Vauxhall Tigra Review (2004 to date)

Quick Summary

The Tigra is one of those cars that isn't going to spring too many nasty surprises on a used buyer. As long as the hood and the electricals are in decent fettle, there isn't too much to worry about. They don't tend to have been driven hard nor will the typical owner rack up intergalactic motorway mileages. A clean, tidy example is likely to provide open top fun for a good few years yet. If you do a lot of urban driving, the 1.3-litre CDTi diesel would be our pick.

Overall:

Models Covered:Second Generation (2004-to date): 2 door coupe/convertible, 1.4, 1.8 petrol, 1.3CDTi diesel [base, Sport]

BUTTON FLY

Think of the second generation Vauxhall Tigra as a direct successor to the original and you're likely to come away very confused. Yes, it is a coupe of sorts, but one with an extra trick up its sleeve. Whereas the original Tigra was a cutesy coupe based on Corsa underpinnings, the post millennial version features a voguish folding hard top. It's a far more appealing and better engineered Tigra than ever before and quite rightly is in some demand as a used car. If you can persuade an owner to part with one, here's the low down on what to look for.
Used Vauxhall Tigra for sale

History of the Tigra

Although the hiatus between the two Tigra generations seems so much longer than three years, this is attributable to the cutting modernity of the second generation car rather than the perceived antiquity of the original. In short, when the Tigra was launched in Spring 2004, it suddenly made the opposition look very dated. The Peugeot 206 CC had long ruled the roost when it came to tots with folding hard tops but the introduction of the Vauxhall changed all that. Suddenly the Pug was yesterday's news and the Tigra was the hot ticket.
Used Vauxhall Tigra for sale

Vauxhall Tigra Road Test

Performance from the 1.4-litre engine is adequate, although all the weight of those electric motors will naturally take the edge off sprinting ability. The car will get to 60mph in 12.2 seconds and run on to a top speed of 112mph. Fuel economy is very good indeed with a 34.9mpg economy figure about town. The more indicative combined cycle measures 46.3mpg. Opt instead for the 1.8-litre car and the fuel economy drops quite significantly. Expect to manage around 36.7mpg on the combined cycle and an unspectacular 25.9mpg in urban areas. The flipside of this is that performance is a lot brighter. Sixty mph in 9.2 seconds can't be sneezed at and a top speed of 127mph will be plenty for most customers. With the diesel, there's a claimed 61mpg average economy figure to consider but 0-60mph performance of 15.5s isn't what you would call brisk.
Used Vauxhall Tigra for sale

Buying a Vauxhall Tigra

There have been no reported issues with the Second Generation Tigra so far. The roof mechanism is the biggest potential bill but to date the folding hard top has been very reliable. Check for the usual parking knocks and scrapes and make sure the alloys aren't kerbed. Anything without a full service history should be given the elbow.
Used Vauxhall Tigra for sale

Vauxhall Tigra Typical Pricing

Prices start at around £11,300 for an 05-plated 1.4 Sport and you'll need around £12,300 for the 1.3CDTi or the 1.8 petrol, again both in Sport trim on the 05 plate. The 1.8 is offered solely in Sport guise but such was the modest step up in price and generous equipment bundle that most 1.3 and 1.4-litre buyers went for the Sport trim anyway. Insurance is very reasonable, reflecting the Tigra's excellent safety and security rating. The 1.3 CDTi opens at Group 8 with the zippy 1.8 Sport still only rated at Group 12.
Used Vauxhall Tigra for sale

Vauxhall Tigra Parts

(Based on a Tigra 1.4 05 plate) A new clutch will cost you about £90 and a full exhaust system around £300. Front shock absorbers are about £50 a pair and rears around £35. An alternator is about £115 and a starter motor around £90. A radiator is about £115 and a replacement windscreen close to £135. A catalyst is just over £200.
Used Vauxhall Tigra for sale