The Opel Adam Rocks 1.4 (87 hp) Easytronic is a subcompact city car produced by Opel, the German subsidiary of Stellantis, from 2014 to 2019. The “Rocks” variant, introduced in 2014, represented a more rugged and stylized take on the standard Adam hatchback, featuring a raised ride height, protective cladding, and a convertible-style roll-top canvas roof. This particular configuration, powered by the 1.4-liter naturally aspirated engine paired with the Easytronic automated manual transmission, served as an entry-level offering within the Rocks lineup, targeting buyers seeking a fashionable and fuel-efficient urban vehicle. It was primarily marketed in Europe, where the subcompact segment is particularly popular.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Adam |
| Generation | Adam |
| Type (Engine) | Rocks 1.4 (87 Hp) Easytronic |
| Start of production | 2014 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg, 68.9 UK mpg, 24.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 118 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 178 km/h (110.6 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.2 kg/Hp, 81.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.2 kg/Nm, 122.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 87 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 62.2 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) |
| 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 (Back) 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, automatic transmission Easytronic |
| 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 Easytronic utilizes the A14XER engine, a 1.4-liter (1398 cc) inline-four cylinder petrol engine. This engine is part of Opel’s Family 0 small engine family. It features multi-point fuel injection and a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. The engine produces 87 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 130 Nm (95.88 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The Easytronic transmission is a five-speed automated manual gearbox. It’s essentially a conventional manual transmission with robotic actuators controlling the clutch and gear changes. Unlike a traditional automatic transmission with a torque converter, the Easytronic offers quicker shifts but can sometimes exhibit a less smooth driving experience, particularly at lower speeds. The engine’s relatively simple design prioritized fuel efficiency and affordability over outright performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4-liter engine and Easytronic transmission combination in the Adam Rocks delivers modest performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 13.9 seconds, and the top speed is 178 km/h (110.6 mph). The Easytronic transmission, while offering some automation, doesn’t provide the seamlessness of a conventional automatic. Gear changes can be noticeable, and the system sometimes hesitates during kickdown maneuvers. Compared to the more powerful 1.0 Turbo or 1.4 Turbo variants of the Adam Rocks, this 1.4 naturally aspirated version feels noticeably slower. However, it excels in urban environments where its fuel efficiency and manageable size are advantageous. The gear ratios are tuned for economy, resulting in a relatively relaxed driving experience at highway speeds, but requiring more frequent downshifts when overtaking.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Adam Rocks 1.4 Easytronic typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and a basic audio system with USB connectivity. Safety features such as ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and front airbags were also standard. The “Rocks” trim added unique exterior styling elements like plastic body cladding, a raised ride height, and the signature roll-top canvas roof. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and optional extras included alloy wheels, a more advanced infotainment system with touchscreen display, and parking sensors. The Easytronic transmission was often bundled with specific trim packages.
Chassis & Braking
The Adam Rocks utilizes a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. The torsion beam setup is a cost-effective solution commonly found in subcompact cars. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are typically drum brakes, a configuration chosen to keep costs down. The steering is a rack and pinion system providing adequate feedback for city driving. The raised ride height of the Rocks variant, compared to the standard Adam, provides slightly improved ground clearance, making it more capable on uneven surfaces. Stabilizer bars are fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Adam Rocks 1.4 Easytronic was generally well-received as a stylish and affordable city car. Critics praised its distinctive design and fuel efficiency, but noted the limitations of the Easytronic transmission and the engine’s lack of outright power. Compared to other subcompacts in the European market, such as the Fiat 500 or Volkswagen up!, the Adam Rocks offered a more distinctive and customizable aesthetic. The 1.4-liter engine provided better fuel economy than the turbocharged options, but at the expense of performance. Reliability reports suggest that the A14XER engine is generally robust, but the Easytronic transmission can be prone to occasional issues, such as jerky shifts or clutch wear.
Legacy
The Opel Adam Rocks, and specifically the 1.4 Easytronic variant, has become a relatively common sight in the used car market. The A14XER engine is known for its durability, and routine maintenance is relatively straightforward and affordable. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for issues with the Easytronic transmission. The Adam Rocks’ unique styling and customizable options continue to appeal to buyers seeking a fashionable and compact urban vehicle. While it may not offer the performance of more powerful rivals, its fuel efficiency, affordability, and distinctive design have ensured its continued presence on European roads.
