Vauxhall Tigra Review
Published: 9th July 2005
Vauxhall Tigra
Safety and Security 
Having a steel roof instead of a fabric soft top has to be a plus point for a convertible owner. Security is always at the back of our minds, and we would not want to park a soft top on the street at night.
The question everyone asks, is what happens if you roll it over? The A-pillars are reinforced with high-strength steel limiting the deformation of the front windscreen pillars in the event of the vehicle rolling over and there is a wave-shaped roll bar made of hydro-formed aluminium behind the seats.
The Tigra is fitted with the latest generation ABS system, as well as disc brakes all round providing a high degree of active driving safety - Electronic Stability Programme is a £360 option.
In addition, a two-stage brake booster with brake-assist, that disproportionately reinforces brake pressure in the event of an emergency, helps to reduce stopping distance.
Passive safety features include four airbags (driver, passenger and side), lap and shoulder seat belts with pyrotechnical seat belt tensioners and belt-force limiters, the patented Pedal Release System (PRS) and height-adjustable head restraints.
The Tigra Sport features remote locking with an alarm function and two stage deadlocks. A lockable glove compartment, locking wheel nuts and a visible VIN (vehicle identification) number plate.
One annoying factor is that the switch to lock the doors from the inside is on the drivers door only which makes it awkward for waiting passengers to lock themselves safely in the car.
Comfort and Refinement
The standard ‘follow-me-home’ headlight function is a very useful feature - after parking the car, the headlights can be set to stay on for 30 seconds, illuminating the path from the car to your front door, we found this function especially useful as we do not have street lighting.
The standard fabric sports seats are both comfortable and supportive - leather facings are available as an option.
We love driving with the roof down in all weathers see our MINI Cooper Convertible review.
Driving with roof down in light rain is not going to affect you as the windscreen deflects light rain whilst on the move, so showers aren’t a problem.
The optional (£500) air conditioning is efficient and is worth considering if you are going to use the Tigra around town and want the added security of the roof up. On hot days, especially when the sun is high, we had to close the roof and use the air conditioning.
The Vauxhall Tigra Sport's level of refinement is high and includes: a multi-function display panel incorporating digital clock, date, audio information and outside temperature (with ice warning function), rev counter, trip odometer, dipping rear-view mirror, twin sunvisors, centre console with drinks holder, drinks holder in fold down flap of the glove compartment, door pockets, electrical accessory socket, fade up/down courtesy light, two-speed windscreen wipers, intermittent facility for windscreen wipers, electric windows, twin reversing lights (which were very powerful) and a rear fog light.
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