Vauxhall Tigra

Our verdict

If all you want is an open-car experience, be our guest. Just don’t imagine The Vauxhall Tigra is a sports car. The height is a giveaway – this is a shortened decapitated supermini, and a sub-par one at that.

Comfort

The seats are decent enough and the ride not too harsh. Roof-up it's more civilised than small roadsters, of course.

Performance

The Tigra gets along in a fashion that's adequate, given the sort of people who'll buy it, but given only the top 1.8 engine will crack 10 seconds from 0-62, you can't get excited.

Cool

Cool is about not being seen to try too hard. The Tigra tries too hard, and the version with fabric stuck over its metal roof is trying so hard it's inviting a hernia.

Quality

It's bolted together at the Heuliez fatory in France, and they seem to do a decent job. The old-generation Corsa cabin is looking a bit weary now though.

Handling

The Tigra is based on the old Corsa, which doesn't bode well. It doesn't do anything wrong in the cornering department, but it doesn't have much enthusiasm so neither will you. This is a cruiser.

Practicality

A hard roof makes you feel warmer in winter and more secure a dark back alley.

Running costs

Though the Tigra's roof isn't the most reliable in the world, the three-year warranty should take care of it. The general running costs should be down at Astra levels for insurance, fuel and servicing, so this is one cheap roadster.