Vauxhall Tigra

Manufacturer
Vauxhall

Model
Tigra

Segment/Specs
Cabriolet

Good nippy little cabriolet that's fun to drive. You're unlikely to see too many blokes in them though.

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Performance

All engines are eager to rev and have enough power for the Tigra.

Driving

No scuttle shake to speak of thanks to the stiff body and while the ride is comfortable the handling doesn't set the world on fire.

Feel

Refinement is generally very good, even with the roof down.

Price

Excellent residuals, superb running costs on the diesel model and good list prices make the Tigra a winner in the money stakes.

Quality

Engines will be strong and the Tigra is smart inside.

Safety

Four airbags, rollover hoops and ABS are standard. Traction control is an option.

Space

Space for two only, but a decent-sized boot.

Equipment

A CD player with steering wheel-mounted controls and alloys are standard but cow skin and cold air are extra.

Alternatives

Peugeot 206 CC, MINI One Convertible, Citroen C3 Pluriel, Daihatsu Copen, Mazda MX-5, Mitsubishi Colt CZC, Volkswagen Beetle Convertible

Pros

Cheap, good roof, decent boot.

Cons

Not the best drive in the segment. Seats two only.

Diesel convertible, oh my!

by R. Luther (Singapore) - 26/09/2005 16:20:10

A diesel? In a convertible? Yeah, that was exactly what I was thinking as well. But in the Tigra, it works out quite charmingly. I had one of these on a 3-month business trip to the UK this summer, and it worked really well. Of course, it was slightly more noisy than a regular engine, but surprisingly, it wasn't much of a problem. Besides, there is something bold and unusual about the Tigra anyway, so a diesel engine should come as no surprise to anyone. The car was lovely to drive, it handles quite well, and you really do feel like a movie star when the roof is down. I'm glad to be back with my own car (S-class Mercedes) back in Singapore, but if I ever wanted a small, nippy convertible with a great deal of personality, I would show up at a Vauxhall garage. No doubt about that.