Opel Tigra Review: Fun Compact Convertible

What if a small roadster could offer open-air thrills, surprising practicality, and a folding hardtop without premium price tags? The Opel Tigra (especially the second-generation Opel Tigra TwinTop from 2004-2009) delivers exactly that as a stylish two-seater coupé convertible. Sharing its platform with the Corsa, this quirky drop-top combines agile city driving with wind-in-the-hair fun and a rigid retractable metal roof that stows neatly in the trunk.

Production ended in 2009, but used examples remain popular for their affordability and character. The Opel Tigra TwinTop stands out with its clever engineering and playful personality. Let’s explore why this hidden gem still turns heads on sunny days.

Sleek and Sporty: Design That Pops

The Opel Tigra TwinTop features a compact, muscular stance with a long bonnet, short overhangs, and a distinctive roofline that transforms from sleek coupé to open convertible in about 20 seconds. The folding hardtop mechanism integrates smoothly, maintaining a clean profile when up or down. Sharp headlights and a bold grille give it a confident, youthful look.

Available in eye-catching colors like Opel Tigra silver, it feels premium for its size. First impressions? It’s fun, approachable, and stands apart from soft-top rivals.

Cozy Cabin: Opel Tigra Interior With Smart Touches

The Opel Tigra interior keeps things driver-focused with supportive bucket seats and a simple dashboard layout. Two adults fit comfortably with good headroom and legroom, while storage cubbies behind the seats add practicality. Infotainment stays basic but includes Bluetooth and optional CD player.

Boot space impresses at around 440 liters with the roof up, shrinking to about 205 liters when folded – still usable for weekend bags. It’s surprisingly livable for daily errands.

Lively Performance: Peppy Engines and Nimble Handling

The Opel Tigra 1.8 specs highlight the top choice: a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 125 horsepower and 165 Nm torque. Acceleration reaches 0-100 km/h in about 9.4 seconds with a top speed around 204 km/h – brisk enough for spirited drives. The 1.4-liter (90 hp) variant feels adequate for city use.

Handling stays sharp with light steering and good grip, though the ride firms up over rough patches. Hit the accelerator, and you’ll feel eager response that makes twisty roads enjoyable.

Thrifty Efficiency: Reasonable Running Costs

Fuel economy impresses for a convertible. The 1.8-liter achieves real-world combined figures around 30-37 mpg (7.7 l/100 km official), dropping to 25-30 mpg in urban spirited driving. The smaller 1.4 variant pushes toward 40-46 mpg combined.

Diesel options (1.3 CDTI) offered even better thriftiness at 50+ mpg but remain rare. Buyers expect low daily costs with careful use.

Safety Basics: Decent Protection for Its Era

The Opel Tigra TwinTop scored moderate Euro NCAP results with good structural integrity but limited pedestrian scores. Standard features include dual airbags, ABS, and stability control, while higher trims added side airbags.

No advanced driver aids, but the rigid roof and good visibility provide reassurance. Is the Opel Tigra reliable? Generally yes for well-maintained examples, with shared Corsa parts keeping repairs affordable.

Trim Options and Value: Budget-Friendly Used Fun

Used Opel Tigra price in 2026 starts around €2,000-€6,000 depending on condition, mileage, and spec. Base models cover essentials, while Sport trims add alloys, stiffer suspension, and styling upgrades.

Value shines with low insurance, cheap parts, and convertible thrills at city-car costs.

Strengths and Shortcomings: Honest Take

• Pros:
• Clever retractable hardtop for year-round usability
• Agile handling and fun-to-drive character
• Impressive boot space for a convertible
• Affordable used prices and low running costs
• Cons:
• Limited rear space (strict two-seater)
• Firm ride over poor roads
• Some electrical or roof mechanism issues in neglected examples
• Dated interior tech compared to modern cars

Facing Rivals: Compact Convertible Battle

Have you ever wondered how the Opel Tigra stacks up against similar fun cars? It out-practiced the Mazda MX-5 with its hardtop and trunk space, though the MX-5 wins on pure driving purity. The Peugeot 206 CC offered similar folding roof charm but softer handling.

The Ford StreetKa brought retro style, while the Tigra countered with better rigidity. For larger open-air options, compare it to the refined Opel Cascada or the spacious Opel Omega.

Ideal Drivers: Who Loves This Little Roadster?

The Opel Tigra suits young drivers or couples craving affordable convertible joy. Weekend cruisers love scenic routes, while city dwellers appreciate easy parking and nimble size.

It’s perfect for those seeking smiles-per-mile without family compromises or high costs.

Final Verdict: Worthy Used Tigra?

The Opel Tigra TwinTop nails compact convertible fun with its clever hardtop, agile drive, and surprising practicality in a budget package. Minor age-related quirks exist, but its charm and value endure on the used market.

This playful roadster remains a smart buy for sunny-day thrills. Ready for top-down adventures? Learn more from the Opel Tigra Wikipedia page or hunt a clean example today. Your fun drive awaits.