Vauxhall Signum Exclusiv Range
What makes Vauxhalls Signum Exclusiv so exclusive? Is it the fact that Vauxhalls executive hatch hasnt exactly set the sales charts on fire since its launch in 2003 and remains a relatively uncommon sight on our roads? Is it the colour satellite navigation system and 18" alloy wheels? Or could it be that mysterious missing e? Whatever the reason, if the Exclusiv model finds willing owners in large numbers, its exclusivity will be reduced as Vauxhalls coffers swell. Perversely, the success of this special edition will be judged on how effectively it fails to live up to its name.
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The Signum Exclusiv ensures its place on the bandwagon that should never get lost by fitting Vauxhalls colour screen sat nav system as standard. Vauxhall point out that: "some manufacturers cheekily ask £5,000 for extras such as satellite navigation and alloy wheels" and while their pricing estimate is definitely more Rolls Royce than Rover, they do have a point - satellite navigation is usually fairly expensive when fitted as an option. At this point we should probably point out that all Signum models get satellite navigation, its just that the system in the Exclusiv has a colour screen instead of the monochrome one. Its definitely the colour sat nav that adds the most value to the Signum Exclusiv package but theres lots of other stuff in there to seduce buyers as well. The 18" alloy wheels do much to upgrade the Signums external appearance and theres even the option of going large and having 19" rolling stock for only £200 extra. Also outside, there are roof rails and halogen fog lamps while the interior is upgraded with platinum-effect inserts on the doors and facia. Elsewhere, the Exclusiv benefits from all the equipment thats standard on the other Signum models including six airbags, the adaptable flex-space seating system, cruise control and air-conditioning. Even with all this in tow, the Exclusiv is £650 less than the Elegance derivative.
"Vauxhall havent been backwards in coming forward brandishing an armful of extra equipment for the car."
The Exclusiv models £18,225 to £20,550 price range encompasses three engine options. The 3.0-litre diesel and 2.8-litre Turbo petrol engines that inflate the Signums asking prices to pepper the £25,000 mark are not offered and neither is the 2.
0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. What you can have in your Exclusiv is a 140bhp 1.8-litre 16v or a 2.2-litre 16v petrol unit or one of the two 1.
9-litre CDTi common-rail diesels. The pick of the available engine line-up is probably the 150bhp 1.9-litre CDTi. It trumps its 120bhp underling by breaching the 60mph barrier from standstill in 10s as oppose to 11.
2 and returning an average fuel consumption of 46mpg close enough to the less powerful CDTi unit so as not to matter. Both the diesels produce their power in the middle of the rev range where engines do most of their work but the progressive, higher-revving delivery of the petrol units may be preferable to some. The 1.8-litre petrol engine is quicker to 60mph than the 120bhp CDTi, which costs £2,000 more, but fuel consumption of 40mpg is less impressive.
The 2.2-litre petrol engine is the most rapid over the 0-60mph sprint, posting a time of 8.8s which will leave many a sporty hatchback trailing and the 35mpg economy figure is reasonable. For just £600 in addition to the 1.
8-litre petrol unit, the 2.2 looks the best bet for the keen driver. On the road, the Signum Exclusiv benefits from sports suspension: its still more of a competent, comfortable drive than an exciting one but it can be enjoyable on the right route. On long trips, whether youre at the wheel or in the back benefiting from the impressive legroom, the Signum appears to eat up the miles and you should arrive in fine fettle. The optional automatic gearbox actually complements the cars character very well and for £1,300 may be preferable to the manual box. These are good qualities for an executive car to display but is the Signum an executive car in the traditional sense? Looking at the Signum and driving it, especially an Exclusiv model with the big wheels and the high equipment levels, its hard not to form a positive opinion.
The cars problem is that, when viewed in context of the wider market, its a little difficult to get a handle on what it is and who its aimed at. Vauxhall had considerable success with the Omega some years back. This was a 4-door executive saloon and people bought it. If the Signum is a replacement for the Omega designed to compete for similar buyers, why has it taken the shape of a hatchback-come-estate with the flex-space seating system as found in Vauxhall MPVs? Saab, another inhabitant of the General Motors stable, recently pulled out of the 5-door market altogether citing their opinion that buyers where not interested in 5-door executive cars as the main reason for their actions.
It makes Vauxhalls creation of an executive hatchback based on the Vectra seem a rather unorthodox move. On the plus-side, a facelift has drastically improved the Signums front end making it much sportier than before and this can only be good for sales. Put all the whys and wherefores to one side and the Signum Exclusiv looks a decent bet. It deserves to defy its naming and become a roaring sales success but for many, the relative exclusivity will be a key part of the appeal.
When you look at the equipment on offer, theres good value contained within the Exclusiv package and the Signum itself has comfort and attractive styling on its side.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Vauxhall Signum Exclusiv range
PRICES: £18,225-£20,550 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 10-11
CO2 EMISSIONS: 162-194g/km
PERFORMANCE: [2.2 16v]Max Speed 131mph / 0-60mph 8.8s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [CDTi 120] (combined) 47mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and roof airbags / ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/heightmm 4636/1798/1466mm
