Holden Tigra manual 2005 review

The five speed manual Tigra holds plenty of appeal thanks in part to the folding metal roof and out-there sytyling. It's one funkadelic little drop top that scrams "Here I am."

The strong visual is backed by pretty good performance from a 1.8-litre, 92kW engine lifted from the previous Barina SR.

Tigra offers sports car styling with tin-top safety and security - all at the touch of a button once the roof latches are released.

And it's sharply priced at a tick under $35,000.

That puts is well under the Peugeot 206CC 2.0-litre and a couple up on the 206CC 1.6.

But it's a newer model than that and is fully decked out inside, well nearly.

• Has strong performance from twin cam 1.8-litre engine, definitely on the sporty side of the ledger and economical too with 7.0-litres/ 100km within easy reach.

   

• Handling is tidy, not too firm, supple enough on rough roads and presice in the steering. The brakes match Tigra's pace and becaiuse its such a compact device, driving feel is exhilarating.

   

• Capable cruiser on the freeway, doesn't peg back on long uphilkls, has plenty in reserve and benefits from slich shifting close ratio 'box.

   

• Two seater only but the boot is adequate even with roof folded, much larger with roof up. Adequate adjustment to driving position accommodates larger people.

   

• Attractive interior, groovy upholstery, techno looking dash and console, great sound. Comes with airconditioning, power ancillaries, remote central locking but annoying boot lock (needs to be held in while power boot closer works).

   

• Body feels fairly tight with only a couple of rattles on really rough roads. No creaks or groans over the driveway.

   

• Looks sensational with Astra style front but more aggressive and high rear haunches, A real wedgey thing. But aerodynamics only rate 0.34Cd which explains some of the wind noise at high speed.

   

• Passes Euro 4 emissions regs - extremely clean but requires premium to give its best.

   

• Made in France at a specialist manufac- turer. The French connection.

   

• Love the electric power steering and ABS brakes. Has four airbags and pedal release system to limit injury in collision.

   

• Fairly weighty at 1248 kg.,Imagine if it had the 2.0-litre or 2.2 litre engine.