The Vauxhall Adam Rocks impresses with its stylish design and compact dimensions, making it ideal for urban driving. Reviewers praise its fun handling and personalised customisation options. However, rear space and boot capacity are limited, and some find the engine choices underwhelming in terms of performance.
Read full reviewVauxhall Adam Rocks (2014 - 2018)
2014 – 2018· 5 owner Q&As
Good
The Vauxhall Adam Rocks, a charismatic urban runabout, is reborn electric! With its quirky styling and excellent tech features, it's aimed squarely at budget-conscious commuters looking for a dash of flair in their daily drive. Let’s dive into what makes the Adam Rocks a retro icon worth considering.
At a glance
113
hp · Power
476
miles · Range / tank
9.6s
0–60 mph
£
Running costs
From £288/mo
Typical finance
Motoring.Today. verdict
Best for
- Distinctive retro styling
- Good handling in urban environments
- Customisation options for personalisation
Consider alternatives if
- Limited rear space
- Higher road noise at motorway speeds
- Basic infotainment in older models
Finance snapshot
Typical monthly payment
£288/month
Based on PCP · 48 months · £1,700 deposit
Best suited for
- Company Car Drivers
- Petrol/Diesel Buyers
- High Mileage Drivers
- Families
Affordability
Very affordable
Great fit for most budgets.
Ratings breakdown
Theo's AI summary
The Vauxhall Adam Rocks is a charming and stylish vehicle that successfully combines retro aesthetics with modern technology. Its agile handling, personalisation options, and competitive running costs make it an appealing choice for urban drivers and those seeking a distinctive automotive experience. However, consider future electric versions for a sustainable option. This model earns a strong recommendation for buyers looking to stand out from the crowd.
Best match for
- Performance enthusiasts
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Practical families
Estimated ownership costs
Based on 10,000 miles per year
£103/month
£70/month
£1683/month
£60/month
Estimated total
£1916/month
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The Vauxhall Adam Rocks (2014 - 2018) presents a spirited driving character, perfectly encapsulating the essence of a city car. Its compact size allows for nimble manoeuvrability, making it an ideal companion for urban adventures. The unique crossover styling enhances its bold pr
External voices
What the experts say
The Adam Rocks boasts a distinctive look with a strong emphasis on individual style. Its design is celebrated for its quirky features and urban appeal. Nevertheless, critics point out that it's not overly practical, with limited interior space and somewhat utilitarian materials.
Read full reviewWhile the Adam Rocks offers a comfortable ride and decent agility, it falls short in reliability compared to rivals. The limited rear space and boot access are also common criticisms. Owners enjoy the interior quality, but the limited engine options detract from its overall appeal.
Ownership intelligence
The real cost of owning one
In terms of finance, the Vauxhall Adam Rocks remains reasonably priced within its segment, appealing to a younger demographic looking to acquire a stylish vehicle. Various financing options are available, including personal contract purchase (PCP) schemes, making it accessible for many potential buyers.
The running costs of the Vauxhall Adam Rocks are generally attractive, particularly for those who seek a stylish vehicle without exorbitant outgoings. With a choice of small yet efficient engines, fuel consumption remains reasonable, depending on your driving habits. Regular maintenance is straightforward, reflecting Vauxhall's commitment to accessibility in servicing.
While the standard petrol models offer good mileage, future electric iterations promise to further reduce running costs through the use of electric charging technologies. As such, electric charging solutions are becoming increasingly viable and affordable, making them advantageous for eco-conscious consumers.
Heritage
Milestones & history
2014
Launch of the Vauxhall Adam Rocks
2015
Introduction of new engine variants
2016
Expanded colour and trim options
2018
Final production year before transitioning to electric successor
Read full launch story
The Vauxhall Adam Rocks was created to combine style and practicality, offering a unique alternative for urban drivers who desire individuality. Originally launched as a fun and chic city car, the Adam Rocks has evolved to incorporate modern technology and sustainability, heralding a shift towards electric versions to meet environmental needs.
Compare with alternatives
The Vauxhall Adam Rocks (2014 - 2018) competes effectively with its rivals by offering unique styling and customization options, although it may lag behind in driving dynamics and overall refinement compared to more established competitors.
Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is known for its engaging driving dynamics and broad appeal, making it a strong competitor in the small hatchback segment.
- vs features
- The Fiesta excels in driving feel, boasting precise handling and a fun-to-drive character, while the Adam offers more customization options. In terms of tech, both vehicles are competitive, but the Fiesta generally has a more intuitive infotainment system and better quality materials overall.
- vs price
- The Fiesta tends to be slightly more expensive than the Adam, especially in well-equipped trims, but can often justify the cost with its performance and features.
Volkswagen Polo
The Polo is often regarded as a more mature option in the supermini segment, appealing to those prioritizing quality and refinement.
- vs features
- The Polo typically offers more cabin space and a more refined interior compared to the Adam. It tends to have more advanced tech features available, though the Adam is recognized for having a chic and customizable interior.
- vs price
- The Polo is usually priced higher than the Adam, reflecting its positioning as a premium offering in its class with solid resale values.
Peugeot 208
The Peugeot 208 is known for its stylish design and efficient engines, appealing to buyers looking for a blend of style and practicality.
- vs features
- The 208 compares favorably with the Adam in terms of interior design but offers a more spacious cabin. The tech offerings are competitive, with both vehicles featuring touchscreen interfaces, though the Adam often comes with more customization options.
- vs price
- The 208 is generally in a similar price range to the Adam, though higher trims can push it slightly above. Peugeot often offers more value in terms of included features at entry-level prices.
Available now
Vauxhall Adam Rocks (2014 - 2018) for sale on Motoring.Today
Gallery
(15)Specs by trim
1.0T ecoFLEX Rocks (Start Stop) 3dPetrol Manual · 2014–2017
- Power
- 113 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.6 s
- Top speed
- 121 mph
- Torque
- 170 Nm
- Economy
- 57 mpg
- Range
- 476 mi
- CO₂
- 112 g/km
- Insurance group
- 10
- Road tax
- £20 - £190
- New price
- £17,235
1.0T ecoFLEX Rocks (Technical Pack) (SS) 3dPetrol Manual · 2014–2017
- Power
- 113 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.6 s
- Top speed
- 121 mph
- Torque
- 170 Nm
- Economy
- 57 mpg
- Range
- 476 mi
- CO₂
- 112 g/km
- Insurance group
- 10
- Road tax
- £20 - £190
- New price
- £17,750
1.2i Rocks 3dPetrol Manual · 2014–2018
- Power
- 69 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 14.4 s
- Top speed
- 103 mph
- Torque
- 115 Nm
- Economy
- 53 mpg
- Range
- 443 mi
- CO₂
- 125 g/km
- Insurance group
- 2
- Road tax
- £160 - £190
- New price
- £15,750
1.2i Rocks (Technical Pack) 3dPetrol Manual · 2014–2018
- Power
- 69 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 14.4 s
- Top speed
- 103 mph
- Torque
- 115 Nm
- Economy
- 53 mpg
- Range
- 443 mi
- CO₂
- 125 g/km
- Insurance group
- 2
- Road tax
- £160 - £190
- New price
- £16,265
1.0T ecoFLEX Rocks Air (Start Stop) 3dPetrol Manual · 2014–2017
- Power
- 113 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.6 s
- Top speed
- 121 mph
- Torque
- 170 Nm
- Economy
- 57 mpg
- Range
- 476 mi
- CO₂
- 112 g/km
- Insurance group
- 10
- Road tax
- £20 - £190
- New price
- £18,235
1.0T ecoFLEX Rocks Air (Technical Pack) (SS) 3dPetrol Manual · 2014–2017
- Power
- 113 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.6 s
- Top speed
- 121 mph
- Torque
- 170 Nm
- Economy
- 57 mpg
- Range
- 476 mi
- CO₂
- 112 g/km
- Insurance group
- 10
- Road tax
- £20 - £190
- New price
- £18,750
+ 13 more trim variants
FAQs
- What makes the Vauxhall Adam Rocks a retro icon reborn?
- The Vauxhall Adam Rocks combines quirky styling with modern technology, aimed at budget-conscious commuters. Its anticipated electric version promises to retain its unique character while embracing eco-friendly driving.
- What are the running costs for the Vauxhall Adam Rocks?
- With a starting price of around £12,500 and an average fuel economy of 53 mpg, the Adam Rocks offers affordable running costs and straightforward maintenance, appealing to budget-friendly drivers.
- How does the Vauxhall Adam Rocks perform in urban driving?
- The Adam Rocks excels in urban environments with responsive steering and compact size, making it easy to navigate tight corners and park, while its zippy engine adds to the fun.
- What are the personalisation options for the Vauxhall Adam Rocks?
- The Vauxhall Adam Rocks features extensive personalisation options, allowing drivers to customise its aesthetics and make it uniquely their own, enhancing its appeal to younger buyers.
- What charging solutions will be available for the electric version?
- As the electric version of the Vauxhall Adam Rocks is developed, charging infrastructure across the UK is improving, promising convenient options for future electric owners to enhance their commuting experience.














