The Vauxhall Tigra Mk II Roadster, produced between 2004 and 2009, represents a return to the open-top sports car segment for Vauxhall (and its Opel counterpart). This generation marked a significant departure from the original Tigra, which was a coupe based on the Corsa. The Mk II Roadster was a dedicated two-seater convertible, aimed at providing an affordable and stylish entry point into the sports car market, primarily in Europe. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding its specifications and position within the European automotive landscape provides insight into the evolving trends of the early 21st-century small roadster category.
Vauxhall Tigra Mk II Roadster: A Detailed Overview
The Tigra Mk II Roadster was conceived as a competitor to vehicles like the Mazda MX-5 and Toyota MR2, offering a more accessible price point and a focus on everyday usability. It shared its platform and many components with the Corsa C, benefiting from the Corsa’s relatively modern engineering. The Roadster’s design prioritized a sporty aesthetic and open-air driving experience, making it a popular choice for those seeking a fun and engaging vehicle for weekend drives.
Engine & Performance
The Tigra Mk II Roadster 1.4i 16V ECOTEC was powered by a 1.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, designated the Z14XEP. This engine produced 90 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 125 Nm (92.2 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. While not a powerhouse, the engine was designed for efficiency and responsiveness in a lightweight package. The engine featured multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its relatively smooth operation. The power-to-weight ratio of 12.9 kg/Hp allowed for a respectable, if not blistering, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph was achieved in approximately 11.8 seconds, and the vehicle had a top speed of 180 km/h (111.85 mph). Fuel economy figures were competitive for the time, with combined cycle consumption rated at 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg, 46.3 UK mpg). The engine’s Euro 4 emission standard compliance reflected the growing environmental concerns of the period.
Design & Features
The Tigra Mk II Roadster boasted a classic roadster silhouette, with a long hood, short rear deck, and a low-slung profile. Its two-seat configuration emphasized the driver-focused experience. The soft-top convertible roof was manually operated, keeping costs down and adding to the engaging nature of the vehicle. Interior appointments were functional and aimed at providing a comfortable driving environment. Standard features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for enhanced safety, and the suspension utilized a spring strut setup at the front and coil springs at the rear. The vehicle’s relatively compact dimensions – 3921 mm (154.37 in.) in length and 1685 mm (66.34 in.) in width – made it easy to maneuver in urban environments. Trunk space, while limited, offered 250 liters (8.83 cu. ft.) with the roof up and expanded to 440 liters (15.54 cu. ft.) with the roof down, providing reasonable practicality for a small roadster. The front brakes were ventilated discs, offering improved stopping power compared to solid discs.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Tigra |
| Generation | Tigra Mk II Roadster |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4i 16V ECOTEC (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2004 |
| End of production | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Roadster |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.1 l/100 km (29 US mpg, 34.9 UK mpg, 12.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg, 46.3 UK mpg, 16.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 146 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.9 kg/Hp, 77.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.3 kg/Nm, 107.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66 Hp/l |
| Torque | 125 Nm @ 4000 rpm (92.2 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z14XEP |
| Engine displacement | 1364 cm3 (83.24 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 73.4 mm (2.89 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.6 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.5 l (3.7 US qt | 3.08 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1160 kg (2557.36 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1450 kg (3196.7 lbs.) |
| Max load | 290 kg (639.34 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 250 l (8.83 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 440 l (15.54 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Length | 3921 mm (154.37 in.) |
| Width | 1685 mm (66.34 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1905 mm (75 in.) |
| Height | 1364 mm (53.7 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2491 mm (98.07 in.) |
| Front track | 1429 mm (56.26 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1420 mm (55.91 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.46 m (34.32 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 185/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
The Vauxhall Tigra Mk II Roadster, while not a performance icon, offered a compelling package of style, affordability, and driving enjoyment. It served as a popular choice for those seeking an accessible and fun open-top experience in the European market, and its specifications reflect the engineering trends and priorities of the early 2000s.
