Opel Tigra I

The small Opel Tigra was first presented to the public in 1993 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, however, in the form of a concept. The car has received so many positive reviews that it prompted the manufacturer to immediately decide to start mass production.

Review

The small Opel Tigra was first presented to the public in 1993 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, however, in the form of a concept. The car has received so many positive reviews that it prompted the manufacturer to immediately decide to start mass production. The production version was created on the basis of Opel Corsa. Unfortunately, despite the low price and attractive appearance, the Tiger Opel has not achieved stunning success in the market. Production of the car was discontinued in 2000. During this time, a little more than 250,000 copies were sold.

Exterior and interior

The appearance is the strongest side of Opel’s imagination. Low, dynamic and replete with fashionable in the 90s ovals silhouette, hints at the sporty nature of the car. Stylistic decisions at the time have generated a lot of controversy and discussion. The Tiger Opel is able to effectively excite the imagination of not only men but also women. The model for the entire period of production has not received serious stylistic changes. However, even though it is old, the car is still able to attract the interested eyes of passers-by. It will certainly appeal to anyone looking for something special.

The front panel, in order to reduce production costs, was completely borrowed from Corsa. It is a pity that there is not at least one element in the interior that reminds of the sports orientation of the car. Not to mention the stark contrast between the exterior and interior. But there is no claim to ergonomics. The driver will enjoy the low position behind the wheel and the comfortable seats. Back seats, more like a checkmark. You have to be a sadist to let someone go. The trunk has a capacity of 215 liters, and with the rear “sofa” folded, you can get a fairly decent 425 liters. One of the advantages of the car is rich (at that time) serial equipment, especially instances of the last years of production.

Engines

Opel Tiger was offered with two gasoline engines - 16-valve 1.4 l 90 hp and 1.6 l 106 hp. Both engines are from the Ecotec family and are well known from other Opel cars. Although both units are able to cope with a small Opel, but their capabilities will disappoint fans of dynamic driving. Acceleration time to 100 km/h takes 12 and 9.5 seconds, depending on the engine. It’s not the worst results, but the Opel Tigra clearly deserves more. For this reason, many owners have decided to tune or even install larger engines, such as the 2.0 16V from Astra and Vectra. The average fuel consumption is about 7.5-9 l / 100 km. The traction is transmitted to the front wheels through very precise 5-speed mechanics, less often through a 4-speed automatic, combined only with a 1.4-liter engine.

Suspension

The Tiger Opel suspension was also borrowed from Corsa. In front - Macpherson struts, behind - torsion beam. The manufacturer reported that GM Lotus worked on the suspension settings, but most likely it is just a cheap marketing trick. However, when cornering, the Opel Tigra can be a lot of fun, although it has a distinct tendency to understeer. The rigid suspension is not comfortable enough, but given the overall nature of the car, it can hardly be considered a disadvantage. The agile Tiger has performed well in the city, but low ground clearance requires caution when parking and overcoming obstacles.

Typical malfunctions

Opel from the 90s is not famous for its outstanding corrosion resistance, so it is very important to check the condition of all welds and body elements when inspecting the car. The most vulnerable are the copies collected before 1997. The problem helps to solve the additional treatment from corrosion. Because of the “aged” glass seals, water begins to enter the cabin.

The engines have a decent margin of safety. But heavily operated units can deliver certain problems. the 1.6-liter engine consumes a lot of oil. He's no stranger to oil leaks. The same problem is with the 1.4-liter engine. The general list of typical malfunctions includes: the valve of the EGR system, the electric pump, the generator and the ignition system. Owners often complain about the lack of efficiency of the cooling system, so it is quite common to find instances with larger radiators. Sometimes various surprises throw electrician, for example, the central lock.

The suspension elements have to endure severe tests. Silent blocks and stabilizer racks wear out especially quickly.

Fortunately, the technical relationship with the Opel Corsa significantly reduces repair costs and makes most parts readily available. The situation is worse with the availability of body iron. But that shouldn't surprise anyone.

Typical malfunctions

• Opel from the 90s is not famous for its outstanding corrosion resistance, so it is very important to check the condition of all welds and body elements when inspecting the car.
• The problem helps to solve the additional treatment from corrosion.
• But intensively operated instances can cause certain problems.
• The same problem is with the 1.4-liter engine.
• The general list of typical malfunctions includes: the valve of the EGR system, the electric pump, the generator and the ignition system.
• Fortunately, the technical relationship with the Opel Corsa significantly reduces repair costs and makes most parts readily available.

Unfortunately, the secondary market is dominated by the Opel Tigra, for obvious reasons, heavily worn or after various repairs. But in general, the Tiger Opel is a good car, having its own special style, surprisingly agile in skilled hands. It can surprise even the drivers of much more powerful cars. Despite a number of technical problems, it is not burdensome to operate.

• The small Opel Tigra was first presented to the public in 1993 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, however, in the form of a concept.
• Exterior and interior: Appearance is the strongest side of Opel’s fantasy.
• Engines: The Tiger Opel was offered with two petrol engines - 16-valve 1.4 liters 90 hp and 1.6 liters 106 hp.
• Suspension: The Tiger Opel suspension was also borrowed from the Corsa.
• Typical malfunctions: Opel from the 90s is not famous for its outstanding corrosion resistance, so it is very important to check the condition of all welds and body elements when inspecting the car.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

Leave a request with the car data. We will discuss the preliminary assessment and inspection. After checking the status and documents, we agree on the final price and terms of the transaction.