Road Test: Vauxhall Adam 1.0T ecoFLEX Rocks Air 3dr [Start Stop]

Trying to explain a niche as convoluted as the convertible-crossover-city car as little as a decade ago would likely prove rather tricky. And citing the Adam Rocks Air as its pioneer wouldn't help one iota.

The Adam has been given a plastic-bumper makeover, a 15mm ride hike, some suspension fiddling and a folding fabric sunroof. The price also climbs by around £1,800.

It's not a successful transformation. The crossover look is entirely superficial, with no optional 4WD, and the raised suspension does nothing for the Adam's crashy ride. If anything it's worse, and ill-behaviour over potholes and speed bumps hampers its city car credentials, as do some chunky rear blind spots caused by the artful C-pillars.

The convertible roof is a comparable success. It provides a bluster-free environment at all but motorway speeds and opens or closes in seven seconds.

The Rocks Air heralds the arrival of Vauxhall's new 1.0 turbo triple, and it's cracking: strong through its rev range, refined when cruising, but exhibits an entertaining warble under throttle load. Punchy enough to make the 0-62mph time look pessimistic, it'll shine in the new Corsa. But it doesn't save the Rocks. This Adam-of-all-trades masters none of them.