The Paris Motor Show gave MotorTorque the chance to evaluate the Vauxhall Adam's IntelliLink dashboard technology - and we love it.
Vauxhall has heavily emphasised that the Adam is able to connect to smartphones over the last few months, but refused to be drawn into the hardware and software that's fitted as standard in the car.
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That software has since been confirmed as IntelliLink, Vauxhall's in-car technology that not only connects smartphones to the car's hardware, but also tablets, MP3 systems and more.
That may sound pretty standard when compared against other cars on the market, but there are a couple of deft features that set it apart from other vehicles on the market. Owners can upload videos onto its system, for instance, and watch the while the car is stationary.
Users are also able to download selected apps from app stores for Android and Apple devices. Two available that really caught the eye were Stitcher and a navigation system with detailed maps for territories in eastern and western Europe.
And, as the Adam is synced with the phone when connected, people can continue their journey seamlessly on foot or by other transport if need be. It's that kind of detail that proves the IntelliLink system isn't tacked-on, and has been planned for the needs of the modern, tech-savvy driver.
Stitched up
We really like Stitcher. It's an app with a global podcast database that lets you listen to your favourite podcasts live or once they've been broadcast. The Adam can instantly access more than 10,000 podcasts on-demand as well as radio stations and more. It beats having to download favourites and fiddle about with them on the move.
The Adam's storage features are also impressive. Drivers can upload their own playlists and other media from mass-storage devices, such as phone contact lists, photo galleries and more. Of course Vauxhall wouldn't have been responsible if they let people get distracted on the road, which is why some features are locked while the car is in motion.
Everything can be viewed on the car's crystal-clear seven-inch, high resolution, full-colour touch-screen display. It's smooth, it's accessible and - most importantly - it feels right. Vauxhall has made it feel like a modern, integral part of the car without going overboard or making it feel tacky.
Vauxhall has made sure that all other features on the Adam's interior complement the technology, without compromising on quality. Music is pumped out through an (optional) Infinity sound system with eight speakers.
All you need to access this amazing in-car tech is a USB cable or Bluetooth connectivity. Simple. Oh, and an Adam...
(The Vauxhall Adam will be available in showrooms from the end of February 2013. Prices for the Adam Jam start at £11,255, moving up to £12,650 for Adam Glam and £13,150 for Adam Slam. The Adam will come complete with Vauxhall's industry-leading Lifetime Warranty)
Written by John Meadowcroft