4.3.2004
Opel/Vauxhall Tigra TwinTop voted "Cabrio of the Year 2004"

The new Tigra TwinTop, which was revealed at the 74th Geneva Motor Show recently was already awarded "Cabrio of the Year 2004". The independent international jury composed of 20 motoring journalists and experts elected the sporty two-seater with electro-hydraulic, retractable steel roof especially for its attractive design and intelligent concept.

After the Speedster (Geneva 2000), the Tigra TwinTop, which is having its world premiere at this year's Geneva Motor Show, is the second Opel/Vauxhall model to receive this important award established in 1994.

The debut of the new Tigra TwinTop at the Geneva Motor Show makes Opel the first German volume manufacturer to offer a sporty two-seater with an electro-hydraulic, retractable steel roof that opens and closes automatically at the touch of a button.

With dynamic lines and impressive versatility, the new Tigra offers cabriolet fresh air or coupé motoring. Whether as a cabriolet or coupé, the Tigra features a generous, usable trunk with a volume of up to 440 liters. An additional 70 liters of storage space is available behind the seats, adding up to a class-leading total of more than 500 liters. The Tigra's trunk lid also opens and shuts electro-hydraulically at the touch of a button.

Fuel saving technology
Equipped with the innovative TWINPORT fuel-saving technology, the new Tigra's 1.4-liter ECOTEC engine generates 66 kW (90 hp). Both this unit and the more powerful 1.8 ECOTEC with 92 kW (125 hp) meet Euro-4 emission standards. A five-speed manual gearshift is standard equipment and the 1.4 TWINPORT is also available with the Easytronic automated manual transmission.

Electro-hydraulic roof mechanism
The innovative electro-hydraulic roof mechanism is the highlight of the Tigra TwinTop. The two-section steel roof closes and opens automatically. At the touch of a button the hardtop folds almost vertically into a shaft between the cockpit and the trunk. Thus, even with the roof down, the Tigra still offers ample storage space of 250 liters – enough, for example, for a crate of beverages. Volume increases to 440 liters with the roof up and additional interior storage space behind the seats (accessible from the cockpit) provides another 70 liters for bags and jackets etcetera. The heated rear windshield is made of scratchproof glass.

Tigra design – outside and inside
From the outside, the new Tigra is a compact, well-proportioned two-seater (length/width excluding outside mirrors/height: 3.92/1.64/1.32 meters) with eye-catching details. The dynamic styling is a new interpretation of the Opel design language. The front features the trapezoid grille with matte chrome lateral bar typical of Opel, the characteristic crease in the hood, large inlets in the bumper, and 3D ellipsoid headlamps with cylindrical lights.

A side view reveals short overhangs and a flat windshield; a purposeful wedge shape rising towards the rear and lightly tucked in at the flanks; and pronounced side sills. The attention to detail is evident in the air vents on the front fenders with integrated side blinkers, as well as in the distinctive line of the roof structure. The rear section of the roof is also available in a contrasting color to create a distinctive visual effect. In the rear, large wraparound taillights and an elegant matte chrome molding in the bumper round off the dynamic appearance.

The interior of the Tigra features bucket seats, chrome-ringed instruments and numerous aluminum accents. Two aluminum colored strips connecting the center console and transmission tunnel lend a special flair (standard equipment with the Sport and Cosmo lines). The aerodynamic profile of the unusually shaped, aluminum roll bar is another design highlight. Both driver and passenger profit from exemplary ergonomics and a substantial standard equipment package. All Tigra TwinTop model variants come with electric windows, electronically controlled and heated outside mirrors and radio-controlled central locking. The safety equipment system is just as comprehensive. It includes front and side airbags, ABS, disk brakes all around and a brake assistant, all of which provide for a high level of passenger protection and driving safety.

Numerous extras
An electronic stability program (ESP) is also available as an option. Numerous extras, from air conditioning and heated seats to 17-inch aluminium wheels, enable customers to individualize their cars. A new generation of Infotainment systems, introduced in the new Astra, rounds out the high-quality assortment of optional equipment.

Two modern ECOTEC gasoline engines, also available with the new Astra and the Corsa, guarantee a lively performance. The exceptionally efficient 1.4 TWINPORT ECOTEC delivers 66 kW (90 hp) yet it's thrifty when it comes to fuel consumption thanks to its innovative TWINPORT concept. This intelligent fuel-saving technology developed by Opel for four-cylinder, four-valve combustion engines of up to 1.6 liter displacement employs a variable intake control system and high exhaust gas recirculation rates to deliver significantly lower fuel consumption under everyday driving conditions. The 92 kW (125 hp) 1.8 ECOTEC engine, which has already made a name for itself in the Corsa GSI, delivers impressive power and comes with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard equipment. The 1.4 liter TWINPORT gasoline engine can alternatively be ordered in combination with the Easytronic automated manual transmission, which combines the comfort of an automatic with the sportiness and economy of a manual gearbox.

The specially tuned chassis (wheelbase: 2.49 meters) works together with direct steering and a very torsionally rigid body construction for agile handling and a high degree of driving comfort.

" 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 percent of which will soon consist of niche models," said Carl-Peter Forster, Chairman and Managing Director of Adam Opel AG, in explaining the positioning of the new Tigra.