Opel Signum 3.0 V6 CDTI Elegance
Content
Quite frankly, maybe even better than a home living room. Their seating is adjustable, which is not the case in most ordinary rooms. This allows them to move 130 millimeters around the cab and even adjust the backrest tilt from a fully upright position to a relaxing lying position. It should be emphasized that when the seats are fully tilted back, the knees of the last two passengers are given 130 millimeters more space than in the Vectra.
While some may be surprised by the Signum versus Vectra comparison, others won't even be very surprised. The latter are among those who are very knowledgeable about the similarities of the two mentioned cars and know that the front ends of both cars are almost the same up to the B-pillar, while the real differences only appear from the B-pillar. ...
Most noticeable are the different ends at the rear, the Signum has one that ends in a vertical van-shaped boot lid, and the Vectra is much larger than a limousine due to the flat boot lid. Also of interest are the Signum's bulky C-pillars, which are surprisingly a bit in the way when looking back. The trick is that the rear head restraints are in exactly the same line of sight as the two pillars, and in addition, there is a decent-sized rear window, which makes the view of what is happening behind the car quite good. ...
Perhaps at first glance, the length of the rear pair of doors, which are much longer in the Signum, is not so outstanding. Widened doors mean, of course, a larger opening, which makes it more relaxed and easy to get in and out of the car. The difference in door length is due to the Signum's wheelbase, which is a whopping 130 millimeters longer than the Vectra (2700 versus 2830). All 13 centimeters are used only for the comfort of the rear passengers already described. And given the fact that the Signum body is only 40 millimeters longer than the Vectrina, Opel engineers had to take away the missing 9 centimeters somewhere else, which they did.
If you remember and take into account that Vectra and Signum are the same up to the B-pillar, then the only place left in the car where Oplovci could take anything is the luggage compartment. Looking at the technical data, we find out that the latter lost up to 135 liters in the basic configuration (from 500 liters it decreased to 365). It is true, however, that by moving the rear bench in the longitudinal direction, one can steal longitudinal centimeters from the passengers, who thus end up in the luggage compartment of the car.
In the "worst" case, the rear passengers will have the same knee room as the passengers in the Vectra, except that the Signum will have 50 liters more luggage space than the Vectra, which is 550 liters. However, since the assessment of the luggage compartment takes into account not only flexibility and roominess, but also the usability of the offered space, Opel engineers have taken care of that too.
Thus, the bottom of the boot is completely flat even with the rear seats folded down. The latter was made possible by a special design of the rear seat mechanism called FlexSpace. When folding, the rear seat rests slightly to make room for the folded backrest. If you are still not satisfied, Opel has also installed a passenger seat in the Signum, which, like the Vectra, only flips the backrest and thereby frees up cargo space that is more than 2 meters long.
You may have noticed that when describing the rear seats, we always mentioned only two passengers and only two seats instead of three. This is due to the fact that the bar integrated in the middle between the seats, in contrast to them, is much narrower, with a very rigid padding and is slightly raised due to the special seat turning system. For this reason, the center “seat” is only intended for the emergency transport of a fifth person, who must also be of medium height. The fact that the latter should not be more than 1 meter is also confirmed in Opel by a sticker hidden under the anchorage points of the fifth seat belt.
After we have passed from the trunk to the two front seats, we stop at the last one. On the outside, the Signum is no different from the Vectra on the inside, right down to the first row of seats. And, perhaps, it is this similarity (read: equality) that is the reason why Opel put a chrome Signum sign on the doorstep under the front door, otherwise the driver and co-driver might think that they are sitting "only" on the Vectra instead of the Signum.
Equality with sister means that this results in relatively good overall ergonomics, average good adjustability of the driver's working space, imitation of wood on fittings and doors, sufficient quality of materials and workmanship, efficient split automatic air conditioning and average usability of the passenger space in terms of the type of seats. for storing small items. Of course, Oplovci will be loudly complaining at this point, saying that Signum, in addition to all Vectras, has more or less useful storage space, five more storage boxes on the ceiling. Of course, their conversion will be justified, but only to a certain extent.
People from Opel, tell us what exactly should the average user put in five ceiling boxes? Sunglasses, ok, what a pencil and a small piece of paper, ok too. Now what else? Let's say CDs! It won't work because even the biggest box is too small. What about cards? I'm sorry, because there is not enough space for CDs yet. And what about the phone? Personal beliefs also play a role in their decision, but we chose not to put them there, as they just ride through boxes and make noise, and besides, reaching for a ringing phone is an inconvenient task. ABC fee. Well, it will still work, and ideas will run dry from now on. At least for us!
In the test car, the transmission was a six-speed manual transmission, typical of Opel. What does this mean? The fact is that the gear lever has sufficiently short and precise movements so as not to cause problems. This is why the stumbling block of Opel transmissions is their strong resistance to fast gear changes. And if we remember the Renault Vel Satis, which was equipped with the same engine (also borrowed from the Japanese Isuzu) and its connection to the automatic transmission turned out to be a very good solution, we see no reason why it would not work well with the smaller dimensions. Signum.
Despite 130 kilowatts (177 horsepower) and 350 Newton meters, the Signum 3.0 V6 CDTI is not designed for cornering, but primarily for the rapid accumulation of kilometers on the highway. It is true that the "achievement" of a three-liter Isuzu turbo diesel engine is nothing special today, as at least two (German) competitors have indeed surpassed it with over 200 "horsepower" and even sharper 500 Newton meters of maximum torque. ... but the average number of performance metrics for the Signum engine is not a concern.
After all, the average speed can easily be very close to 200 km / h. And if "only" average maneuverability and engine power is not that much of a concern, then it is even more worrisome about its weakness when starting off, especially uphill. During this time, you must depress the accelerator pedal harder and at the same time be careful when handling the clutch, otherwise you may quickly reach for the ignition key again.
We have already mentioned the Signum chassis, we also wrote about the advantages of the extended version of the Vectra chassis, but we have not "stumbled" on the driving experience yet. Well, we'll also write that they are more or less the same, or at least similar to those from Vectra.
For tight suspension adjustments, the biggest challenge is not effectively picking up surface irregularities on shallow patched roads. As with its younger sister, the Signum is worried about body flickering when driving along long road waves on the highway. True, the Signum has a slight advantage over the Vectra in this regard, as the longer wheelbase reduces rocking, but unfortunately does not completely eliminate it.
While the Signum's primary focus is not on dynamic cornering, let's pause for a moment as you never know when you're in a rush to a business meeting or lunch, and it's not always just a straight road to your destination. Long story short: if you've ever driven a Vectra around corners, you also know how her brother gets between them.
So, despite the solid suspension in corners, the body tilts noticeably, a high slip limit is set, but if it is exceeded, the standard ESP system comes to the rescue. Separately, we note the steering mechanism, it is quite responsive (it is also helped by 17-inch shoes), but there is not enough feedback.
The most important characteristics of modern turbodiesels are characteristics similar to those of gasoline cars, but lower fuel consumption. It's the same with the Signuma 3.0 V6 CDTI with small print. Constant stimulation of 177 "horsepower" (130 kilowatts) and 350 Newton meters requires its own tax, which is called increased fuel consumption.
This was acceptable and understandable in the test with a measured 9 liters at 5 kilometers, given the engine reserves, but when we were really in a hurry and the average speeds far exceeded the speed limits of our roads, the average consumption also increased. up to 100 acres of liters of diesel fuel. When we systematically saved fuel, it dropped to 11 liters per 7 kilometers. In short, the portability of fuel consumption is relatively high, but where you will be inside is, of course, entirely your decision.
The purchase of Signum is at your discretion. It's hard to tell if it's affordable or not, especially if you're not a customer. You probably all know the saying that having foreign money is the easiest thing to do, but one thing is for sure. The Signum is more expensive than the Vectra (assuming both engines are equally motorized), but if we take into account all the pros and, of course, some of the cons that the Signum's design has brought to the Vectra's slightly stretched body, then the score is in favor. Signum company. If this one is also equipped with a three-litre turbodiesel engine and possibly an automatic transmission, then you really can't miss much. That is, of course, if you are an Oplovec freak and are thinking about buying a car like the Signum. If Opel hasn't convinced you of this, then chances are you won't become a Signum either, but never say never. After all, do you ever go to the living room on Sundays?
Peter Humar
Photo: Aleš Pavletič.
Opel Signum 3.0 V6 CDTI Elegance
Basic data
| Sales: | GM South East Europe |
|---|---|
| Base model price: | 30.587,55 € |
| Test model cost: | 36.667,50 € |
| Power: | 130kW (177 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 9,4 with |
| Maximum speed: | 221 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 7,4l / 100km |
| Guarantee: | 2 Years Unlimited Mileage General Warranty, 12 Years Rust Warranty, 1 Year Mobile Device Warranty |
| Oil change every | 50.000 km |
| Systematic review | 50.000 km |
Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)
| Regular services, works, materials: | 147,72 € |
|---|---|
| Fuel: | 6.477,63 € |
| Tires (1) | 3.572,02 € |
| Compulsory insurance: | 2.240,03 € |
| CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO + | 5.045,90 ( |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Buy up | € 41.473,96 0,41 (km cost: XNUMX €) |
Technical information
| engine: | 6-cylinder - 4-stroke - V-66° - direct injection diesel - mounted transversely in front - bore and stroke 87,5 × 82,0 mm - displacement 2958 cm3 - compression ratio 18,5:1 - maximum power 130 kW (177 hp) at 4000 rpm - average piston speed at maximum power 10,9 m / s - specific power 43,9 kW / l (59,8 hp / l) - maximum torque torque 370 Nm at 1900-2800 rpm - 2 × 2 camshafts in the head (timing belt / gear transmission) - 4 valves per cylinder - common rail fuel injection - exhaust gas turbocharger - charge air cooler. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | engine-driven front wheels - 6-speed manual transmission - gear ratio I. 3,770 2,040; II. 1,320 hours; III. 0,950 hours; IV. 0,760 hours; V. 0,620; VI. 3,540; rear 3,550 - differential 6,5 - rims 17J × 215 - tires 50/17 R 1,95 W, rolling range 1000 m - speed in VI. gears at 53,2 rpm XNUMX km / h. |
| Capacity: | top speed 221 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h 9,4 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 10,2 / 5,8 / 7,4 l / 100 km |
| Transportation and suspension: | limousine - 5 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, spring legs, triangular cross rails, stabilizer - rear single suspension, cross rails, longitudinal rails, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer - front disc brakes, forced rear wheel cooling (forced cooling), mechanical parking brake on the rear wheels (lever between seats) - rack and pinion steering wheel, power steering, 2,8 turns between extreme points. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1670 kg - permissible total weight 2185 kg - permissible trailer weight with brake 1700 kg, without brake 750 kg - permissible roof load 100 kg. |
| External dimensions: | vehicle width 1798 mm - front track 1524 mm - rear track 1512 mm - ground clearance 11,8 m. |
| Inner dimensions: | front width 1490 mm, rear 1490 mm - front seat length 460 mm, rear seat 500 mm - handlebar diameter 385 mm - fuel tank 60 l. |
| Box: | Trunk volume measured with AM standard set of 5 Samsonite suitcases (total volume 278,5L): 1 × backpack (20 l); 1 × aviation suitcase (36 l); 2 × suitcase (68,5 l); |
Our measurements
| unmistakable | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 9,3s |
|---|---|
| 1000m from the city: | 30,8 years ( 168 km / h) |
| Flexibility 50-90km / h: | 14,3 (IV.) S |
| Flexibility 80-120km / h: | 9,7 (W) p |
| Maximum speed: | 220km / h (WE.) |
| Minimum consumption: | 7,9l / 100km |
| Maximum consumption: | 11,7l / 100km |
| test consumption: | 9,5 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 37,5m |
| AM table: | 40m |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear | 58dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear | 56dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear | 56dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 6rd gear | 56dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear | 64dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear | 61dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear | 60dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 6rd gear | 60dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear | 66dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear | 65dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 6rd gear | 64dB |
| Test errors: | unmistakable |
Overall rating (320/420)
The four in the final rating speaks in favor of the purchase, as Signum is a well-managed combination of living room and car, which is simply not ideal. It lacks a more comfortable chassis, more engine flexibility at idle, and a flawless automatic transmission. There are also not enough liters in the base trunk, which can be borrowed from the rear passengers without much difficulty.
Exterior (13/15)
If you like Vectra, you will almost certainly like Signum even more. We have no comments on the quality of performance.
Interior (117/140)
Signum is conditionally five-seater. When the last two passengers are basking in the luxury of space, there will be very little of that in the trunk. The front of the cab is the same as the Vectra, which means good overall ergonomics, good build quality, etc.
Engine, transmission (34
/ 40)Technically, the engine follows development, but slightly lags behind in performance. The car reaches its top speed in sixth gear, the transmission does not set criteria in terms of use.
Driving performance (64
/ 95)The Signum is designed for (perhaps even fast) road travel, and due to its flimsy chassis with twisty trails, it is not entirely understandable.
Performance (25/35)
The three-liter turbodiesel in Signum performs well, but not the best of its kind. Flexibility is good, but it is hampered by the weakness of the engine when starting.
Security (27/45)
Not a very high safety rating, but still a very good result. Almost all "necessary" safety equipment is installed, including xenon headlights, but the latter, due to the inclusion of low beam, creates an overall impression of safe driving.
Economy
The three-liter diesel requires its own consumption tax, which (taking into account the power) is not that great. Warranty promises represent a good average and the projected drop in resale value is slightly below average.
We praise and reproach
engine
spaciousness in the rear seats
Alloy
flexibility and ease of use of the trunk
weak starting engine
transmission resists fast shifting
conductivity
main trunk space
fifth emergency bar
too short beam of xenon headlights
