• Adam running costs are low but not class-leading
• 1.0i Turbo uses the least fuel at 57.6mpg
• Sporty Adam S is the thirstiest in the line-up

Think small car and you automatically assume its running costs will be equally tiny, but not so with the Vauxhall Adam. Many buyers may not want to shell out for stop/start technology, but to keep running costs down it’s advisable to go for an engine with this technology.

Most fuel efficient is the 1.0i Turbo with a claimed average of 57.6mpg, with CO2 emissions quoted at 112g/km. That’s even better than the 1.4i Ecoflex which manages 56.5mpg and 118g/km of CO2. Least efficient, unsurprisingly, is the Adam S with its 1.4i Turbo engine: Vauxhall quotes 47.9mpg and 130g/km for this model.

If you are set on personalisation, just remember that while big wheels may look on point, they will cost you more when replacing tyres. Stick to 16-inch alloys wherever possible – they will be cheaper and give you the best ride comfort.

Is it eco friendly?

• Lowest emissions in the range are 112g/km of CO2
• No diesel option for lower emissions
• Adam S is the most polluting in the range at 130g/km

Carbon dioxide emissions are higher than you’d expect for a small car, with the greenest Vauxhall Adam being the 1.0i Turbo at 112g/km of CO2. Emitting the most CO2 is the 1.4i Turbo fitted to the Adam S, pumping out 130g/km of CO2.

While we wouldn’t ordinarily recommend a diesel-engined small car with a low-CO2 engine, Vauxhall doesn’t even offer consumers a choice. Similarly, there are no hybrid or electric powertrains, either.

Is it reliable?

• Adam feels well assembled with proven mechanicals
• Still suffered four DVSA vehicle recalls, though
• Not expecting issues with brand new examples

Given that the Vauxhall Adam’s engines have been proven in a variety of other models and that the interior feels well-built, you’d imagine reliability would be a strong point.

Disappointingly, since its 2013 launch it’s been subjected to four recalls by the vehicle inspectorate, the DVSA. Two of these relate to a potential loss of steering control, while a third is specific to a stability issue. The fourth only affected models fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels. By now, all of the remedial work should have been carried out to negate the issues.