
Vauxhall Tigra
Overall BuyYourCar Rating

Car Review
Vauxhall Tigra
The Vauxhall badge may hurt the car’s appeal with badge snobs, but the car is very attractive and runs well. The Vauxhall Tigra interior quality is lacking, but other than that a very stylish purchase.
Vauxhall Tigra Car Review Summary





Vauxhall Tigra
In past years only expensive German cars offered folding metal roofs on their distinctive sports cars. Now, it has become a wide-spread practice among the less prestigious manufacturers to offer this feature on more affordable cars.
The Tigra is a two seater that boasts great style, its folding metal roof and modern exterior style are likely to win more buyers over than the predicted quota of 5,000 units per year. Entry-level models are a little less expensive than the Peugeot 206 CC, but more expensive than the entry-level Mini One convertible.
The Tigra is pleasing to drive it, but the Mini will be tough competition for the Tigra due to the differences in badges. The Mini's rear bench may not be all that functional, but the fact that it provides one is a plus for the little car.
The Tigra is a slightly more masculine car than most of its rivals, and the 1.8-litre powerplant sounds great. The Tigra is a very attractive car that has a lot to offer buyers in the way of style and fun. The only downside is the car’s badge isn’t able to produce the image that drives this sector of the market.
Practicality

The Vauxhall Tigra boasts a reasonable asking price, good fuel economy, affordable servicing costs and reasonable insurance premiums. The car should be affordable to own and run, and resale values should be good.
The Tigra is a compact two-seater coupe/cabriolet and doesn’t offer loads of passenger or boot space. The car is more concerned with style and fun than practicality. The car won’t transport a lot of people or a lot of cargo, but it does have a 250-litre boot and additional behind the seat storage. The company also offers a custom made five-piece luggage set as a cost option.
The Vauxhall Tigra controls and displays aren’t fancy but they are functional. The car’s interior is a little more boring than what you’d expect. The indicator stalks feel flimsy and cheap, but a leather-bound steering wheel helps to bump up the quality somewhat.
Wind noise can be quite significant even with the top up. The lack of a wind deflector can also cause some annoyance, and the car’s steering is a little disappointing too. Air conditioning is one option worth springing for, and the car’s heated seats make the ride very comfortable when there’s a nip in the air.
Accessibility is good, but may pose a problem for some passengers as it will be necessary to climb down into the seats. Most passengers shouldn’t have any problems. The car’s footwells are large and provide good legroom.
Parking the Vauxhall Tigra can be tricky with the top up. Limited rear visibilty helps to complicate reverse parking. Parking may take some practice, and parking sensors would have been a nice cost option, but aren’t available.

Life Style

The Vauxhall 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.
This is not a family vehicle. The Tigra lacks the space necessary to be a practical family car. It could be used as a sedcond car, or an expensive teen car.
The Tigra would make a good first car. In many ways the Tigra would make an ideal first car. The majority of buyers are likely to be female, despite the fact that the Tigra is more masculine than the 206 CC or Ford Streetka. Image conscious young buyers on a limited budget will find the car’s blend of style and personality at an affordable price irresistable. Insurance rates will run high though.
Past generations of Vauxhalls have been boring and too predictable, leaving the newer more exciting generations the burden of countering that image. The cara are well made and cars like the Monaro, VX220 and now the Tigra coupe/cabriolet will definitely win more than a few buyers over. The lack of quality in the cabin will hurt matters even more though. The car might age quickly and ifso, that will lower resale values for the little Tigra.

Security and Safety

Despite the Vauxhall Tigra flashy stylish appearance the car only receives an engine immobiliser and remote central locking. An alarm system should have been offered as standard on a car with so much desirability on offer.
The Vauxhall Tigra comes with ABS, driver, passenger and side airbags, active head restraints, seatbelt force limiters and a pedal release mechanism. The car’s roll bars and strengthened A pillars should provide further protection if the car should roll over.
The Finishing Touches

The Vauxhall Tigra standard audio system includes a CD player/radio. The unit provides good sound quality and does a good job of drowning out the wind noise while cruising with the top down. Sport trimmed cars gain MP3 compatibility, and steering wheel mounted audio controls are also a convenient addition.
The Vauxhall Tigra exterior looks the most attractive in blue, black or red. The car’s interior is dull and is much improved with the optional leather seats. All-in-all a good-looking car that provides loads of fun.
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