The Opel Adam Rocks 1.4 (100 hp) is a subcompact city car produced by Opel, a German automobile manufacturer, from 2014. It represents a crossover-inspired variant of the standard Opel Adam, featuring a slightly raised ride height and rugged styling cues. Positioned as a more adventurous and individualistic option within the Adam range, the Rocks model aimed to appeal to buyers seeking a small car with a distinctive look and feel. Production of this specific configuration was limited to the 2014 model year. The Adam Rocks falls within the broader context of the first-generation Adam (A14), which utilized a heavily modified General Motors Gamma II platform.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Adam |
| Generation | Adam |
| Type (Engine) | Rocks 1.4 (100 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2014 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg, 39.8 UK mpg, 14.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.4 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg, 52.3 UK mpg, 18.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 125 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h (114.95 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.7 kg/Hp, 93.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.2 kg/Nm, 122.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 100 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 71.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 130 Nm @ 4000 rpm (95.88 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A14XER |
| Engine displacement | 1398 cm3 (85.31 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 73.4 mm (2.89 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.6 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1065 kg (2347.92 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1480 kg (3262.84 lbs.) |
| Max load | 415 kg (914.92 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 38 l (10.04 US gal | 8.36 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 50 kg (110.23 lbs.) |
| Length | 3698 mm (145.59 in.) |
| Width | 1720 mm (67.72 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1966 mm (77.4 in.) |
| Height | 1484 mm (58.43 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2311 mm (90.98 in.) |
| Front track | 1472 mm (57.95 in.) |
| Rear track | 1464 mm (57.64 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.17-11.06 m (33.37 – 36.29 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/55 R16; 215/45 R17; 225/35 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17; 7.5J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Opel Adam Rocks 1.4 utilized the A14XER engine, a 1.4-liter (1398 cc) inline-four cylinder petrol engine. This engine was part of Opel’s Family 0 small engine family. It featured multi-point fuel injection and a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. The engine produced 100 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 130 Nm (95.88 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine’s compression ratio was 10.5:1. The engine was transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle. The standard transmission was a five-speed manual gearbox, designed for efficiency and ease of use in urban environments. The engine was known for its relatively simple design and reasonable reliability.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4-liter engine paired with the five-speed manual transmission provided adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 10.9 seconds, and the top speed was around 115 mph. The power delivery was linear, making it easy to modulate in city traffic. Compared to other Adam variants, such as those equipped with the 1.0-liter turbocharged engine, the 1.4-liter offered a more predictable and less peaky powerband. While the 1.0-liter offered better fuel economy, the 1.4 provided a slightly more relaxed driving experience, particularly when fully loaded or on inclines. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency and everyday usability rather than outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Adam Rocks 1.4 typically came with a decent level of standard equipment, reflecting its position as a slightly more premium offering within the Adam range. Standard features included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an infotainment system with USB connectivity. The interior featured cloth upholstery and a dashboard with a distinctive, customizable trim panel. Optional extras included alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and more advanced infotainment systems with navigation. The “Rocks” trim also included unique exterior styling elements, such as plastic body cladding and a raised ride height, giving it a more rugged appearance.
Chassis & Braking
The Adam Rocks utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. The suspension was tuned to provide a comfortable ride while maintaining reasonable handling characteristics. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were drums. The steering was a rack-and-pinion system with electric power assistance. The relatively lightweight nature of the Adam Rocks (approximately 1065 kg or 2348 lbs) contributed to its nimble handling. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Adam Rocks 1.4 was generally well-received by automotive critics as a stylish and practical city car. However, some reviewers noted that the 1.4-liter engine could feel underpowered, particularly when carrying passengers or luggage. Compared to the 1.0-liter turbocharged version, the 1.4 offered slightly worse fuel economy but a more linear power delivery. The Rocks trim, with its unique styling and raised ride height, appealed to buyers seeking a more individualistic and adventurous small car. Reliability reports for the A14XER engine were generally positive, with few major issues reported.
Legacy
The Opel Adam Rocks, and specifically the 1.4-liter variant, has become a relatively affordable and accessible option in the used car market. The A14XER engine is known for its durability and relatively low maintenance costs. While not a performance standout, the 1.4-liter engine provides a reliable and economical powertrain for everyday driving. The Adam Rocks’ distinctive styling and practical size continue to appeal to buyers seeking a small, stylish, and well-equipped city car. Parts availability remains good, and the car’s relatively simple mechanical design makes it relatively easy to maintain and repair.
