2005 Opel Tigra TwinTop: First Look

The Opel Corsa, or Holden Barina as it's known locally, is a practical and cost-effective mode of transport.

It's won a legion of fans right around the globe for its ease of use, but Opel isn't about the rest on its laurels while the likes of Toyota's Echo and Renault's Clio are still in the fight.

In a bid to lift the image of its European small car range, General Motors German arm, Opel, will be unveiling the new Tigra TwinTop at the at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show - March 4 to 14.

The cute-looking drop top is like the Mercedes SLK, Daihatsu Copen and Peugeot 306 CC in that it has a metal folding roof.

The advantages of solid metal folding roof over a traditional cloth item include better wind resistance, increased chassis rigidity and lower insurance premiums - and they look so much classier than the average rag top.

So what's one to make of the new Tigra TwinTop? Carl-Peter Forster, the Opel AG big chief, explains: "The Tigra TwinTop is an attractive car for the young and young at heart, for buyers who are seeking a sporty and exciting looking vehicle.

"The Tigra also plays an important role in our model offensive and shows the new direction we've taken with our product portfolio, 20 per cent of which will soon consist of niche models."

The sporty two-seater is more of a fun-mobile than grand tourer, and though the biggest engine on offer outputs just 92kW, the new Corsa/Barina model is expected to offer brisk cornering response.

While the new Tigra is an innovative little drop top in its own right, it also hints at the design direction of the next generation Corsa and Barina models, and the new front end alone is a very provocative.

The trapezoidal grille with a matte chrome lateral bar is inline with GM's new global face, while characteristic creases in the bonnet, large inlets in the front apron and xenon globes sitting underneath clear lenses give the car an assertive and confident look.

A side view of the Tigra reveals short overhangs and a steeply raked windscreen, while a purposeful rear (if somewhat dictated by utility) and pronounced side sills complete the bodywork package.

The smaller details also give the Tigra cachet value, such as the small air vents on the front flanks with integrated side indicator lights, as well as in the distinctive line of the roof structure.

The rear section of the roof is also available in a contrasting colour to create a distinctive visual effect, while at the rear of the body are large wraparound taillights that owe a thing or two to the 206 CC, and help round off the Tigra's dynamic appearance.

Powertrain options (at this stage) include Opel's inline 4-cylinder engines, with the entry-level 1.4-litre engine slated for Europe, making 66kW and meeting Euro-4 emission standards thanks to its TWINPORT fuel-saving technology.

The more powerful 1.8-litre engine will be the only option when the Holden Tigra-badged model arrives in Australia, also found in the current Barina SRi, and makes 92kW of power. Both engines get a 5-speed manual transmission as standard.

The 1.4-litre TWINPORT mill is also available with an 'Easytronic' automated manual transmission.

The respected coachbuilder Groupe Henri Heuliez S.A. in Cerizay, France, will produce the new Opel Tigra TwinTop, and sales are due to begin in late summer 2004 after it makes its debut at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show in March. No word yet on cost, but expect similar pricing to the 206 CC - around A$40,000.

With its sharp new look and practical packaging, the Tigra TwinTop could be another hit for the German marque, and together with a closer tie with the next generation Astra, you can be sure that the new-look Corsa will be one of the big hitters in the 2005 sales charts.