All the names of Opel vehicles of that time end with an 'a'. Probably because the car comes along like a tiger, Opel decided for the name 'Tigra'. It is of course the coupe derived from the Corsa, by the way, the bestselling coupe in 1995 in Germany, as the company Opel announces proudly.
In any case, the design studio has managed at least one thing: nobody would think of the angular Corsa B when approaching the Tigra. It is a coupe that is still affordable for young people, reaching back to the tradition of the Mantas, however, contrasting with them at the same time. This vehicle class is more modern in terms of the drive and chassis, and therefore also more economically. Because the costs are a prime subject, frameless doors remain barred. In return the rear window has large dimensions and contributes to a bright interior, especially for this vehicle category.
Anyways, the car contains more surprises in the rear than in the front. Of course, due to the design half the Corsa boot gets lost. But coupes were never rational cars. Luckily for the Tigra the Corsa B already features a modern dashboard. Another advantage of descending from a large series is that the Tigra inherits all safety devices from there, e.g., the large air bag for driver and front seat passenger. Except for some space in the rear, the car is complete. Even a roof rack system was thought of. Because of the small roof the optional sunroof pushes out above and beyond the roof.
Both engines are in spite of 4 valve technology by no means high rev engines, but a successful synthesis of modernity and economy. Just the short gear ratio of the five-speed gearbox suggests sportiveness. But apart for the fifth gear, it is up to the driver when to shift gears.
Why is this coupe not more successful in the end? The front or the doors with frames cannot be the reason. It is a coupe, thus a car living for a great deal from the emotions it manages to reveal. Whoever approaches this car purely rationally will not buy it, he will diverge to the Corsa, gaining space and saving money. Of course, it is useful that this car diverges from the Corsa, but it does not carry emotions. The lack of sales figures in this car class in Germany is not limited to Opel, other car manufacturers experience the same problems, too.