Vauxhall Tigra (04-09) - Review

Review by Parkers

Last Updated:

Small and stylish, the Vauxhall Tigra is a two-seater convertible that combines sharp looks and open-air fun with low running costs and frugal engines. There are plenty of neat touches but the real highlight is the neat metal folding roof. When it's up, the Tigra is as quiet and secure as a coupe, but it folds down in just 20 seconds to transform it into a stylish roadster. Unfortunately it's not all good news and the interior is a huge letdown. It's based on the 2000 Corsa hatchback so looks and feels dated. Refinement is in short supply while the driving experience is instantly forgettable. It's pretty good value though - especially as a used buy - while the roof mechanism has, on the whole, proved reliable.

3 out of 5

Other Vauxhall reviews

3 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£13,995 - £17,715

Used price range:

£2,727 - £9,320

View all used prices

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Electric folding hard-top, neat styling, available with a frugal diesel

Cheap-feeling interior, lacklustre performance, dull to drive, awkward electric boot

Driving & Performance

Performance

2.5 out of 5
"When the Tigra was launched in 2004, two petrol engines were available. The first is a 1.4-litre..."
Handling

3 out of 5
"The Tigra is actually based on the 2000 Corsa which means it's easy to drive but offers few thrills."

Comfort

Comfort

2.5 out of 5
"Unlike alternatives such as the Peugeot 207 CC, the Tigra is a two-seater. But the plus side is that..."
Practicality

2.5 out of 5
"Along with having no back seats, the Tigra is also lacking in cabin stowage, not helped by narrow..."
Equipment

3.5 out of 5
"Standard models come with height adjustable sports seats, electric windows, heated electric mirrors,..."
Behind the wheel

2.5 out of 5
"With a cabin lifted from the 2000 Corsa, the Tigra looks dated and bland. The controls are well laid..."

Costs

Running costs

4 out of 5
"The Tigra is no more expensive to run than any other small Vauxhall with frugal engines, affordable..."
Green credentials

3 out of 5
"This Vauxhall scores adequately on the eco front, but alternatives with similar power engines are..."

Safety & Reliability

Safety

3.5 out of 5
"The Tigra was awarded a respectable four stars by Euro NCAP for adult safety in a crash. This was a..."
Reliability

3.5 out of 5
"Cars with folding hard tops have plenty to go wrong and models like the Peugeot 206 CC have proved..."

Buying & Selling

Buying new

4 out of 5
"One of the picks of the small roadsters at the moment. Won't command the waiting list of more..."
Buying used

3 out of 5
"There's a good choice of models on the used market, both privately and through dealers. The Tigra..."
Selling

3 out of 5
"Thanks to its low running costs and neat styling, the Tigra will always be fairly popular,..."