Used Opel Signum - something like a Vectra, but not quite

It won't be a big mistake to say that the Signum is one of the third-generation Vectra versions, with a smaller trunk and a hatchback body. But it is not so. This is a car for people with special needs. Before you reject him, get to know him better, because maybe his features will appeal to you?

Opel Vectra C was produced since 2002, and Signum appeared a year later, but production ended in the same year, that is, in 2008. A facelift also took place for both models in the same 2005.

What was the Signum concept? It was supposed to be the successor to the Omega, a slightly more prestigious Opel car for E-segment customers. Body length is about the same as the Vectra, but wheelbase increased from 270 to 283 cm. This was to create a comfortable environment for people sitting in the back, such as a director or other high-ranking employee, who would rather drive than drive. The catch is that in terms of car prestige, the Opel failed for three reasons: the brand, the similarity to the cheaper Vectra, and the bodywork different from the sedan. This concept will work in China, but not in Europe.

Nevertheless, thanks to the Signum model, today we have a rather interesting middle class car. Prestigious design, soundly made and rather richly equipped, rather today ideal for family use, long distances. Salon is not only spacious, but also very comfortable and practical. Interesting compartments that run through the entire central part of the ceiling.

Lots of room in the back - comparable, for example, with the Skoda Superb. It is worth emphasizing that the sofa is divided into three parts. The two extreme ones are, in fact, independent seats that can be adjusted both in the longitudinal direction and in the angle of the backrest. The central part is just what you need - you can sit here, turn it into an armrest or ... it serves as a refrigerator if the customer chose it in the living room. This configuration is rare. It is best to create an armrest from a middle place with a small organizer at the bottom. It can also be folded down if you want to carry longer items. As if that weren't enough, you can also fold down the front passenger seat backrest. And now we come to the topic of interior practicality. Folding sofas, we get almost completely flat and flat shoe surface. This, although the standard size is only 365 liters, can be increased to 500 liters, but after moving the couch as far forward as possible. Then no one will sit down, and the trunk is huge - only 30 liters less than the station wagon in the Vectra. 

User Reviews

The Opel Signum is not very popular, so there are fewer ratings for the model in the AutoCentrum database, although I think that there are still a lot for such a model. 257 users rated it well. Before 87 percent would buy it again. Although they mention areas of concern such as the suspension and braking system, they rate the bodywork and engines well. It is worth noting that the average score is 4,30 (average for this segment), but in the area of ​​​​comfort the car stands out with above-average scores. However, no area was rated below 4.

See: Opel Signum user reviews.

Crashes and problems

It should be emphasized here that the Signum is similar to the Opel Vectra C as they are technically identical. Therefore, in this topic, it remains to go to article about a used Vectra S.

However, this does not mean that Signum is in use on the same vehicle. In the event of a rear end failure, non-Vectra parts must be repaired. They are not readily available, but luckily you can buy used items.

Opel Signum - engines. Which to choose?

Opel Signum has a slightly smaller choice of engine versions than Vectra, which can be purchased in one of 19 options. Signum was available in '14. The range of engines was limited, incl. removal from the gamut of the unit, which does not correspond at all to the nature of the car - a weak gasoline 1.6. However, it was left base motor 1.8. There is also a 2.2 engine with direct injection - the older version with indirect injection was not offered. Signum was also not present in the OPC variant, so the most powerful unit 2.8 Turbo 280 hp was absent in the lineup.. There are, however, weaker varieties of 230 and 250 hp. (255 hp also not). In the diesel range, nothing has changed compared to the Vectra.

As for the advantages and disadvantages of the engines, they are the same as on the Vectra, so I refer you to the article about this model again.

Which engine should you choose?

in my opinion it depends on the perception of the model. I know this is a pretty bold statement, but Signum can be seen as a future classic. Not yet, but given the relatively low sales, this model is much more unique than the Vectra. Today it is still a common car, but in a few years it may be considered a curiosity. Look at Omegas, which until recently were treated like machines for transporting cement to a construction site. Today, examples in really good condition are valued at over 20. zloty. This is about as much as the most well-groomed Opel Signum costs.

So, if you see Opel Signum exactly like this and want to stay with it longer, then V6 petrol variant is a must buy. The best is a fairly good 3,2-liter unit with a capacity of 211 hp. Although its performance is inferior to the 2.8, its larger displacement and naturally aspirated character make up for these losses. Of course, by choosing this option, you are doomed to pre-facelift copies and rather high maintenance costs.

Treating the Signum as a normal car, I have no doubt that it is worth considering the choice between a 1.8 petrol with a capacity of 140 hp. and a 1.9 CDTi diesel engine with a power of 120-150 hp. 

See: Opel Signum fuel consumption reports.

My opinion

The Opel Signum may look different, but it's practical and a pretty good family car. In my opinion, Signum is an alternative to the Vectra station wagon. It looks a little neater, but has a smaller trunk when the car is full of passengers. However, if you need to carry large packages with two people on board, the luggage space is comparable. Appearance is always a matter of taste, although I like Signum least of all from the “line” of Vectra. Which doesn't mean I won't drive a neat V6 variant. Maybe it will even happen, because I love such freaks very much.