The Vauxhall Signum, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2005, represents an intriguing chapter in the history of British automotive design. Positioned as a hatchback – often described as a ‘sports hatch’ – the Signum aimed to blend the practicality of a family car with a more dynamic driving experience. While never a massive sales success, especially outside of Europe, the Signum offered a unique proposition in the mid-size segment, competing with vehicles like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. This article focuses on the 2005-2008 facelift model equipped with the 1.9 CDTI diesel engine producing 150 horsepower.
The Vauxhall Signum (2005-2008) 1.9 CDTI: A Detailed Overview
The Signum was a product of Vauxhall’s (and its parent company Opel’s) attempt to create a more stylish and engaging alternative to traditional family saloons and estates. It shared its platform with the Vectra, but featured a more steeply raked windscreen, a longer wheelbase, and a distinctive fastback profile. The 2005 facelift brought revised styling to the front and rear, along with interior upgrades, aiming to refresh the model and boost its appeal. The 1.9 CDTI engine was a key component of the Signum’s lineup, offering a balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Signum 1.9 CDTI is a 1.9-liter, inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated Z19DTH. This engine produces 150 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 320 Nm (236.02 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2000 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance power output, and a diesel commonrail fuel injection system for efficient combustion. Power per liter is rated at 78.5 hp/l. This powertrain delivers a respectable level of performance, allowing for a maximum speed of 210 km/h (130.49 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 10.8 kg/Hp, and 93 Hp/tonne. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, providing drivers with precise control over gear selection. Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined cycle consumption rated at 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l). Urban fuel consumption is 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg), while extra-urban figures are significantly better at 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg).
Design & Features
The Signum’s body style is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile layout. It seats four passengers comfortably and provides a generous amount of cargo space. The 2005 facelift brought subtle but noticeable changes to the exterior, including a revised front grille, headlights, and bumper. Inside, the Signum featured a driver-focused cockpit with a range of features designed to enhance comfort and convenience. Standard equipment typically included air conditioning, power windows, and a CD stereo system. Safety features, crucial for a vehicle of this era, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and front airbags. The Signum’s suspension setup consists of an independent McPherson strut arrangement at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, providing a balance between ride comfort and handling. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4651 mm (183.11 in) in length, 1798 mm (70.79 in) in width, and 1466 mm (57.72 in) in height. The wheelbase measures 2830 mm (111.42 in).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Signum |
| Generation | Signum (facelift 2005) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.9 CDTI (150 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2005 |
| End of production | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 159 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 2000 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z19DTH |
| Engine displacement | 1910 cm3 (116.56 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90.4 mm (3.56 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1613 kg (3556.06 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Length | 4651 mm (183.11 in.) |
| Width | 1798 mm (70.79 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2036 mm (80.16 in.) |
| Height | 1466 mm (57.72 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2830 mm (111.42 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.92 m (39.11 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Tires size | 215/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
The Vauxhall Signum 1.9 CDTI (2005-2008) remains a somewhat niche vehicle, but it offers a compelling combination of practicality, style, and fuel efficiency. While it didn’t achieve mainstream success, it represents an interesting experiment in automotive design and a testament to Vauxhall’s willingness to explore alternative approaches within the competitive mid-size market.
