Opel Tigra B TwinTop 1.4i 16V ECOTEC (90 Hp) Automatic

The Opel Tigra B TwinTop: A Compact European Roadster for the New Millennium

The Opel Tigra B TwinTop, produced from October 2004 to June 2009, marked a significant departure from its predecessor, transforming from a compact 2+2 coupe into a stylish two-seat coupe-cabriolet. This second-generation Tigra was specifically designed to capture a niche in the European market for affordable, compact convertibles with the added security and refinement of a retractable hardtop. While Opel, a German automotive brand, is part of the General Motors family, the Tigra B TwinTop was not offered in the United States, focusing instead on its primary European audience where such compact, lifestyle-oriented vehicles enjoyed considerable popularity. This particular variant, the 1.4i 16V ECOTEC (90 Hp) Automatic, represented a balance of efficiency and accessible performance for urban commuting and leisurely drives.

Engine and Performance of the Opel Tigra B TwinTop

Under the hood, the Opel Tigra B TwinTop 1.4i 16V ECOTEC featured a naturally aspirated 1.4-liter (1364 cm³) inline four-cylinder engine, designated by the code Z14XEP. This ECOTEC engine, a hallmark of Opel’s focus on efficiency and clean emissions for its time, was engineered with a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain and four valves per cylinder, ensuring efficient breathing and combustion. It delivered a respectable 90 horsepower at 5600 rpm, which, for a vehicle of its size and intended purpose, provided adequate motivation. The peak torque output stood at 92.2 lb.-ft. (125 Nm) at 4000 rpm, offering a smooth and accessible powerband for everyday driving.

Paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain configuration emphasized ease of use and comfort, particularly in congested city environments. The vehicle’s performance figures reflect its character as a cruiser rather than a sports car; it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a calculated 12.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 13.4 seconds) and achieved a maximum speed of 110.6 mph (178 km/h). These numbers were competitive within its segment, aligning with the expectations of buyers looking for a stylish convertible that was also economical to run.

Fuel economy was another strong suit for this variant, thanks to its ECOTEC engine and relatively light curb weight of 2722.71 lbs. (1235 kg). The combined fuel consumption was rated at an impressive 39.2 US mpg (6 liters per 100 km), with extra-urban figures reaching 48 US mpg (4.9 liters per 100 km). This efficiency, coupled with a 11.89 US gallon (45 liter) fuel tank, provided a practical cruising range for weekend getaways, making the Tigra TwinTop an attractive proposition for cost-conscious consumers in Europe.

Design and Features: The {Opel Tigra B TwinTop} Aesthetic

The most distinctive feature of the Opel Tigra B TwinTop was its innovative coupe-cabriolet body type. Unlike its fixed-roof predecessor, the B generation boasted an electrically operated two-piece retractable hardtop. This mechanism allowed the car to transform from a sleek coupe into an open-air roadster at the touch of a button, offering the best of both worlds: the security and refinement of a hardtop for colder months or urban parking, and the exhilaration of top-down driving when the weather permitted. The transformation typically took around 18 seconds, a competitive time for the era.

Designed as a strict two-seater, the Tigra TwinTop offered a cozy and driver-focused interior. Its compact dimensions—154.37 inches (3921 mm) in length, 66.34 inches (1685 mm) in width, and 53.7 inches (1364 mm) in height—made it highly maneuverable in tight European city streets and easy to park. The wheelbase measured 98.07 inches (2491 mm), contributing to its agile handling characteristics.

Despite its compact footprint, the Tigra TwinTop ingeniously maximized cargo space. With the roof up, the trunk capacity was a generous 8.83 cubic feet (250 liters), expanding to an impressive 15.54 cubic feet (440 liters) when the roof was stowed. This class-leading trunk volume, achieved by positioning the roof in a dedicated compartment above the rear axle, made the Tigra surprisingly practical for a two-seat convertible, capable of accommodating luggage for a weekend trip.

From a safety and handling perspective, the Tigra B TwinTop was equipped with a front-wheel-drive architecture, a common setup for compact European vehicles, providing predictable handling. The suspension system featured a spring strut design at the front and coil springs at the rear, tuned for a comfortable yet responsive ride. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, complemented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as a standard safety feature, enhancing stopping power and control in adverse conditions. Steering was managed by a rack and pinion system, offering direct feedback to the driver. The car rode on 185/60 R15 tires mounted on 6J x 15-inch wheel rims, a sensible setup for its power and weight.

Technical Specifications: Opel Tigra B TwinTop 1.4i 16V ECOTEC (90 Hp) Automatic

Legacy and Market Impact of the Opel Tigra B TwinTop

The Opel Tigra B TwinTop carved out a distinct niche in the European automotive landscape during its production run. It entered a market that, in the early 2000s, saw a growing appetite for compact, affordable coupe-cabriolets, a segment largely pioneered by vehicles like the Peugeot 206 CC. The Tigra TwinTop’s primary competitors included not only the aforementioned Peugeot but also other small hardtop convertibles such as the Nissan Micra C+C and later, the Mitsubishi Colt CZC.

Opel’s decision to transform the Tigra from a traditional 2+2 coupe into a dedicated two-seat roadster with a retractable hardtop was a strategic move to tap into this burgeoning segment. The car was generally well-received for its clever roof mechanism, stylish design, and respectable fuel economy, particularly with the 1.4-liter ECOTEC engine. It offered an accessible entry point into convertible ownership, combining the glamour of open-top motoring with the practicality and security of a fixed roof.

Its reputation was built on its ability to offer a fun, youthful driving experience without breaking the bank. While not a performance powerhouse, the 1.4i 16V ECOTEC Automatic variant was praised for its ease of driving in urban environments and its comfortable ride for longer journeys. The generous trunk space, a rare commodity in small convertibles, also added to its appeal as a practical daily driver or a weekend getaway vehicle.

However, like many niche vehicles, the Tigra B TwinTop’s market run was finite. The segment for small coupe-cabriolets eventually began to wane as consumer preferences shifted towards crossovers and SUVs, and the cost of developing complex retractable hardtop mechanisms for compact cars became less viable. Production of the Opel Tigra B TwinTop ceased in June 2009, making it a relatively short-lived but memorable chapter in Opel’s history. Today, the Tigra TwinTop remains a popular choice on the used car market in Europe for those seeking an affordable, stylish, and practical convertible experience, embodying the spirit of accessible open-top motoring from the mid-2000s. Its legacy is one of clever engineering and successful adaptation to a specific market trend, proving that even a small car can offer a significant dose of lifestyle appeal.