Following on from the success of the coupe-cabrio format first seen on the Mercedes SLK, but truly brought to the people by Peugeot and Citron, GM's European subsidiary Opel has launched the Tigra TwinTop. Opel first showcased its answer to the Peugeot 206 CC in Geneva earlier this year, and has wasted no time in bringing the production version to market, well aware that the retractable steel roof has captured hearts and minds across Europe. And a jolly fine job it's made of it too. Opting to make the car a pure two-seater (the Peugeot has a tiny rear bench), the Opel has a relatively spacious cabin, while a novel electro-hydraulic roof-folding mechanism frees up more luggage space at the back (250 liters with the roof stowed versus 175 liters in the Peugeot).
The main problem suffered by the coupe-cabrio format is the bulbous derriere usually necessitated by roof packaging. While the Tigra may not have the snake hips of Claudia Schiffer, it nevertheless puts the overall proportions of the vehicle to good use to create a relatively sleek package.
Two engine variants are available at introduction-the 90-bhp 1.4-liter TWINPORT and the 1.8-liter unit with an output of 125 bhp.