Vauxhall's 2-seater sportscar, the Tigra - not a soft-top, but one of the new fashionable metal-roofed jobbies, a la the Peugeot 206CC. One of the main problems with a convertible car is the fact that in a modern monocoque shell the roof bears a lot of the car's strength. Take the roof off and the car bends and shimmies down the road like a jelly on a plate. Vauxhall have done a great job keeping a rigidity about the car, making the ride firm even on rough and bumpy roads despite having chopped off the supporting roof.
Coming with either a 1.4 and 1.8 petrol engine or a 1.3 diesel, the Tigra is stylish and well built. Driver's position is good, but the car isn't as exciting to drive as its appearance suggests. However, the steeply raked windscreen allows the roof to be down even at speed, so you can get the thrill of open-air driving.
The steel roof is the car's attraction and possible Achilles heel; other cars with a similar roof design have had problems with the mechanisms, so time will tell.
Surprisingly enough, despite being a true two-seater, the Tigra is a practical vehicle. Surprisingly, even with the roof down, there is plenty of boot space. Insurance groups range from 8 to 13.
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Vauxhall TIGRA.