In reality Opel should have come up with a brand new name as the new car is in so many ways miles apart from the cute looking Corsa-based original.
Tigra is a strict two seater with a convertible 206CC-style folding hard roof. These folding hard tops are great... when they work! But just like early CCs my UK test car's roof leaked a little (dripping water onto my passengers left leg). Just a teething problem that should be dealt with before you get your hands on yours. The roof folds in just twenty seconds using five electric motors, four hydraulic cylinders and twenty contact sensors - NASA eat your heart out. On the go my 1.8 litre test car was entertaining as the steering was sharp and responsive. I didn't feel encouraged to rip up the tarmac but I still felt happy behind the wheel. Unfortunately the 1.8 litre isn’t available here just yet but if you beg your dealer Opel will have to bring it in.
At the moment Irish customers have just one engine to power their Tigras a 1.4 litre (Twinport, 90 bhp). It can do 0-100 Km/h in a reasonable 12 seconds and is yours for twenty four grand. Tigra’s brakes are strong and the ride is nice and sporty.
The driving position is good too with enough headroom for my five foot ten frame. All the controls are well placed and easy to use, although I would like the hand-brake lever moved forward. There is a reasonable boot for soft baggage or even a bit of shopping with the roof folded down and when the roof is up the boot is huge with 440 litres! My test car featured an electric opening boot lid. You simply press and hold the boot opening button and up it comes, to close you repeat the action.
Outside the car looks chunky and fun. Tigra has a lot of interesting design touches. Tigra is smart inside too with clear instrumentation that is both modern and easy to read. My only complaint is the lack of oddment storage space. There is however 70 litres of netted space behind the two seats, handy enough but awkward to get at when seated.
Tigra is part of Opel's new 40/40/20 design plan. The German company output in future will be made up of 40% conventional cars (Astra etc.), 40% innovative cars (Meriva etc.) and 20% niche models like the new Tigra.
Opel has seen its share of the Irish market drop despite having good cars like Meriva, Astra and Vectra. 2005 will be a much better year with Tigra and Astra orders taking off plus the introduction of a 1.6 litre Vectra will help fleet sales no end.
Also, the introduction of ‘Network Q’ used car service will see confidence in the brand rise. The new Tigra is a super little car. It's even well priced - if anything with VRT can be - well priced! The comprehensive options list can make the car very posh if desired.
Tigra is chic. I like it a lot.
- Michael Sheridan
