• Four-star rating from Euro NCAP
• Various safety items normally associated with larger cars
• No four-wheel drive in spite of appearances

Euro NCAP won’t specifically crash test the Vauxhall Adam Rocks to verify its safety rating; instead it’ll have the regular hatchback’s four-star score applied to it.

A selection of six airbags comes as standard, while the head restraints are height adjustable and the seatbelts are fitted with a pretensioner system, which tightens the seatbelts during the early stages of a frontal collision.

Electronic stability control is standard, too: it reduces the possibility of losing control of the car. Hill-Start Assist is also standard which is helpful if you’re driving away from traffic lights on an incline.

For those with young families there are also two Isofix seats in the rear – although access is difficult given the cramped nature of the car in the back, as well as it being three doors only.

One key aspect to remember: despite its off-roader looks, the Adam Rocks is front-wheel drive only.

• Roomy up front…
• But rear seats are tight
• Air retains tailgate flexibility

Only so much space can be liberated from a body as compact as that of the Vauxhall Adam Rocks, meaning practicality isn’t a strong point.

If you’re one of the front seat occupants you’ll be better off as it’s decently roomy with plenty of space for odds and ends to be tucked away.

What lets the Adam down is the cramped two-seater rear bench. If those in the front seats are tall, the rear pair become virtually useless, with negligible legroom. Headroom’s at a premium, too.

It’s not all bad, though. The electric folding canvas roof on the Rocks Air can be opened in just seven seconds and can be opened or closed up to speeds in excess of the motorway legal limit, so you’re unlikely to get soaked by a surprise shower.

Boot space is tight with just 170 litres available with the rear seats in place, although again of you go for the Rocks Air, unlike its rival ‘proper’ convertibles, you still get a more practical full-height tailgate instead of a frustratingly small bootlid.