Dynamite duo in Opel Adam S and Fiat 500 Abarth

Opel is rightfully excited about its new 2016 Adam S. It’s a stunning little car that will transform what you think of small Opels – if the regular versions had not already done that. Now the 110kW 1.4-litre turbo critter tops off the range in an ultra-exclusive 50-unit run in South Africa.

EVEN BETTER

Opel Adam S gets better – packing a ‘special’ chassis, steering and OPC braking system, this little 100bhp-per-litre-plus stunner comes fully specced with everything from splendid ‘Propeller’ 18-inch wheels with ultra-low profile rubber riding on wider front and rear tracks and fettled with a cool aero kit. That comprises a deep high downforce front spoiler and rear wing, side skirts and neat Opel Adam S trim.

That’s complimented by a wonderful cockpit bristling with the highest quality trimmings headlined by Moroccana-trimmed Recaro sport seats, a thick-rimmed steering wheel, leather-wrapped short-throw gear knob, rubber-studded pedals and the fine Red Your Engine décor pack, all of which blend together to deliver an ambience you’d usually expect in a Ferrari. No, really… Under the skin, Adam S gets a stiffer front anti-roll bar, harder springs and a tauter set-up for the torsion beam rear axle, while the brakes were nicked from the old Corsa OPC – all the necessary little bits and bobs to make a good mini hatch into an exceptional little car.

SOUNDS FAMILIAR?

But hang on a second; why does this all sound so familiar – has Opel not copied something here? Well – um – yes – that sounds just like the good old Fiat Abarth blueprint, doesn’t it? Which is why we have them together… Of course the Fiat Abarth has been around for a while – in fact it is just about ready for a facelift (see News up front), but that still doesn’t blunt this instrument – it’s actually still harder and faster than the Opel, but both these cars have pretty impressive – and divergent strengths.

The Fiat Abarth in the pictures carries Esseesse kit and is a cabriolet, so ignore that for a second – its main job there is for reference – all the data and the rest is however from the stock Abarth 1.4T – and yes, it still has the Opel covered like that too. The Esseesse is harder, stronger and even more pointed, but let’s do the apples with the apples. The Abarth is showing its age, but that will mostly be attended to in the refreshment. Still, we doubt it will be enough to fully match this Opel’s state of the art minicar cabin. It’s the cooler place to be. Both cars carry significant spec, but the Opel Adam S probably carries it off better. It should – it’s a five-year newer car.

SAME, BUT DIFFERENT

They are proportionally similar, but quite different – but both are lovely looking cars – whichever floats your boat, may not be mine; so we won’t score that too hard. The Opel has bigger wheels and lower profile tyres – great for looks but I don’t know why they insist on such low profiles on SA’s pothole-infested roads, so the taller profile is actually better – but not much. I’d prefer a 16 or even a 15-inch wheel – it’s more comfy. It’s your no-claims bonus…

Let’s stop the waffle – how do they drive? The Fiat Abarth remains more pointed, more focussed and quite a bit quicker, so if you measure your life a quarter mile at a time, then this is your car. It’s also less compromising, harder and tauter on the road – both aspects the where Opel may have beaten were it not for those ridiculously thin slithers of rubber around the rims. But the Opel clearly wins the cool contest – its finishes are of a higher quality and its trinkets are, well, more substantial and it really is well styled, fashioned and snapped together – and a tenth cheaper too.

SEE THE TREND

So you should see the trend by now – if your boy racer image is more about your pal seeing your rear end, the Abarth is for you. If wearing your cap in reverse is the bigger attraction, then take the Opel – it is the cooler car. Either way, both of these cars are brilliant in their own special ways – this is one that is up to you to decide. For me, well I’m of Italian descent and I suppose I have to be patriotic. But the car is far worthier that just the partisan vote. – This test was first published in Bakkie and Car Magazine by Michele Lupini. Get your copy on shelf.