Vauxhall Adam Slam

The Vauxhall Adam Slam represents the top-end of the permanent trim levels, with only limited editions and additional personalisation packages futher heightening the price tag.

In Slam trim, the Adam is treated to larger alloy wheels, sports suspension, LED daytime running lights, chrome-plated door sills and a two tone roof colour. This is on top of the luxuries on the Vauxhall Adam Glam model that is equipped with automatic climate control, DAB digital radio and a whole host of personalisation options.

Just like the rest of the Adam range, the Slam can be fitted with one of three petrol engines: a 69bhp 1.2-litre, a 1.4-litre available with either 85bhp or 98bhp, or a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine with 113bhp. Avoid the 1.2-litre engine if you can; its 14.9 second 0-62mph time means it's incredibly slow. It may be the cheapest, but it won't be fun to drive. If you're looking for maximum enjoyment, the 1.0-litre turbocharged engine makes the Adam feel a lot more entertaining, but it's the most expensive engine in the range. We'd still choose it over the others, though.

All engines are capable of at least 50mpg. The most economical version, the 1.2-litre ecoFLEX, is capable of returning up to 58mpg. However, the turbocharged engine does almost as well, coming in with a claimed fuel economy figure of 57mpg, and is much more exciting.

The Slam trim can be equpped with the 'Extreme Pack'. The package throws in a colour co-ordinated paint finish, stripe decals on the roof and door mirrors, metal pedals and larger 18-inch alloy wheels.

Good points

The amount of personalisation options available to all Adam models frankly boggles the mind. There are 12 different wheel designs, with most of those having at least three different paint finishes.The interior quality is decent. So much so that owners rate the car very well for build quality in the Driver Power 2015 owner satisfaction survey.The steering is light and very responsive to inputs, which helps to lift the rather forgettable driving experience.

Bad points

The MINI Cooper is a lot more fun to drive overall, and its engines are much more economical on fuel.Even though it's a small car, practicality is a particularly weak area. There's very little headroom for rear passengers and the boot space is tiny.

What you get

• Alloy wheels
• Folding rear seats
• Passenger & Driver airbag
• Front side airbags
• Curtain airbags
• Auto climate control
• Leather steering wheel
• Height adjustable driver's seat
• Front electric windows
• Single CD player
• AUX stereo input
• DAB Radio
• Cruise control
• Stop/Start
• Sports suspension
• Bluetooth

Recommended optional extras

• IntelliLink infotainment system

Our choice

The 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine offers the best blend of performance and economy in the Adam's range, so it's definitely our pick of the bunch.