Wild New Tigra Is the Tops

As can be seen from these official pictures, the new model's main attraction will be its intricate hard-top system. The roof folds electrically into the area between the boot and the cabin, without taking up any load space. Vauxhall decided to sacrifice the back seats, despite the fact that many rivals have four. It seems like a wise move, as the 206 CC's rear is too small for adults, while Ford's Streetka has found plenty of buyers despite only having space for two. The Luton firm also believes that the Tigra's extra load area compared with competitors will be a major selling point.

The firm behind the roof mechanism is France's Heuliez, which will also be responsible for manufacturing the Tigra. With designers keen to hide the two-seater's Corsa underpinnings, many aspects of the styling have been inspired by the all-new Astra, which goes on sale in the UK in May. However, the Frogster concept first shown at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show paved the way for this radical budget roadster, and the overall shape remains the same.

At the front, the Tigra is dominated by the corporate V-grille, while the flared wheelarches and central bonnet crease are familiar Vauxhall styling cues. To match the silver roof section, there is plenty of chrome detailing, with the indicator repeaters and lip below the bootlid giving a quality finish. When the roof is lowered, a neat roll-protection bar runs behind the seats to add some extra interest to the top-down profile.

Initially, Tigra buyers will have the choice of two engines. Entry-level models will be powered by the Corsa's 90bhp 1.4-litre Twinport petrol unit, while customers with a little more to spend will be able to choose the more sprightly 125bhp 1.8. Both models come with a five-speed manual gearbox, but the range is expected to expand to include automatics and a hot 150bhp 1.6-litre flagship.

Inside the Tigra, Corsa owners will feel instantly at home thanks to the dashboard and switchgear being lifted straight out of Vauxhall's top-selling supermini. However, the cabin has been boosted with chrome-rimmed dials and aluminium inserts. Two-tone bucket seats are also fitted, and standard specification lists are likely to be generous.

Prices are yet to be confirmed, but insiders have suggested that the cute roadster will undercut its rivals. That means the entry-level 1.4 could cost as little as ΂£10,000, with more powerful and better-equipped variants rising to around ΂£15,000. Vauxhall's plans for exciting new cars don't end with the Tigra, though. The model is one of a number of unusual vehicles that will soon be wearing a Griffin badge. Managing director and chairman Kevin Wale has said that 20 per cent of the range will soon be made up of niche-market cars, with the Tigra one of the most important.

Following the Signum and Meriva, Vauxhall also has plans for an Astra Coup΃© Cabrio in 2005 - revealed exclusively by Auto Express in issue 784 - plus the Monaro muscle car which will go on sale later this year.

A high-performance roadster is also slated to replace the VX220 and sit in showrooms alongside the Tigra. Called the VX Lightning, the flagship convertible will be based on the Pontiac Solstice, which was unveiled at last month's Detroit Motor Show.