Back in the 70’s manufacturers went through a phase of putting vinyl roofs on cars to give them the romantic look of a convertible. The fashion passed but GM are exploring a similar concept with their Opel and Vauxhall Tigra TwinTop model.

The standard Tigra has an effective folding electro-hydraulic hardtop giving the owners the pleasure of a full convertible with the security of a hardtop. The new “Illusion” keeps the quick-changing TwinTop but this time it is covered in a Bordeaux red canvas, which gives the car the soft-top look of a classic fabric-roofed cabrio. It’s certainly an interesting progression in a market where soft and hard tops each have their place.

This variant also comes with many standard features, such as leather trim, heated seats, air conditioning, MP3-compatible CD-Radio, on-board computer, two-layer metallic/pearlescent-effect lacquer, aluminum sport pedals, color-coordinated safety belts and footwell mats, as well as 17-inch light alloy wheels in bi-color design. The special “Endless Summer” edition is also available for customers who would prefer the extensive standard equipment, but without the canvas roof.

Customers can choose between a 1.4 (66 kW/90 hp) or 1.8-litre (92 kW/125 hp) gasoline engine. Both come with a five-speed manual transmission, while the 1.4 TWINPORT can also be ordered with an automated Easytronic five-speed manual gearbox. As with all Tigra TwinTops, the changeover from coupé to cabrio in the “Illusion” takes place at the touch of a button and requires around 18 seconds.

The Tigra TwinTop “Illusion” will be on display on the Opel stand at the 78th International Motor Show in Geneva.

>> Further details and wallpaper images of the Tigra TwinTop