1995 Vauxhall Tigra Basic review from UK and Ireland

This car was bought as a present for my wife. It was a low mileage vehicle, made in 1995, first registered in 1997, but with no service or previous owner history. Enquiries revealed that it had originally been used by the British Army in Germany for 3 years.

Within 100 miles of purchase the engine management light came on, followed by the ABS light and then the ignition light, all within the space of 2 minutes. We stopped the vehicle and discovered that the battery was melting! A new alternator was fitted along with a new battery.

The following week the new battery burnt out - the manufacturers claimed that their battery was not faulty therefore it must be my car - a mystery. A replacement battery has been fitted with no further problems.

It also has a fault whereby the engine will cut out completely for about 3 seconds and then restart itself. Often happens when you are accelerating away from stationary. Very annoying (as well as dangerous!) and the garage have been unable to locate the reason for the fault.

Two days ago I was involved in a serious accident when I was side swiped and the car spun, hitting kerbs on both sides of the road. For some reason the airbags did not deploy.

However, all that said - the car is generally a pleasant vehicle to drive, visibility is good, the gearbox is smooth and fast and the road holding superb. Steering is precise and the brakes satisfactory. There is plenty of room for the front seat passengers and just about sufficient rear space for a car that is after all a 2+2. The boot is fairly large and carries all the shopping for a family of four.

My wife will certainly be sad if the car is written off after the impending examination by the insurance company.

Sc012d8353@blueyonder.co.uk.