Vauxhall Signum Range
Creating a new class of car is always a gamble. There tend to be three inevitable results. Either you get in first and it pays off big (think Renault Espace) or youre first to market but someone subsequently does it a whole lot better (hello Toyota Picnic). Alternatively, you fall spectacularly on your face and everybody laughs at you (Suzuki X90).
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So will the latest package of improvements do the trick? Well, certainly, a lot of effort has been made. First, and most obvious, is the latest nose-job, similar to that lately visited on the humbler Vectra. As facelifts go, its strikingly good, reminding us that the original car wasnt one of Vauxhalls better styling efforts. Next, Vauxhalls marketers have addressed the question of value.
There are now four trim levels Exclusiv, Elegance, Design and Elite more sharply priced from £18,225. All models feature colour screen satellite navigation as standard. The Elegance and Exclusiv both get chrome-effect air vent controls, while the Design gets rain sensitive wipers, part leather trim, an anti-dazzle rear view mirror, automatic headlights and ambient interior night lighting. Elite models feature full leather trim and electronic climate control.
"Its all rather civilised, much like flying window seat in Club class"
Under the bonnet, a 250bhp 2.8-litre V6 24-valve turbocharged petrol engine is now the top dog, and is offered in both Design and Elite trim levels mated to a six-speed auto gearbox in the Elite and a six speed manual in the Design. Further down the range, buyers of 2.2-litre models can expect to find a six-speed manual gearbox, while the Euro4-compliant 3.
0-litre CDTi diesel packs a sizable 184bhp. Most petrol buyers choose between the advanced 140bhp 1.8 and 155bhp 2.2-litre petrol units, while those in search of performance can opt for the 175bhp 2.
0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which slots in below the new 2.8-litre 230bhp turbo V6. Diesel drivers mainly choose between 120 and 150bhp 1.9 CDTi units.
These slot in below the 177bhp 3.0 CDTi V6 diesel that tops off the range. But what of the car itself? Vauxhall continue to contend that its neither saloon, MPV nor estate, offering something extra. But what? Well, for around a £1,000 premium on top of a comparable Vectra, you get a five-door executive hatch based on the extended Vectra estate platform that offers an extra dash of versatility.
One of the key features that Vauxhall seem very proud of is the Signums so-called FlexSpace seating concept. This allows the outer rear pair of seats to slide back and forth, allowing a trade off between legroom and luggage capacity. Whats more, these seats can also recline to a 30-degree angle. Although it makes a big play of its spaciousness, the Signum works best as a four, rather than five seater.
The central berth in the back is rather hard and Vauxhall dont recommend it for anyone over 510" tall but it does have its uses. The cushion flips through 180-degrees, revealing cup holders and storage boxes. It can also accommodate the Travel Assistant, another Vauxhall invention thats standard on the range-topping Elite but costs a little extra on other variants. The Travel Assistant offers the two rear seat passengers a pair of folding tables, a fridge, a litter tub, cup holders, a 12v power outlet and a holder for a portable DVD player.
Its all rather civilised, much like flying window seat in Club class. There are even overhead lockers in which to stow oddments, Vauxhall providing five flock-lined, silicon-damped storage compartments up top for small items such as sunglasses and mobile phones. The Vectra platform has actually proved quite a good foundation from which to sprout the Signum. Fundamentally wide, it allows a number of features to be built into the chunky centre console which subsequently means that the buttons dont need to be the size of pinheads, something youll appreciate when trying to adjust the controls.
Vauxhall have helped by mounting a number of controls on the steering wheel, itself infinitely adjustable. Although some of the plastics may disappoint those who expect a genuine premium car, its nevertheless on a par with cars like the Volvo S80 and whisper it modern Mercs. Will the most recent package of improvements be enough to transform the Signums market standing? We suspect not. Vauxhall may have hoped to plunder a big market with this car but it hasnt turned out that way.
Nevertheless, it remains a hugely under-rated model that now, more than ever, deserves a second glance from those about to pay through the nose for a premium brand. A feeble specification and restricted versatility? Or a car that wont impress the neighbours but offers both? Just how much is badge-engineering worth to you?
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Vauxhall Signum range
PRICES: £18,225-£27,250 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 8-15
CO2 EMISSIONS: 159-242g/km
PERFORMANCE: [2.0T petrol] Max Speed 137mph / 0-60mph 8.4s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.2 Direct petrol] (combined) 34.9mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and roof airbags / ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/heightmm 4636/1798/1466mm
