ONE of the most rapidly expanding areas of the car market is the mini sector inhabited in the main by city cars.

It is growing rapidly, seeing growth of 15 per cent between 2012 and 2013 and a further 10 per cent in the first half of this year versus the same period last year.

So progression and development in such an area always proceeds at a fast pace as witnessed by the very fast development of the Vauxhall ADAM ROCKS AIR.

It is based on the ADAM, Vauxhall's stylish urban-chic city car, but offers as a bespoke body style, offering the same contemporary look as the original ADAM but with the tough stance of a crossover plus an electric folding canvas roof.

It is aimed fairly and squarely at stylish, trend-setters who are very image-conscious and want the convenience of a small car without forsaking a number of premium features in order to express their personality and individuality.

A secondary ROCKS AIR target customer will be those with families looking for a second car with bags of style and personality.

There is little transatlantic influence here. The ADAM ROCKS AIR which went from concept car to production readiness in just 12 months was developed at Vauxhall/Opel's International Technical Development Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany and, like the rest of the ADAM family, is built in Eisenach, Germany.

The small car segment into which the ADAM ROCKS AIR slots is growing rapidly, seeing growth of 15 per cent between 2012 and 2013 and a further 10 per cent in the first half of this year versus the same period last year.

Its crossover body style is supported by a chassis that is raised 15mm and has a wider stance. Parts of the chassis have been modified or re-tuned - including dampers, springs, the rear suspension geometry and steering.

This certainly shows on the road with very positive cornering characteristics and a firm and active ride quality.

It certainly looks the part with protective, anthracite-coloured cladding with satin chrome 'boomerang' elements framing the front fog lamps/indicator housings and the reversing/fog lamps at the rear. An integrated rear roof spoiler and LED daytime running lights also come as standard.

The electric folding canvas roof is easily operated via a button located in the front area of the headliner and folds back neatly on to the C-pillars in just seven seconds. The roof can be opened or closed while the car is moving at up to 85mph.

The ADAM ROCKS AIR is the first Vauxhall to feature the all-new 1.0-litre ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo three-cylinder engine. This high-tech unit raises the bar for three-cylinder engine refinement and packs 115ps, with impressive low-end torque of 170Nm from just 1,800rpm.

Technologies include high-pressure direct fuel injection, an ultra-compact turbocharging system, continuously variable valve timing (intake and exhaust sides) and a switchable water pump.

This very light engine is amazingly smooth for a three-cylinder featuring a sump-mounted balancer shaft - unique for a 1.0-litre three-cylinder production engine; structural isolation of the fuel injection system and crankshaft; drive chains with inverted teeth and engine covers designed for acoustic attenuation.

Fuel-saving Start/Stop technology is an integral part of the system and offered as standard but this was not the fastest-operating system of its kind I have encountered.

The new three-cylinder engine is mated to an all-new six-speed manual gearbox with a compact package design.

Top speed is 121mph with 0-60mph reached in just 9.9 seconds. A strong mid-range acceleration, particularly between 50 to 70mph, illustrates this car's healthy torque meaning that to don't have to rely on high revs to get the best out of it.