Vauxhall Tigra
Ratings
3 stars
Summary
Average. One of the growing number of "retractable hard-top" convertibles. The Tigra looks good and drives reasonably well but is let down by a cheap-feeling interior.
Review
A combination of characterful styling and an agile driving experience make the Tigra an easy car to like - and competitive pricing means that it makes a strong case against the competition, too.
Handsome styling helps to set the Tigra apart - with clever design helping to disguise proportions inherited from the Corsa that it's based on. And the retractable hard top stows tidily to transform it from a coupe into a roadster. The cabin feels disappointingly cheap, though - with lots of parts obviously shared with the Corsa and the materials lacking much in the way of perceived quality. A relatively poor seating position means that taller drivers will find it hard to stay comfortable over longer journeys. Only having two seats limits practicality, although the boot offers reasonable capacity with the roof raised.
Out on the road the Tigra is quick to prove itself a likeable dynamic companion. The bodyshell isn't the most rigid and bumpier roads result in noticeable chassis flex - but steering responses are keen and grip levels reasonably high. Travelling with the roof down magnifies the impression of speed - you don't need to risk your licence to have fun in an open topped Tigra.
Not that the most basic 1.4 litre engine is capable of much in the way of Gatso-triggering. With just 90 bhp to call on it takes a ponderous 12.4 seconds to crack 62 mph from rest - hardly in keeping with the sporty image. The more powerful 1.8 litre engine is far better, giving the Tigra a reasonable turn of pace and still offering decent fuel economy. We can't recommend the 1.3 CDTi diesel option, though - even taking its amazing 61 mpg economy into consideration. It's far too loud for a car in this class and performance feels glacial - it takes over 15 seconds for the 0-62 mph benchmark.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
4 star
Angular styling works well. The Tigra looks good with its roof up or down, and far less girly than rivals like the Ford StreetKa.
Handling
3 star
Providing your expectations are kept in check the Tigra won't disappoint with decent amounts of grip and a reactive chassis - it's just a shame about chassis flex over bumpy roads.
Comfort
2 star
A cramped cabin and a poor seating position limit the baby Vauxhall's appeal for anyone considering longer journeys.
Quality & Reliability
3 star
Well assembled, but the dark, plasticky cabin lacks any sensation of specialness.
Performance
2 star
Of the three available engines, only the most expensive 1.8 litre petrol is capable of mustering a decent turn of speed.
Roominess
2 star
The cramped cabin does get a few oddments storage areas - but boot capacity is dramatically reduced when you collapse the roof.
Running Costs
4 star
Cheap servicing and insurance plus good fuel economy help the Tigra make a strong financial case for itself.
Value for money
4 star
Well equipped compared to price-point rivals - although aircon is an extra-cost option.
