The Opel Adam Rocks S 1.4 Turbo ECOFLEX, produced from 2015 to 2018, represented a sporty and stylish subcompact offering from the German automaker. Positioned as a more rugged and individualistic variant of the standard Opel Adam, the Rocks S featured increased ride height, distinctive styling cues, and a focus on driving engagement. This particular version, equipped with the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 150 horsepower, and a six-speed manual transmission, aimed to appeal to younger buyers seeking a fashionable and fun-to-drive city car. It sat towards the top end of the Adam Rocks S lineup, offering a significant performance upgrade over the naturally aspirated engine options.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Adam |
| Generation | Adam |
| Type (Engine) | Rocks S 1.4 Turbo ECOFLEX (150 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 139 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 4900-5500 rpm |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 2750-4500 rpm (162.26 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B14NET |
| Engine displacement | 1364 cm3 (83.24 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 72.5 mm (2.85 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.6 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1103 kg (2431.7 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1565 kg (3450.23 lbs.) |
| Max load | 462 kg (1018.54 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 387 l (13.67 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 35 l (9.25 US gal | 7.7 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 50 kg (110.23 lbs.) |
| Length | 3747 mm (147.52 in.) |
| Width | 1720 mm (67.72 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1966 mm (77.4 in.) |
| Height | 1493 mm (58.78 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 | 10.94 m (35.89 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Adam Rocks S 1.4 Turbo ECOFLEX is the B14NET engine, a 1.4-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is part of Opel’s family of small displacement, turbocharged powerplants. It utilizes multi-point fuel injection and a single turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power and efficiency. The engine’s 150 horsepower output at 4900-5500 rpm, and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque available from 2750-4500 rpm, provided a noticeable performance increase over the base Adam models. The six-speed manual transmission was standard, offering precise shifts and allowing drivers to fully exploit the engine’s powerband. The ECOFLEX designation indicates the inclusion of fuel-saving technologies, such as start/stop functionality and optimized engine management.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4 Turbo ECOFLEX engine transformed the driving experience of the Adam Rocks S. Compared to the lower-powered naturally aspirated engines, the turbocharger provided a significant boost in acceleration, making it more capable on highways and during overtaking maneuvers. The six-speed manual transmission allowed for precise control and helped keep the engine in its optimal power range. While not a sports car, the Adam Rocks S offered a lively and engaging driving experience, particularly in urban environments. The increased ride height, compared to the standard Adam, provided better visibility and a slightly more comfortable ride, although it did introduce a bit more body roll in corners. The gear ratios were well-matched to the engine’s torque curve, providing strong pull from low to mid-range speeds.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Adam Rocks S 1.4 Turbo ECOFLEX typically came well-equipped, reflecting its position as a higher-spec variant. Standard features included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and a basic audio system. The Rocks S trim also added unique exterior styling elements, such as rugged body cladding, a distinctive front grille, and alloy wheels. Inside, the Rocks S featured sport seats with unique upholstery patterns. Optional extras included a more advanced infotainment system with touchscreen display, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and a panoramic sunroof. Customers could also personalize their Adam Rocks S with a wide range of color combinations and interior trim options.
Chassis & Braking
The Adam Rocks S utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. The suspension was tuned to provide a balance between comfort and handling, with slightly firmer damping compared to the standard Adam. Braking duties were handled by disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard. The steering was a rack and pinion system, providing precise and responsive steering feel. The increased weight of the Rocks S, due to the larger engine and additional equipment, necessitated a slightly more robust braking system compared to the base models.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Adam Rocks S 1.4 Turbo ECOFLEX was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its stylish design, engaging driving dynamics, and relatively good fuel economy. However, some reviewers noted that the rear seats were cramped and the trunk space was limited. Compared to other subcompact hatchbacks, such as the Volkswagen Polo or the Ford Fiesta, the Adam Rocks S offered a more individualistic and fashionable alternative. The 1.4 Turbo engine provided a noticeable performance advantage over the base engine options, but it wasn’t as powerful as some of the higher-performance variants offered by competitors. Fuel economy was competitive, averaging around 39.9 US mpg in combined driving.
Legacy
The Opel Adam Rocks S, and specifically the 1.4 Turbo ECOFLEX variant, has developed a modest following in the used car market. The B14NET engine is generally considered to be reliable, although regular maintenance is essential. Common issues include turbocharger wear and potential oil leaks. The Adam Rocks S’s distinctive styling and relatively low running costs make it an attractive option for buyers seeking a stylish and affordable city car. While it may not offer the practicality of larger hatchbacks, its unique character and engaging driving experience continue to appeal to a niche audience. The model represents a period of Opel’s focus on personalization and youthful appeal within the subcompact segment.
