Opel Tigra TwinTop Gets Faux Soft-Top Look

Opel Tigra with Soft-Top at Geneva

Engines remain unchanged

By Thami Masemola
February 22, 2008 9:04 PM
Filed Under: Geneva Motor Show, German, Opel

Opel Tigra is going for the classic look on its TwinTop roof. The car will not become an overnight tiger, but it will at least give buyers the option of looking like they own a soft-top. In Geneva Opel will unveil the new Tigra TwinTop Soft-Top look. Tigra is originally a retractable hard-top that uses electro-hydraulics to move the tin-top from front to back in a matter of 18 seconds, according to Opel.

The new look covers the roof in Bordeaux red canvas, which sounds quite fancy but in reality it just means the hard bit is clothed in canvas. How much more weight this adds is unknown at this stage, but I’m pretty sure Opel would downplay it by a number of grams.

Offered engines, the 1.4-litre 66kW/ 90 bhp motor and its 1.8-litre bigger brother whose 92kW/ 125bhp is more fun to experience, remain petrol-powered.

Source: Opel

Press Release (Click to expand)

The new “Illusion” model variant is another iteration of the quick-changing Tigra TwinTop:the two-seater’s electro-hydraulic retractable steel roof is covered in a Bordeaux red canvas, which gives the car the soft-top look of a classic fabric-roofed cabrio – without foregoing the benefits of a hard top. The Tigra TwinTop “Illusion” will be one of the stars on the Opel stand at the 78th International Motor Show in Geneva.

This variant also comes with many standard features, such as leather trim, heated seats, air conditioning, MP3-compatible CD-Radio, on-board computer, two-layer metallic/pearlescent-effect lacquer, aluminum sport pedals, color-coordinated safety belts and footwell mats, as well as 17-inch light alloy wheels in bi-color design. The special “Endless Summer” edition is also available for customers who would prefer the extensive standard equipment, but without the canvas roof.

Customers can choose between a 1.4 (66 kW/90 hp) or 1.8-liter (92 kW/125 hp) gasoline engine. Both come with a five-speed manual transmission, while the 1.4 TWINPORT can also be ordered with an automated Easytronic five-speed manual gearbox. As with all Tigra TwinTops, the changeover from coupé to cabrio in the “Illusion” takes place at the touch of a button and requires just around 18 seconds.