom and adventure off the beaten track, in the city and beyond the urban landscape. The front and rear overhangs underline its masculine proportions, giving the Adam Rocks a powerful and solid stance.

Key to Adam Rocks' purposeful looks is a 15 mm increase in body ride height compared to Adam with identical 17-inch wheels, giving the car greater ground clearance and a wider, tougher appearance. Chassis system components 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 standard or 18-inch optional alloy wheels. Designers have also added a special flourish to the wheels: the 18-inch rims can be further personalized by new clips in a "Wild" design and by different colors unique to the Rocks.

Protective, anthracite-colored body cladding is wrapped tightly around Adam Rocks, enhancing its tough, 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 indicator housings and the rear reversing/fog lamps. Silver skid plates front and rear, and a bold chrome exhaust fitted as standard complete the exterior design highlights.

The cladding on its robust side sills and wheelarches emphasizes the Adam Rocks' unique silhouette, while a bold sweeping swage line on the lower part of the door and a "shock wave" line around the door handles both add to its visual impact. Like the other Adam family models, a chrome side roof design line achieves an eye-catching effect: it makes the roof look as if it's hovering or floating above the car. Combinations of various body and roof colors are available - so in terms of customization potential, the Adam Rocks is on a par with its stable-mates. New body paints will also be introduced, such as the vibrant yellow "Goldbusters".

Open-air driving fun at the push of a button

Just as unconventional and individual as the Adam Rocks is its Swing Top canvas roof which enables open-air driving fun whenever and wherever the driver feels like it. Fitted as standard, the SwingTop canvas roof gives quick access to the sky above and is electrically operated via a button located at the front of the headliner. It folds back neatly on to the C-pillars in just five seconds - and can, of course, be opened or closed while the car is moving (at speeds up to 140 km/h). This allows the driver, for example, to quickly close the roof without having to stop if it suddenly starts raining. Creating a wide window onto the sky above, the installation of the stylish Swing Top system does not compromise body stiffness, or impair the car's functionality: the Adam Rocks' trunk retains full accessibility and load volume is unaffected.

The entire roof module is acoustically tuned for good noise insulation inside the cabin, and the robust, three-layer fabric has a neoprene center sandwich for weatherproofing and durability. The Swing Top is available in a choice of two exterior colors - black or dark brown - which combine with various colors for the fixed portion of the Adam Rocks' roof.

Interior with stylish design and premium feeling

The Adam Rocks cabin delivers all the design flair promised by its bold exterior looks, captivating occupants with its own chic charm. Two new, optional exclusive Rocks interior ambiences have been created. They include the main instrument cluster, seat and door panel colors, and other trim elements which are all unique to Opel's mini urban trailblazer. One ambience is taken directly from the Adam Rocks concept car shown last year: it features elegant yet sporty, Peanut-colored fabric/Morrocana seats and door panels, together with a leather steering wheel, gearshift and handbrake in the same color, and a friendly optional "Surf" décor trim. The other exclusive Rocks cabin features a sophisticated Coffee Bean design theme, with rich, dark brown seats in a black cabin trimmed with bright blue stitching. In addition to this, Rocks shares almost all the many interior personalization options available in the rest of the Adam range.

Powertrain and Chassis

Adam Rocks is not only a stylish, urban trendsetter - it's also a remarkable technical innovator, showcasing the arrival of two all-new developments under its hood.

The first is an all-aluminum, three-cylinder 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo engine delivering 66 kW/90 hp or 85 kW/115 hp. The second is a compact and lightweight six-speed manual transmission designed for high efficiency and maximum shifting comfort. Teamed together, they create an ultra-modern drivetrain which delivers exemplary fuel consumption and emissions values, while pampering the driver with top running smoothness and performance.

Robust body additions, a ride height increased by 15 mm and standard 17-inch alloy wheels all combine to give the Rocks off-road looks that make it a pleasingly distinctive eye-catcher. The chassis and steering have also been tuned to the requirements of the higher Rocks new geometry, so the mini-crossover is the equal of other Adam family members when it comes to agility. And thanks to its longer suspension travel, it offers higher comfort.

1.0-liter Turbo in detail: Downsizing for high demands

The Adam Rocks' new 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo immediately impresses with its superb driving performance. This is particularly evident during fifth-gear acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h, an exceptionally important speed range for overtaking, when this compact powerhouse belies its size by delivering strong power from low rpm. In 66 kW/90 hp form, it enables Rocks to make the 80 to 120 km/h transition in 13.2 seconds, while the 115 hp version requires just 10.9 seconds. Maximum speed is 180 km/h (66 kW/90 hp) and 196 km/h (85 kW/115 hp), and the sprint from zero to 100 km/h takes just 11.9 and 9.9 seconds respectively. Both versions deliver strong, low-end torque of 170 Nm from just 1,800 rpm.

Despite its fiery performance, the 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo consumes just 4.5 liters (66 kW/90 hp) and 5.1 liters (85 kW/115 hp) of fuel per 100 km in the combined cycle, not least thanks to Start/Stop fitted as standard. This frugality enables CO2 emissions of just 105 and 119 g/km respectively. The new three-cylinder unit already complies with future Euro 6 emission standards.

State-of-the-art technologies include high-pressure direct fuel injection, an ultra-compact turbocharging system and continuously variable valve timing (intake and exhaust sides). Lightweight, all-aluminum construction, with a cylinder head-integrated exhaust manifold, contributes to low weight: the 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo tips the scales at just 106 kg. Numerous 'sound engineering' measures also contribute to the engine's benchmark refinement. These include an acoustically-developed cylinder block; a sump-mounted balancer shaft - universally unique for a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine; structural isolation of the fuel injection system and crankshaft; drive chains with inverted teeth and engine covers designed for acoustic attenuation.

Three familiar naturally-aspirated gasoline units complete Adam Rocks engine portfolio. A 1.2-liter gives 51 kW/70 hp, while the1.4-liter unit is available with two output levels, 64 kW/87 hp or 74 kW/100 hp. The four-cylinder engines are mated to a five-speed transmission and both 1.0-liter Turbo units come with a six-speed gearbox.

Crisp six-speed transmission for higher efficiency and driving refinement

Opel's all-new six-speed gearbox - called M1X internally - is distinguished by its improved efficiency and benchmark shift quality. Opel engineers have achieved greater operating efficiency through optimally stepped gear ratios, a longer final drive ratio and low friction design for internal components. Weighing less than 40 kg, the M1X is one of the lightest gearboxes on the market. It is also robust. With an impressive maximum torque rating of 220 Nm, it is thoroughly engineered for hard work.

Chassis with higher ground clearance for Rocks off-road fun

The Adam Rocks' suspension system - McPherson struts on a sub-frame up front and a torsion beam at rear - has been modified to suit a wider range of use. The car's off-road character is underlined by a 15-mm increase in ride height compared to Adam with identical 17-inch wheels, giving Opel's mini crossover SUV-like ground clearance of around 14 centimeters. Chassis components modified or re-tuned include the dampers, springs, rear suspension geometry and steering. Adam Rocks' rugged good looks are emphasized by wide front and rear tracks (1,472 and 1,464 mm respectively) which, combined with a 2,311 mm long wheelbase, also ensure a high level of driving stability and comfort. In addition to its standard 17-inch alloy wheels, the Adam Rocks can also be ordered with 18-inch rims.

To cope with the demands of the urban jungle, the Rocks' electric power steering includes a special 'CITY' mode, which is easily activated at the press of a button. It increases power assistance at lower speeds to make maneuvering in tight spots almost effortless. Newest generation ESC (Electronic Stability Control) technology and numerous safety-increasing functions, such as Hill Start Assist, Cornering Brake Control and Brake Assist, are all fitted as standard.

Market & Model

Few vehicle classes enjoy the same popularity as the segment for trendy, lifestyle-oriented small cars. Opel now launches its latest model, Adam Rocks, into this sector to win over new customers. The outlook could hardly be brighter, as this youngest member of the Adam family is expected to build on the success of its peers by opening up a new market niche - a space in the small car segment for urban mini, three-door crossover vehicles. There is little competition in sight for the first three-door, urban pocket-crossover that's under four meters in length. Adam Rocks combines this unique positioning with a host of lifestyle features, such as its electrically-operated, retracting Swing Top canvas roof fitted as standard, as well as 'Made in Germany' quality and an excellent price/performance ratio.

Innovations and imagination instead of retro design

Adam Rocks continues the Adam family's recipe for success and is another important building block in Opel's product offensive. Unique in body and design, with high emotional appeal and premium-like equipment, Adam Rocks does not simply imitate familiar recipes. While major competitors in the segment go down the retro-design path, the Adam family is big on innovation, imagination, individualization and quality as its core values.

With the attraction of establishing a new market niche, Adam Rocks appeals to the needs of young, image-conscious city dwellers who set style trends and want their car to reflect their individual personality. As the industry's individualization champion, the Adam already shows what is possible. Now Adam Rocks raises the bar even higher and combines the power and expression of a crossover with the added coolness factor of a canvas roof for the pleasure of open-air driving.

While Adam buyers are often younger than 35 years old, Opel assumes that the majority of Adam Rocks buyers will be older than 35 and expects the male/female ratio to be 40:60. These groups place great value on fashion consciousness and individuality; they don't just follow trends, they actively create them so also act as opinion-leaders. They will therefore influence other potential buyer groups, such as the group of 'social climbers' older than 35. This buyer group already has a family and is looking for a second car with individuality, a high-quality interior and equipment features of premium character.

Experts predict the lifestyle-oriented sub-segment, in which Adam Rocks is a new contender, will continue to grow steadily over the coming years. Since 2000, sales of stylish cars in the A-segment (vehicles around 3.70 m length) have risen by over one-third, while sales of B-segment luxury-oriented cars (around 4.00 m length) have more than doubled. In 2013, around 730,000 units of these trendy cars were registered in Europe, compared to 450,000 in 2008. With more than 100,000 orders, the Adam already shows clear conquest potential in this growth market, and Opel intends to increase this capability with the Adam Rocks. Main markets for Opel's new urban mini-crossover will be Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, France and the Netherlands.

Athletic looks, open-air feeling and useful innovations

The 3.75 meter long Adam Rocks' striking features include signature body cladding all-round and a 15 mm raised ride height. And while its Adam stable-mates have a 'starlight' headliner illuminated by 63 LED lights, the Adam Rocks' Swing Top canvas roof offers a view of the real thing, an open-air starry sky. To further individualize its cabin, Opel designers have developed new design elements, décors and seating trims all unique to Adam Rocks. On the technical side, ultra-modern engines and transmissions optimized for low fuel consumption and noise generation round off the extensive offer.

Like other Adam variants, with an extensive list of standard equipment Adam Rocks offers more car for the money than other vehicles in this class. The entry-level price for the mini-crossover with a 51 kW/70 hp 1.2-liter gasoline engine is 15,990 euro (RRP incl. VAT in Germany). Opel also ensures that premium technologies and numerous individualization options remain affordable: for example, the IntelliLink infotainment system is available for just 300 euros extra. It allows the seamless integration of ANDROID, as well as Apple iOS smartphone functionalities, inside the car and just like the Opel Adam, also makes the new Adam Rocks the best-connected small car - a talent recently underlined by Adam winning the "Connected Car Award" from German trade journals Auto Bild and Computer Bild. The Park Assist II identifies parking spaces and automatically parks the vehicle. Park Assist always comes with a Side Blind Spot Alert, which also uses the ultrasonic sensors to warn drivers of an imminent collision when changing lanes.

The order book for the Opel Adam Rocks opened on June 30 and the new mini-crossover will be in dealerships from late September. Like the rest of its family members, Adam Rocks is built in Opel's Eisenach plant, making it the only vehicle in its class to be developed and produced in Germany.

Equipment & Infotainment

Raised ride height, powerful outdoor looks, open-air driving fun and unlimited in-car connectivity: the core elements of Adam Rocks bring together a unique combination of state-of-the-art functions and technologies, further extending the Adam family's almost unlimited personalization possibilities. In addition to many innovations improving safety and comfort - like automatic, hands-free Park Assist II - Adam Rocks also features Opel's new generation IntelliLink infotainment system. It provides a seamless integration of ANDROID, as well as Apple iOS, smartphone functionalities inside the car, ensuring drivers never lose contact with what's going on around them - unless they want to.

Adam Rocks is the only vehicle in its class to offer the comfort of a heated steering wheel, driver and front passenger seats. Even on the coldest of winter days, Opel's new urban crossover can provide pleasant extra warmth within one minute of pressing a button. Electronic climate control, using a patented control system, also maintains the desired cabin temperature in summer and winter by forecasting temperature developments.

Perfect sound and connectivity thanks to IntelliLink infotainment system

The standard infotainment equipment in Adam Rocks is a CD 3.0 BT system, with radio and a MP3/WMA compatible CD player featuring Bluetooth and USB connections, as well as a hands-free function. The tuner can be combined with DAB digital radio offering a broad choice of listening options. And for those who want the ultimate sound experience in their Adam Rocks, an Infinity sound system is available for 400 euros. It features eight speakers and a total of 315 watts with two tweeters, two front subwoofers, two rear wide band speakers, one mid-frequency range speaker and the sub-woofer box located in the trunk.

Opel's sophisticated IntelliLink infotainment system, which provides state-of-the-art connectivity and apps, is extremely affordable at only 300 euros. It makes Rocks the best connected small car on the market, just like its Adam stable-mates. It's a talent recently underlined by Adam winning the "Connected Car Award" from German trade journals Auto Bild and Computer Bild. IntelliLink is fully compatible with the latest Android and Apple iOS-based smartphones and can also be combined with DAB+.

IntelliLink in Adam Rocks adds navigation by the BringGo app, as well as access to the Stitcher and TuneIn apps. The BringGo navigation system can be downloaded as a map version for Eastern and Western Europe. Once downloaded, the map data remains installed on the user's smartphone, which means Adam Rocks owners do not need a smartphone broadband connection to use the BringGo navigation system. BringGo solely uses GPS to locate the Adam Rocks. An additional advantage of the app is that it can be connected to internet search engines. If, for example, Adam Rocks drivers want to find a restaurant or hotel, they can just run a name search on the search engine and the results will be automatically displayed on the BringGo map. Stitcher is a useful global podcast internet radio which lets users listen to programs live or after they have been broadcast. Once Stitcher is downloaded onto a smartphone, Adam Rocks owners can access more than 10,000 podcasts on demand, including radio shows and live stations around the world, via Rocks' IntelliLink touch-screen. With access to a global network of 70,000 radio stations, Tune-In has the power to offer entertainment to suit the tastes of every listener.

The integration of Apple iOS devices within IntelliLink enables Siri Eyes Free voice control. This makes it possible for drivers to hear an incoming SMS read aloud or dictate an SMS and emails - all while keeping their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.

IntelliLink also includes USB and Bluetooth connectivity, audio streaming, a 7-inch high-definition color touch-screen and seven speakers. Hands-free phone calls can be made without dialing: the driver selects a name from the stored directory (with up to 1,000 contacts) visible on the touch-screen, touches the "call" function and then carries out a conversation via the car's speakers. Telephone and audio functions together can be accessed and controlled via Bluetooth, irrespective of smartphone type. Mobile mass storage devices, such as MP3 players, iPods, iPads, etc., can be connected to the infotainment system via USB or Bluetooth. In addition to the USB port, a 3.5-mm auxiliary input is also provided. All this means Adam Rocks drivers can select their favorite soundtracks using the touch-screen anytime and anywhere. They can easily access personal photo galleries, slide shows, videos and other stored documents via the USB connection (and aux-in for videos for iOS Smartphones) for viewing when Adam Rocks is stationary.

Smart innovations: Assistance systems make driving comfortable and safe

The new urban crossover with its 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo engine not only offers lots of driving fun, it also makes driving easier and safer with its modern assistance systems. Especially in city driving that is often hectic, they help the driver in a variety of ways. Park Assist identifies spaces and automatically parks the vehicle, without the driver touching the wheel. The ultrasonic sensor-based system measures suitable parallel or perpendicular parking spots, calculates the vehicle's trajectory and automatically steers Adam Rocks into a parking space. The driver just controls acceleration, deceleration and gear shifting.

Park Assist always comes with Side Blind Spot Alert, which also uses the ultrasonic sensors to warn the driver of an imminent collision when changing lanes. The sensors have a range of three meters to the left and right of the vehicle, and also detect objects or other vehicles in the driver's 'blind spots'. Whenever another vehicle comes within range of the sensors, a warning LED illuminates in the relevant outside door mirror. If the driver still attempts to change lanes by using the turn indicator on the side where a vehicle is detected, the LED starts to flash. In this way, the system actively helps prevent accidents between speeds of 10 and 140 km/h. The optional combined pack, comprising the up-level functionalities of Park Assist and Side Blind Spot Alert, is offered for 580 euros.

Standard for all Adam Rocks is Electric Power Steering (EPS) with a dedicated CITY mode. At the touch of a button, this function increases power assistance at lower speeds, particularly useful when maneuvering in congested urban areas.

Hill Start Assist also comes as standard. It maintains the brake function for about two seconds after the driver has taken his/her foot off the brake pedal. This prevents Adam Rocks from rolling back when starting on a slope or, for instance, when driving off from traffic lights or a parking spot on a hill.