2015 Vauxhall Adam Grand Slam review

Despite what may seem like modest changes made to the Adam, Vauxhall's engineers have managed to turn this usually docile city car into a passable warm hatchback. It's no Fiesta ST, sure, but the Adam Grand Slam is both engaging and enjoyable to drive.

On the mountain roads surrounding Lisbon in Portugal, the Grand Slam felt agile and sporty. The exhaust emits a psuedo-performance drone which is pleasing above 3000rpm, which just happens to be the sweet spot at which the newly turbocharged 1.4-litre engine comes into its own.

There's no excess of horsepower here - remember, only 148bhp is on offer - but it's delivered smoothly and precisely. The six-speed manual transmission takes some getting used to, but on the whole the combination works well.

Vauxhall engineers have retuned the standard Adam's chassis and fitted uprated springs and dampers, so it's perhaps no surprise to find that the Grand Slam handles well on a variety of road surfaces, while its steering is both light and accurate.

The powertrain responds well to hard inputs - this is an engine which likes to be pushed, it seems - with the result that this is a car which feels truly engaging, and especially so close to its limit. For the ultra-keen driver, the ESP system can also be turned off, but not entirely. There's a 'safety net' system which keeps things in control.

For cruising about town, the Adam Grand Slam offers a well judged ride, which isn't too firm, and a comfortable interior. Some of the material choices inside may be a little too stylistic for some, and there are still too many hard plastics in there for our liking, but the cabin does a good job of looking suitably sporting.

So too does the exterior. The larger 18-inch alloys, subtle bodykit and roof-mounted rear spoiler give the Adam Grand Slam a more aggressive look than that of the regular car while still maintaining Vauxhall's chic styling.

Of course, some of our original niggles regarding the Adam are also present, most notably the cramped boot and rear bench.

Whichever way you look at it, the Grand Slam is up against some serious competition. Vauxhall has made it clear that it's targetting the Abarth 595 Turismo, which gets 10bhp more from its 1.4-litre engine but costs almost a full £1000 more than the Adam Grand Slam and gets smaller 17-inch wheels to ride around on. 

Both cars also face pressure from the admittedly larger Fiesta ST, a leviathan in all matters concerning hot hatchbacks. And the truth is that for many, the question of what performance hatch to buy will be answered by turning the key of the Fiesta.

That said, Vauxhall's team appears to have filled its brief successfully in creating a performance version of the Adam. The idea of a city car which can also be genuinely fun to drive will appeal to many, and for fans of the Adam who are seeking more power, this is a no-brainer.

Vauxhall Adam Grand Slam

Price £16,995; Engine 4 cyls, 1364cc, turbocharged, petrol; Power 148bhp at 5500rpm; Torque 162lb ft at 4500rpm; Gearbox 6-spd manual; Kerb weight 1178kg; Top speed 124mph; 0-62mph 8.5sec; Economy 57.6mpg (combined); CO2/tax band 139g/km, 20 per cent