Everyone likes to express themselves. Whether it’s a new haircut, a hobby or a tailor made suit, we all feel the need, at some level, to make a statement about who we are. Increasingly, this is extending to our time on the road and the new Vauxhall ADAM is proof and this is a quick review of what makes this car standout.

On sale now, the ADAM is Vauxhall’s answer to the Fiat 500 and the MINI hatchback, and its number one selling point is personalisation. Boasting a multitude of paint colour, trim and wheel options, not to mention the three model styles (GLAM, JAM and SLAM) available, this is a city car that wants you to shout about your individuality.

At 3.7 metres long and 1.72 metres wide, the ADAM is the ideal size for nipping in and out of city traffic and wriggling into those tight parking spaces. The bold styling and bright paintwork options are intended to make it stand out, so there’s no chance of you losing it in a crowd, and the three-door, four-seat design satisfies the practical requirements of urban life.

The engine range is also centred around city life. A 69bhp 1.2-litre and two 1.4-litre petrol units with either 86bhp or 99bhp are available, providing a smooth and flexible drive around town. Get them up to speed on the motorway, however, and you’ll be wishing for a little more power under the bonnet.

What the Vauxhall ADAM lacks in sparkle it makes up for in efficiency. Running this car certainly won’t break the bank, delivering around 55.4mpg on the combined cycle if you pick one of the 1.4-litre engines and getting emissions down to 118g/km. Factor in the lifetime warranty and you’re looking at very reasonable day-to-day costs.

Behind the wheel, you can enjoy yet more personalisation options in the form of trim, treatment and accessory combinations. Space is a drawback; adult passengers in the rear will struggle on longer journeys and there could be more room in the boot for the weekly shopping.

There’s an array of features available for your ADAM, including parking assistance and an interior roof panel that is designed to look like a starry night sky. Entry level models come well-equipped, offering air conditioning, Bluetooth, a DAB radio and cruise control, so you won’t find yourself missing the essentials.

The Vauxhall Adam is a city hatch with a £11,200 starting price and a lifetime/100,000 mile warranty, the new Vauxhall ADAM certainly offers plenty. The hardest part is configuring it and let’s face it, that’s not exactly a chore.

What are your thoughts on the Vauxhall Adam? Thanks to Charlotte Carlton.

While there are several auto shows ahead of the one being held in Geneva, we can’t help mention a new concept that will make its debut during the Geneva Auto Show next month. The vehicle in question is the Vauxhall Adam Rocks, which is a concept CUV that will be ready to take on the MINI Countryman.

Just by looking at the drawing above thanks to a recent press release, you’ll see that the Adam Rocks, or Opel for the European version has taken some inspiration from the Fiat 500C with its semi convertible roof. This new version of the concept vehicle is different because it has a 15mm higher ground clearance, and although it isn’t much, it’s enough to fulfill a purpose.

We’ve never bought into the crossover market because it’s a little like the Microsoft Surface Pro, it doesn’t know what it wants to be. To us a crossover vehicle with plastic cladding stuck to the sides and the front and rear bumpers just cheapens the standard version.

That’s not saying that there isn’t a market for these vehicles, it’s just we cannot see the point; either you want an SUV for going on and off road, or you want a saloon, sedan etc. What’s the point of a CUV when the ground clearance isn’t that great and would take no time to become bogged down?

Anyway the Vauxhall/Opel Adam Rocks CUV will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in a month’s time, but don’t expect the vehicle to enter production anytime soon.

Claimed to be the most powerful production-model Astra yet by the company, this beast is capable of hitting speeds of up to 155mph, offers 400Nm of peak torque and 280hp output. Paul Tan explains that its design is based on Vauxhall’s recently-launched GTC. It packs a 2.0L turbocharged direct-injection engine into a specially designed adapted chassis that features the High Performance Strut technology that is also found in the GTC called HiPerStrut.

The Astra VXR also features the fitment of Vauxhall’s FlexRide system as standard with both dedicated VXR and Sport modes, brakes that are developed by motorsport specialists Brembo and unique mechanical limited slip differential for the front wheels. As for looks its aerodynamic sculpture makes it extremely attractive, with its low air intake, trapeze shaped twin exhausts, roof spoiler and beautifully sculptured side skirts and rear and front bumpers.

The interior of the car is just as sporty as the outside with upgraded instruments, a flat-bottomed VXR steering wheel and optimized performance seats with the logos embossed in the back of them. Those that are interested in buying one of these sporty numbers will be disappointed that there has been no price revelation as of yet, although with a car as beautifully crafted as this we will expect it to be in the higher tiers of the market. Check out more images of the Astra VXR by clicking the link above.

Will you be getting the Vauxhall Astra VXR next year?

General Motors Europe is said to have invested £79.4 million in Opel’s Eisenach plant, to enable production of 80,000-90,000 units per year.

Described as “a small-sized fuel-efficient car” that doesn’t “compromise on technology, design or convenience”. The city car is likely to offer an electric option as part of its range.

Codenamed ‘Made in Eisenach’, the new three-door car will share parts with the latest Corsa and Astra, with a heavy focus on infotainment systems for the interior. This is aimed to give the car a high quality feel and appearance. According to Opel/Vauxhall, the idea is to offer customers a brand-new model with innovative technology and exciting design.

We can expect to see the car going into production sometime in 2013, but hopefully we will be able to gain some more information about spec and pricing when the car finally reaches the show ground. To read more about the new city car check out Autocar.