After an absence of a four years, Opel resurrected the Tigra
nameplate in 2004 for a new sports car based on the Corsa C. The Tigra Twin
Top, as it was called, is a 2-seater coupé convertible with a retractable
hardtop in the fashion of the Peugeot 206 CC. The Tigra is produced by French
coachworks Heuliez.
Like its predecessor, the Tigra Twin Top is available with
two petrol-powered engines. The base model uses the 1.4 L engine with 90 PS (66
kW), but now from the Twinport family, different from the previous generation's
1.4, while the top of the range uses the Ecotec 1.8 L from the Corsa GSi, with
125 PS (92 kW). An economic version, using Fiat's Multijet 1.3 Diesel engine,
was introduced in 2005.
The second generation is marketed in Australasia as the
XC-series Holden Tigra, only with the 1.8 L engine.
The Opel Tigra offers excellent driver appeal, from sport
suspension, low profile tyres to 15 or 16-inch alloy wheels, the Tigra provides
a very enjoyable ride. It’s not a sportscar, but performs very well for a
vehicle in this sector. The 1.8-litre Sport, has a chrome tailpipe, and a
pleasantly sporty feel during acceleration. The car is able to 125bhp and has a
0-60mph time of 9 seconds.
The drive & handling of the Opel Tigra wins an 8 on 10.
The steering is firm and has a decent grip. There is no body roll, even around
sharp corners. The ride is quite comfy at the same time has a twinge of
peppiness to it. If over-assisted, the steering is sharp and quick. This is
probably one car that you can enjoy roof down as well as on top.
In terms of the engines, I would give the Tigra car a 7 on
10. The only reason I have cut points is because of the minimal options.
Performance wise, both the 90bhp 1.4 and the 70bhp 1.3 CDTi, are great. But if
I had to choose, I would pick the 1.4 petrol as the better option. That’s
honestly because I personally prefer the roof on top and the petrol version
just adds that zing to a cabrio.
Posted by , Published at Saturday, February 25, 2012 and have
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