Vauxhall Tigra Mk II Roadster 1.4i 16V ECOTEC (90 Hp) Automatic

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). Positioned as an affordable and stylish roadster, the Tigra Mk II aimed to capture a market segment seeking a fun-to-drive, compact convertible. While not a high-performance machine, it offered a blend of practicality and enjoyment, particularly appealing to buyers in Europe where it was primarily sold. The Tigra name had been used previously in the 1990s on a coupe, but the Mk II marked a significant shift to a dedicated roadster platform, sharing its underpinnings with the Fiat Barchetta.

Vauxhall Tigra Mk II Roadster: An Overview

The Tigra Mk II Roadster was conceived as a successor to the original Tigra coupe, but with a renewed focus on the open-air driving experience. It was designed to be a relatively accessible sports car, competing with models like the Mazda MX-5 (Miata) and Toyota MR2 Spyder, though generally offering a more comfort-oriented driving experience. Vauxhall, as a British brand under General Motors ownership, primarily targeted the UK and European markets with the Tigra Mk II. It was never officially sold in the United States, reflecting the generally smaller market for small roadsters in North America.

Engine & Performance

The Tigra Mk II Roadster 1.4i 16V ECOTEC, as detailed here, is powered by a 1.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine. This engine, designated Z14XEP, produces 90 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 125 Nm (92.2 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. The ECOTEC designation signifies Vauxhall/Opel’s efforts to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission. Performance is modest, with a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration time of 13.4 seconds and a top speed of 110.6 mph (178 km/h). While not particularly quick, the engine provides adequate power for enjoyable cruising and spirited driving on winding roads. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 13.7 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 9.9 kg/Nm. Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined fuel consumption rated at 6.0 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg or 47.1 UK mpg), and CO2 emissions of 146 g/km, meeting Euro 4 emission standards.

Design & Features

The Tigra Mk II Roadster features a classic roadster design with a two-seat configuration and a manually operated soft top. The body style is a two-door convertible. The exterior styling is characterized by its flowing lines and relatively compact dimensions. The interior is focused on providing a comfortable driving experience, with supportive seats and a straightforward dashboard layout. Safety features, while not as comprehensive as those found in modern vehicles, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The trunk (boot) offers a usable 250 liters (8.83 cu. ft.) of space with the roof up, expanding to 440 liters (15.54 cu. ft.) with the roof down. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1235 kg (2722.71 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1450 kg (3196.7 lbs). The Tigra Mk II’s design prioritized aesthetics and the open-air driving experience over outright practicality, making it an appealing choice for drivers seeking a fun and stylish vehicle.

Technical Specifications