Tigra adds Dazzle to Holden's Small Car Range
News Editor - 30/9/2005
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Holden Tigra
Powered by a 1.8-litre engine the Tigra is
endowed with enough power to hoon along
With the top down the car looks brilliant, and
the 16-inch alloy wheels add more visual impact
For under $35k, the Barina-sized roadster
isn't the cheapest hard top convertible on
the market, but its features list is superior
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Holden stepped up its focus on the small car market with
the launch of the Tigra hardtop convertible, which is priced
at $34,990, and goes on sale in Australia from the beginning
of October, 2005.
The sporty two-seater roadster is the first hardtop convertible
to represent the Holden brand and was crowned "Cabrio
of the Year 2004" at the Geneva Motor Show.
The versatile European import changes from coupe to open-top
in just 18 seconds at the touch of a button as its retractable
steel roof slips neatly into the boot, and will compete with
vehicles such as the Peugeot 206 CC.
Holden's compact convertible stylish wedge-shaped design
wins fashion points while it maximises functionality and flexibility
and while it is only a two-seater this allows for impressive
luggage space.
The dynamic new Tigra is powered by the proven 1.8-litre
ECOTEC 4-cylinder engine and delivers an agile, responsive
and refined driving experience. The fuel-efficient 16-valve
4-cylinder engine complies with strict Euro 4 emission standards
and is mated to a close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission.
The proven powerplant comes from the range-topping Barina
SRi and produces peak power of 90kW @ 6000rpm using 91 RON
ULP and 92kW @ 6000rpm using 95 RON PULP. It produces 165Nm
of torque @ 4600rpm. Fuel consumption is 7.8 litres per 100
kilometres using premium fuel.
Holden Chairman and Managing Director Denny Mooney said Holden's
first foray into the hardtop convertible arena was an exciting,
image-building move. "Tigra gives you the best of both
worlds. You feel like you're driving a coupe with the top
up and cruising in a cabrio with the top down," Holden's
chief said.
"Tigra will bring new buyers to the Holden brand because
it's a unique kind of buyer who purchases a 2-seat roadster.
It's also the sort of car you want in your showroom –
something to put right up front in the dealership that really
attracts people.
"Tigra delivers fun, excitement and image and enhances
your brand. It's not a big volume car but it provides amazing
value and complements the Astra convertible," concluded
Mooney.
Further standard features include sports suspension, cruise
control, power steering, ‘one touch’ power windows,
a Blaupunkt CD player, tilt-adjustable leather-wrap steering
wheel with audio controls, sports seats with two-tone trim,
heated power mirrors, heated glass rear window, fog lamps
and air conditioning.
Smart 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels (steel spare) and muscular
wheel arches accentuate the Tigra's sports car stance and
its distinctive jewelled headlamps are completed by equally
striking wrap-around rear lamps.
Further stand-out features include a wave-shaped aluminium
bar behind the head rests and a distinctive sports trim.
Lowering the roof is a simple matter of pulling on the handbrake,
releasing two latches on the window frame and pressing the
retraction button. Within 18 seconds, the roof has folded
into the boot area and an acoustic signal verifies completion.
The all important issue of luggage space is quite respectable
for the Barina-sized vehicle: maximum luggage capacity (with
the roof closed) is 378 litres, including a 70 litre compartment
with cargo net cover behind the rear seats.
The power steering system is speed-sensitive with electric
assist and 4-channel ABS is complemented by a mechanical brake
assist function which reduces braking distance in emergency
applications.
The 2-seater Holden roadster is equipped with four airbags
– driver, passenger and side – ‘breakaway’
brake and clutch pedals to protect against lower limb injury
and a passenger safety cell designed to transform impact energy
through controlled deformation.
Tigra's carefully tuned design is the result of a partnership
between Holden's German GM affiliate, Opel, and master French
coachbuilder Heuliez. The intelligent roof construction allows
a sleek, upward-sloping silhouette from front to elegant rear
end - equally well-proportioned whether the hardtop is up
or down.
Colour Selection:
Tigra is available in a range of four exterior finishes:
Magma Red
Antigua Bay Blue (metallic)
Star Silver (metallic)
Black Sapphire (metallic)
Pricing:
$34,990
Metallic paint: $300
Options:
17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels
Windstop air deflector
Holden By Design accessories
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