Opel Tigra A (1994-2001) driving report: Small but powerful!
The Corsa-based speedster turns 30. We look back and take a spin
In 1994, Opel launched a car on the market that perfectly captured the spirit of optimism of the 1990s: the Tigra A. It was a small sports coupé designed to combine youthful charm with affordable mass-produced technology. It is now an incredible 30 years ago. Yes, the first Tigra has reached classic car age and qualifies for the H number plate. Time for a look back and for a test drive.
Unusual looks with simple technology
The first presentation took place in 1993 at the IAA in Frankfurt. In addition to the coupé, Opel presented a roadster study, which unfortunately never went into series production. The Tigra A was technically based on the Opel Corsa B, but differed visually with its dynamic, rounded shape, the striking glass tailgate and the design by Hideo Kodama.
| Dimensions & Weight | Opel Tigra A |
| Length x width x height |
3,922 mm x 1,604 mm x 1,340 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,429 mm |
| Unladen weight | 980 - 1,075 kg |
With a length of just under 4 metres, the Tigra looks even smaller today than it did back then but still sleek and attractive. Back then, it was primarily aimed at a young audience. Either as a classic "women's car" with tribal and Abi 1998 stickers or as the basis for a "tuning object" with conversions and add-ons straight from accessory catalogue hell.
Gallery: Opel Tigra A (1994-2001) in test mode
Under the bonnet, two engines familiar from the Corsa provide propulsion: a 1.4-litre four-cylinder with 16 valves and 90 PS or a 1.6-litre four-cylinder with 106 PS and also 16 valves are the measure of all things in the less sporty small car of the time. The naturally aspirated petrol engines in the Tigra reached top speeds of 118 and 126 mph respectively. Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph is a respectable 9.4 seconds (1.6) or 11.5 seconds (1.4).
| Drive & Driving performance | Opel Tigra A 1.4 16V | Opel Tigra A 1.6 16V |
| Engine | 1,389 cm³ four-cylinder DOHC in-line engine (X14XE) | 1,598 cm³ four-cylinder DOHC in-line engine (X16XE) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual gearbox / 4-speed automatic (optional) | 5-speed manual gearbox |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Power output | 90 PS at 6,000 rpm | 106 PS at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 125 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 148 Nm at 4,000 rpm |
| 0-100 km/h | 11.5 sec. | 9.4 sec. |
| Top speed | 118 mph | 126 mph |
| Fuel consumption | 7.3 l/100km (combined) | 7.7 l/100km (combined) |
Almost unimaginable nowadays? The weight! It is between 980 and 1,075 kg and is designed to make the Tigra an agile companion with its chassis with gas pressure shock absorbers and twist-beam rear axle. Front-wheel drive and a manual 5-speed gearbox are standard. A 5-speed automatic is also available as an option for the 1.4-litre model, which should even make it somewhat suitable for everyday use.
Exciting on the outside, sober on the inside
Opel also took over the cockpit almost unchanged from the Corsa B to keep costs down. In combination with the optional ABS, fog lights and air conditioning, the price of the small coupé remained attractive: in 1995 it was around DM 26,000.
But so much penny-pinching has its price. The Tigra A is not a really exciting place to sit, because apart from the slightly more body-hugging and nicely low seats, every black plastic switch, every cheap rotary knob, every simple lever and every sober display simply screams: "I was actually developed for a bland Corsa!"
Sounds a bit like the 90s. At first you think everything is possible now, but then at some point and somehow a certain disillusionment sets in. But no matter ... Objectivity and a certain familiarity can also have advantages, because today you can concentrate much better on the driving characteristics.
Fold up and drive off
The doors of the Tigra are large and expansive. Almost majestic for such a small coupé. After getting in, you turn the key, which was very typical of Opel at the time. The engine noise is quiet and calm.
Our test vehicle is the 1.4. It's practically a new car from the Opel collection that runs almost too smoothly at idle. But the naturally aspirated engine revs up happily when the accelerator is pressed - a clear indication that the Tigra is not just hiding its sports car ambitions in its design.
When driving, you immediately notice that the pedals offer little space for the feet. Anyone wearing larger boots will be a little challenged here. The first gear (and all other gears) is engaged with a crisp transmission.
And off you go - with a chassis that doesn't give you the impression that it wants to show any consideration for your back. Potholes? You can feel and hear them. The Tigra wants to remind us in every driving situation that comfort is not its priority.
On the other hand, it is a small and manoeuvrable powerhouse. The steering is so direct that the car dances around every bend. The featherweight is therefore as agile as a Mini would still like to be today, according to the marketing. On the straights, the Tigra lacks rocket propulsion, but the low seating position, poor noise insulation and high revs make everything feel faster than it actually is.
And let's be honest. Who needs a lot of power and torque when you can dart through the streets so quickly? Nevertheless, Opel itself is also researching more power. More on that in a moment ...
And what else?
The Tigra is marketed worldwide under various brands: as Vauxhall in Great Britain, Chevrolet in Brazil and Mexico and Holden in Australia. There are also plans to export it to the USA under the Pontiac brand, but this failed due to the small size of the vehicle.
And the Tigra suffers from criticism. The poor visibility, the tiny interior - especially the practically unusable rear seat of the 2+2-seater - and the small boot (225 litres) are frequently criticised. Nevertheless, the car found a loyal fan base and Opel sold 256,392 units worldwide by 2001, around 60,000 of them in Germany.
It's success tempted Opel to experiment further during the production period and a Tigra V6 was created in 1995 with a rear-wheel drive mid-engine 3.0-litre V6 with 210 PS. However, this power coupé remained a one-off that today ekes out an existence in the brand's concept car cellar. Also rare, but road-legal: Irmscher complements the range with a quirky pick-up conversion called "Fun". Limited special editions such as the eye-catching "Cinema Edition" in pink were also close to series production.
Opel Tigra V6
Irmscher Fun
After the end of production in July 2001, however, the Tigra A gradually disappeared from the roads. Many models fell victim to youthful recklessness, rust or, in this country, scrapping as a result of the environmental bonus. In addition, electronic problems and mediocre workmanship turned ownership into a major and cost-intensive task.
If you want to drive a Tigra today, you should not only look for rust-free examples without tinkering (unless of course you like the sometimes cheap aftermarket look), but ideally have a second vehicle ready as a spare parts donor. The prices are quite reasonable. Appropriate donor vehicles are already available for less than €1,000 and even well-equipped examples with low mileage, few previous owners and in original condition are priced at a maximum of €8,000 (as of the end of 2024).
Conclusion: From niche car to classic
Today, the Opel Tigra A is a tribute to the experimental spirit of the 1990s and is remembered as a timeless coupé. With its H number plate, it celebrates its entry into classic car status in 2024 - a worthy (and still surprisingly affordable) conclusion and at the same time a new beginning for a car that was always a little different, younger and bolder than the small car uniformity of the past.
More old Opels:
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