WHEN automotive historians come to write up the industry events of the early 21st century much will no doubt be dedicated to the seemingly unstoppable rise of the small car.

Undoubtedly there came a point where small cars became something of substance in their own right, rather than just an after-thought.

Traditionally small cars were basic and functional first and foremost - bought by old ladies and students, or as a family's second runabout.

Manufacturers tended to put little time and effort into them, mainly as it was difficult to make money from them.

Then, along came BMW's MINI, closely followed by the Fiat 500, and suddenly everything changed.

In an instant small cars became stylish, sought-after and sexy - and things would never be the same again.

More importantly, for car manufacturers they also became a money-spinner.

Those slender profit margins were suddenly a thing of the past and everyone wanted a piece of the action.

One key development - and something that is part of the essential character of most small cars - is the opportunity to customise a car and in effect enable a customer to put their own individual stamp on it.

Not only has this been a key selling point in their success but it's also a means by which manufacturers are able to make more money.

Of course when everyone starts to get in on the act there are inevitably hits and misses, though everyone is aiming to emulate success stories like the Fiat 500 and MINI.

That said, most small cars that have been unveiled since their arrival have hit the mark and the Adam would look to be a case in point.

The naming convention - it's named after Opel founder Adam Opel - might seem a tad strange at first but on reflection it kind of works and helps give the car something of an identity.

While it's unlikely to be remembered as a style icon in the way the MINI and Fiat will be it does have aesthetic appeal aplenty.

It looks to me a little like a cross between the little Fiat and an Audi A1 but crucially has enough of an individual edge to help set it apart.

Its funky looks also combine practicality, a key point in its favour and as a consequence it's a small car that manages to feel very big on the inside.

Space for rear seat passengers might be slightly compromised, given those overall interior dimensions, but conversely not many small cars offer an abundance of foot room for rear seat passengers.

The interior is a combination of the contemporary and the quirky and a feel of quality throughout demonstrates this is a car with aspirations towards the premium end of the market.

As well as the expected exterior options, customisation opportunities exist on the inside too, to the point where the mathematical possibility of creating a car that's totally unique is a real possibility.

Buyers can choose from four facia colours, 15 seat trims, several roof linings and 18 facia panels, which can even be changed in the way people change the covers for their mobile phone.

This is on top of 12 body colours, contrasting roof colours and 20 different alloy wheel designs.

Engine options are all small and petrol only, there's a 1.2-litre unit and two versions of a 1.4-litre. All are capable enough as city car runabouts and power options are 69, 86 or 99bhp.

Trim levels have suitably trendy buzz words rather than the customary letter coding - Jam, Glam and Slam.

This mid-range Glam was generously equipped and had the lower powered of the 1.4-litre engines.

It felt smooth, spirited and sprightly overall while also delivering impressive economy, though it ran out of puff a little at higher speeds.

The Adam drives and handles nicely, with that typical small car feel - enhanced by the fact its four wheels are pushed just about as far out to each corner as it's possible to go.

The ride is comfortable, though buyers contemplating sportier suspension set-up options and bigger wheels should probably be prepared to make compromises in this regard.