The Opel Adam has scored a four-star rating in the EuroNCAP crash-tests back in 2013. It scored 87% in Adult Occupant safety, 72% in Child Occupant safety, 65% for Pedestrian safety and 81% for Safety Assist.
It achieved those scores because of its safety equipment and build. Here are some safety systems featured on the Adam:
1. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) improves driving stability when necessary, regardless of the type of road surface or tyre grip. It also prevents the drive wheels from spinning. ESC operates in combination with the Traction Control system (TC). As soon as the Adam starts to swerve (understeer/oversteer), engine output is reduced and the wheels are braked individually. This considerably improves the driving stability of the vehicle on slippery road surfaces. ESC is operational after each engine start as soon as the control indicator disappears.
Related: Is the Opel Adam good for new drivers?
2. Hill-Start Assist (HSA)
The system helps prevent unintended movement when driving away on inclines. When releasing the foot brake after stopping on an incline, the brakes remain on for a further two seconds. The brakes release automatically as soon as the vehicle begins to accelerate or the two seconds holding time is over. The hill start assist is not active during an Autostop.
Generally, a hill start in a car with an automatic gearbox is easier because the vehicle controls the automatic clutch or torque converter. This allows the driver to move away at the optimum point simply by controlling the accelerator.
3. Airbags
The airbag system consists of a number of individual systems depending on the scope of equipment. When triggered, the airbags inflate within milliseconds. They also deflate so quickly that it is often unnoticeable during the collision.
Front Airbag System
The front airbag system consists of one airbag in the steering wheel and one in the instrument panel on the front passenger side. The location is identified by the word AIRBAG.
The front airbag system is triggered in the event of a front-end impact of a certain severity. The ignition must be switched on.
The inflated airbags cushion the impact, thereby reducing the risk of injury to the upper body and head of the front seat occupants considerably.
Side Airbag System
The side airbag system consists of an airbag in each front seat backrest. The location is identified by the word AIRBAG.
The side airbag system is triggered in the event of a side impact of a certain severity. The ignition must be switched on.
The inflated airbags cushion the impact, thereby reducing the risk of injury to the upper body and pelvis in the event of a side-on collision considerably.
Curtain Airbag System
The curtain airbag system consists of an airbag in the roof frame on each side. The location is identified by the word AIRBAG on the roof pillars.
The curtain airbag system is triggered in the event of a side-on impact of a certain severity. The ignition must be switched on.
The inflated airbags cushion the impact, thereby reducing the risk of injury to the head in the event of a side-on impact considerably.
Related: Shop through our listings for your very own Opel Adam
4. Side Blind-Zone Alert
The Side blind-spot alert system detects and reports objects on either side of the Adam, within a specified "blind spot" zone. The system alerts visually in each exterior mirror when detecting objects that may not be visible in the interior and exterior mirrors.
Side blind spot alert uses some advanced parking assist sensors which are located in the front and rear bumper on both sides of the vehicle.
The side blind-spot alert does not replace driver vision. The system does not detect:
- Vehicles outside the side blind zones which may be rapidly approaching
- Pedestrians, cyclists or animals
Before changing a lane, it’s up to the driver to always check all mirrors, look over their shoulder and use the turn signal.
5. Passenger Airbag De-Activation Switch
The front passenger airbag system must be deactivated if a child restraint system is to be fitted on this seat. The side airbag and curtain airbag systems, the belt pre-tensioners and all driver airbag systems will remain active.
The front passenger airbag system can be deactivated via a key-operated switch on the right side of the instrument panel.
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