FREEZING cold or not - there isn't an acceptable excuse in the world for not going topless in a Tigra when you've got one for the weekend, writes Caroline Beamish.

But if you are behind the slim leather steering wheel of Vauxhall's two-seater and the heavens open, fear not, because you are sitting in a car that looks as good in coupe mode as it does as a roadster.

The latest incarnation of the Griffin's folding roof fun machine may look small and cute, but, just like a featherweight boxer, it can pack quite a punch.

Thankfully, when the Tigra was on the drawing board at Vauxhall, the designers and engineers spent some quality time together to make sure they didn't produce a car that was all mouth and no trousers.

Multi-lens lights, the marque's signature nose and powerful quarters make the Tigra an aesthetically pleasing vehicle.

But turn the engine off and wait 20 seconds for the hydraulically powered roof to retract into the boot space and it remains an eye-catcher. We're not talking supercars here. Get real. But compared to your average car, this is four-wheeled eye-candy indeed.

Thankfully, praise should not rest at the follow-through wheel arches, shaped silver roll-bar and clean lines, when the Tigra has so much more to offer the driver.

With diesel sales achieving record figures month on month for the past five years, there can be few true petrol-heads left in the country which is a shame because they would no doubt like the 1.8litre Sport 16 valve engine which would take them from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 9.4 seconds.

Real acceleration on the Tigra comes higher up the rev range and makes overtaking a sport. But thanks to a close ratio gear-box it is certainly capable of burning a line of traffic off at the lights.

Much more crucial to the Tigra's performance, however, is its handling.

As many people will be switched off by the fact that the roof is optional on this car as will be switched on.

So ensuring the ride wasn't sacrificed for the feel of the wind in your hair was one of the best decisions Vauxhall could have made. Taking the A592 from Bowness down to Newby Bridge, the Tigra, built on a chassis tuned for stability and grip, stuck to the road and was unshaken when driven into corners.

And to be fair, a small insignificant compromise on drive is worth making to own this type of car for such a modest price.

Inside, there is the usual array of luxuries such as electric windows, six-way adjustable sports seats, driver, passenger and side airbags, CD player with steering wheel mounted audio controls.

And while there is no rear bench to put the shopping on there is a large recess behind the front seats and into the boot to stow belongings, as well as several pockets throughout the cabin.

And even with the roof down, there is still 250 litres of space in the boot (440 litres with the top up) for luggage.

With fewer buyers in the market for this kind of car, on account of its low seat count, the competition is hotter.

But Vauxhall have hit the nail on the head with the Tigra, which has found just the right balance of looks and performance for the right price.

l The Vauxhall Tigra 1.8l Sport used in this test drive was kindly supplied by Hargreaves Vauxhall, in Mintsfeet Road, Kendal. The price, on the road, is £15,695, with the Tigra range starting at £13,995.