Production | |
---|---|
Model Year: | 1981 |
Production Years: | 1980 - 1987 discontinued in 1987 |
The Talbot Tagora, produced from 1980 to 1987, represents a unique chapter in the French automaker’s history, embodying a classic executive sedan design typical of the early 1980s. Manufactured by Talbot, a brand with roots in Peugeot and Chrysler Europe, the Tagora targeted a mid-size sedan market segment, offering practicality and comfort for family and business use.
As a sedan, the Talbot Tagora featured a traditional three-box design, with dimensions that catered well to both urban and highway driving. While exact measurements vary slightly depending on trim and model year, the Tagora generally measures approximately 4.79 meters (188.6 inches) in length, around 1.77 meters (69.7 inches) in width, and about 1.40 meters (55.1 inches) in height. This sizing places it comfortably in the mid-size range, providing ample interior space for passengers and a sizable trunk for luggage or cargo.
The vehicle was built with a focus on comfort and practical usability, with a relatively heavy curb weight typical of executive sedans of its era, generally around 1,260 to 1,350 kilograms (2,778 to 2,976 pounds), depending on equipment and engine options. The Tagora was available with several engine choices, including four and six-cylinder units, reinforcing its position as a versatile and capable family or executive car.
Despite its solid construction and reasonable size, the Talbot Tagora is remembered for a somewhat limited market success due to strong competition and the shifting automotive landscape during the 1980s. However, its spacious cabin, classical sedan layout, and European design heritage make it an interesting study for car enthusiasts and collectors today.
In summary, the Talbot Tagora sedan from 1980 to 1987 offered a balanced package of size, comfort, and performance that suited mid-size family and executive car buyers of its time, reflecting the automotive trends of early 1980s Europe with its traditional sedan proportions and practical features.
Discover the standout features that make the 1981 Talbot Tagora a leader in its class
Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.
The Talbot Tagora sedan measures approximately 4,650 mm (183 inches) in length, 1,760 mm (69.3 inches) in width, and around 1,410 mm (55.5 inches) in height. These dimensions position the Tagora as a mid-to-large executive car, offering a spacious cabin and comfortable seating for five passengers. Its length gives it a substantial road presence typical of early 1980s executive sedans, while the width and height provide ample interior space and comfort.
The Talbot Tagora features a wheelbase of roughly 2,755 mm (108.5 inches). A longer wheelbase generally translates to more interior space, particularly benefiting rear-seat legroom and ride comfort by smoothing out road irregularities. This length allows the Tagora to offer a smooth and stable ride, which is essential in its class as an executive sedan aiming to provide a premium driving experience with sufficient roominess for all occupants.
The Talbot Tagora's curb weight varies by trim and engine options but generally falls around 1,300 to 1,400 kilograms (2,866 to 3,086 pounds). This moderate weight supports a balance between performance and ride comfort. While not exceptionally light, the weight is typical for vehicles in the executive sedan category from the 1980s, allowing adequate engine performance without compromising driving stability or fuel economy significantly.
The Talbot Tagora is designed as a sedan with seating for five passengers, including the driver, providing ample space primarily for front and rear occupants. While exact cargo volume figures are less commonly documented, its trunk space is typical of mid-to-large sedans of the era, offering a practical area for everyday luggage and shopping needs. The focus on comfort and space was integral to Talbot’s strategy in producing this executive-class sedan.
Standard garage dimensions typically range from about 2.4 to 3 meters in width and around 5 to 6 meters in length. Given the Talbot Tagora's dimensions—4,650 mm (4.65 meters or 183 inches) in length and 1,760 mm (1.76 meters or 69.3 inches) in width—it comfortably fits within the length and width of a typical single-car garage. Its height of approximately 1,410 mm (1.41 meters or 55.5 inches) also poses no clearance issues in standard garages, making parking generally convenient for users.
The Talbot Tagora was introduced as a new model distinct from Talbot's earlier compact and mid-size offerings, with no direct predecessor. However, compared to earlier Talbot sedans like the Talbot Solara, the Tagora is larger in terms of length and interior space, aligning it more with executive or large family sedans. Its size marked Talbot's entry into a more upscale segment, aiming to compete against contemporaries with increased dimensions and improved passenger comfort.
During the 1980s, executive sedans such as the Peugeot 604, Renault 20/30, and Citroën CX shared similar dimensions with the Talbot Tagora. Measuring approximately 4.65 meters in length, the Tagora was competitive in size, slightly smaller than some luxury models like the Citroën CX (around 4.9 meters) but larger than typical family sedans. Its relatively moderate width and height balanced interior comfort and road presence, offering a blend of practicality and executive class styling that matched its rivals in the French and European market segments.
The Talbot Tagora was offered with a range of engines, including four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol engines. Notably, there was a 2.2-liter SOHC inline-four engine, a 2.3-liter turbocharged diesel engine, and a 2.7-liter PRV V6 petrol engine, delivering varying performance levels suited to different buyer preferences. The engines aimed to provide a balance between smoothness, power, and fuel economy, corresponding to the expectations of executive sedan customers in the 1980s. Transmission options typically included a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic gearbox.
The fuel economy of the Talbot Tagora varies depending on the engine choice and driving conditions. Generally, the petrol engines averaged around 8 to 12 liters per 100 kilometers (19.6 to 15.7 miles per gallon US). Diesel variants offered better efficiency, typically consuming about 6 to 7 liters per 100 kilometers (39.2 to 33.6 miles per gallon US). Combined with an average fuel tank capacity of roughly 60 liters (15.8 US gallons), the Tagora could achieve a driving range between approximately 500 to 1,000 kilometers (310 to 620 miles) per tank depending on engine and driving style.
Yes, the Talbot Tagora was designed with passenger comfort and space in mind, particularly targeting the executive car segment. Its long wheelbase and overall dimensions provide generous interior room, especially for rear passengers, which is often a hallmark of luxury and executive sedans. The car featured ergonomic seating and adequate headroom along with functional amenities for the time, making it a comfortable choice relative to many contemporaries in its class. Although it was not a mass-market bestseller, it did meet and sometimes exceed expectations for comfort and space in the era of its production.