Holden is stepping up its focus on the small car market with the pending launch of the Tigra hardtop convertible.

The sporty two-seater roadster is the first hardtop convertible to represent the Holden brand and was crowned “Cabrio of the Year 2004” at the Geneva Motor Show.

The versatile European import changes from coupe to open-top in just 18 seconds at the touch of a button as its retractable steel roof slips neatly into the boot.

The compact Tigra’s wedge-shaped design wins fashion points while it maximises functionality and flexibility. The two-seater layout and innovative packaging permit comfort and impressive luggage space.

The new Tigra is powered by the proven 1.8 litre ECOTEC four-cylinder engine and delivers an agile, responsive and refined driving experience.

Holden Chairman and Managing Director Denny Mooney said Holden’s first foray into the hardtop convertible arena was an exciting, image-building move.

“Tigra gives you the best of both worlds . You feel like you're driving a coupe with the top up and cruising in a cabrio with the top down,” Mr Mooney said.

“Tigra will bring new buyers to the Holden brand because it’s a unique kind of buyer who purchases a two-seat roadster. It’s also the sort of car you want in your showroom – something to put right up front in the dealership that really attracts people.

“Tigra delivers fun, excitement and image and enhances your brand. It’s not a big volume car but it provides amazing value and complements the Astra convertible.”

Feature Highlights

The Tigra hardtop convertible will be available in a single, five-speed manual model configuration.

Apart from the major attraction of an electro-hydraulic retractable steel roof which switches easily from cabrio to enclosed coupe, the new Tigra offers a wide array of comfort, convenience and safety features.

Safety features include driver, passenger and side airbags, ABS and a brake assist function that reduces braking distance in an emergency braking situation.

Further standard features include sports suspension, cruise control, power steering, ‘one touch’ power windows, a Blaupunkt CD player, tilt-adjustable leather-wrap steering wheel with audio controls, sports seats with two-tone trim, heated power mirrors, heated glass rear window, fog lamps and air conditioning.

Euro Design

Tigra’s carefully tuned design is the result of a partnership between Holden’s German GM affiliate, Opel, and master French coachbuilder Heuliez. The intelligent roof construction allows a sleek, upward-sloping silhouette from front to elegant rear end − equally well-proportioned whether the hardtop is up or down.

Smart 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels (steel spare) and muscular wheel arches accentuate Tigra’s sports car stance and its distinctive jewelled headlamps are completed by equally striking wrap-around rear lamps. Further stand-out features include a wave-shaped aluminium bar behind the head restraints and a distinctive sports trim.

Lowering the roof is a simple matter of pulling on the handbrake, releasing two latches on the window frame and pressing the retraction button. Within 18 seconds, the roof has folded into the boot area and an acoustic signal verifies completion.

Holden Tigra has a maximum luggage capacity (with the roof closed) of 378 litres, including a 70 litre compartment with cargo net cover behind the rear seats.

As with the roof, the boot can be opened and closed electro-hydraulically at the touch of a button.

Powertrain, Chassis Dynamics and Safety

Tigra offers a thoroughly enjoyable driving experience with its sporty handling characteristics, lively performance, all-round comfort and ride refinement derived from an exceptionally rigid body structure.

Its fuel-efficient 1.8 litre DOHC 16-valve ECOTEC four cylinder engine complies with strict Euro 4 emission standards and is mated to a close-ratio five-speed manual transmission.

The proven powerplant produces peak power of 90kW @ 6,000rpm using 91 RON ULP and 92kW @ 6,000rpm using 95 RON PULP. It produces 165Nm of torque @4,600rpm.

Fuel consumption is 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres using PULP.

Tigra’s specially tuned and optimised Dynamic Safety (DSA) chassis has sports tuned dampers, reinforced front stabilisers, complex front suspension mounts to dampen vibration and a hydro-formed rear axle with modified torsional profile to optimise grip and roll control.

The power steering system is speed-sensitive with electric assist. Four-channel ABS is complemented by a mechanical brake assist function which reduces braking distance in emergency applications.

Tigra is equipped with four airbags – driver, passenger and side – ‘breakaway’ brake and clutch pedals to protect against lower limb injury, seat belts with belt-force limiters and pyrotechnic pre-tensioners and anti-submarining ramps to reduce the risk of sliding under the seat belt in a collision. Its passenger safety cell is designed to transform impact energy through controlled deformation.

Colour Selection

Tigra is available in a range of four exterior finishes:

• Magma Red
• Antigua Bay Blue (metallic)
• Star Silver (metallic)
• Black Sapphire (metallic)

Holden Tigra
Recommended Retail Price

• $34,990
• Metallic paint: $300.

Options

• 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels
• Windstop air deflector
• Plus selected Holden By Design accessories.

On Sale
October 2005