Based on the oh-so-cute Opel Corsa, the Opel Tigra Twin Top’s arrival was eagerly anticipated, but could my lukewarm response have had something to do with the horrid yellow colour I was forced to parade in?
Admittedly, the Tigra’s exterior is cute and friendly, but that glaring, look-at-me yellow paintwork did not do the little car any favours. In any other colour, the voluptuous rear end and aggressive snout is rather appealing.
The car’s interior was found to be neat and conventional with clear instrumentation, though some deviation from the standard Corsa instrumentation would have been nice. Tossing out those giant rotary dials and replacing the brittle bits with something more hardy would have been welcome changes. In fact, I was particularly concerned about the indicator stalk coming off in my hand – it felt that rickety.
Impressively, this coupĂ©-cabriolet’s insulation was impeccable, with very little wind or dust penetrating the cabin. Thankfully, with only two seats, the cabin was sufficiently roomy to accommodate passengers with the requisite amount of elbow- and legroom.
The ride was firm and body control impressive, though the steering felt rather vague. Tigra’s engine was quite responsive, though its performance can hardly be described as earth shattering. It offers enough to get you through open stretches with some aplomb, and the braking system inspires confidence.