Vauxhall Adam hatchback (2013-2019) - Interior & comfort

Even without digging deep into the options list, the Vauxhall Adam looks every bit as upmarket and classy as the DS 3 (formerly known as the Citroen DS3). The Adam's numerous customisation options mean you can design the interior to your liking, but sadly you can't improve the ride quality, which is too firm and bouncy. Avoid larger alloy wheels and sports suspension, as these make the ride even firmer.

Vauxhall Adam dashboard

Once inside, you should be able to find a comfortable driving position thanks to a steering wheel that adjusts for reach and height. The Adam has been designed to be far more stylish than any other Vauxhall, so you get a sporty leather steering wheel as standard, as well as attractive and colourful inserts in the dashboard.

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The materials look and feel better than those in other small Vauxhalls, too. You’ll find chromed rings around the air vents, a sporty-looking three-spoke steering wheel and clear dials. However, unless you choose the optional £275 IntelliLink stereo upgrade, you’ll be faced with an old-fashioned looking unit.

Equipment

All models in the Vauxhall Adam range are well equipped considering the asking price. The entry-level Adam Jam features alloy wheels, air-conditioning, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a CD player with a USB socket, cruise control and stereo controls on the steering wheel.

For around another £1,400, the Adam Glam adds climate control, a glass roof, DAB radio and additional chrome trim. Another £750 gets you into the Adam Slam, which is the pick of the range if you can live with its firmer sports suspension.

The Slam’s standard equipment highlights include the ability to choose from a range of roof and door-mirror colours, plus 17-inch alloy wheels and sports suspension.

Alongside Jam, Slam and Glam specs, Vauxhall has slotted in a new Energised model that actually reduces the customisation options. It’s based on existing Jam specification and only available with the 69bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine. It adds 17-inch black alloy wheels, a black roof and black exterior detailing, LED daytime running lights and LED tail-lights. Inside, there’s part-leather seats, sports pedals and Vauxhall’s Intellilink infotainment system, which normally cost around £1,800. The only option box to tick is Vauxhall’s OnStar system. An Energized Black Jack version is also offered, which adds a host of black styling parts as its name suggests.

The sporty Adam S features 18-inch alloy wheels, a unique bodykit, more powerful brakes and tinted windows in addition to its more powerful engine and bespoke suspension setup.

Options

The standard trim levels are just the start, as there are a huge number of optional extras. You can also upgrade to the latest IntelliLink infotainment system, which adds a seven-inch touchscreen and is compatible with Android Auto, as well as Apple CarPlay. This allows the system to access your phone's own navigation app. This is available as part of the £495 Technical Pack, which also includes Vauxhall's OnStar service.

This turns the car into a mobile wi-fi hot spot, to which up to seven different devices can be connected. A 4G data connection is free for the first 12 months, after which you have to pay a subscription. OnStar will also call the emergency services automatically if you've been in an accident, or contact roadside recovery, as well as allowing you to start the car from your mobile phone using an app, and check information like its fuel level.

Lots of packs are available, including the Winter Pack with heated seats and steering wheel for £225, a Sight & Light Pack One with automatic wipers and lights for £240 and even a VXR Styling Pack for £760 (standard on the Adam S). Given the bewildering range of options, Vauxhall offers some useful starting points in the ‘Popular Designs’ section of its Adam website.