The Vauxhall Signum, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2005, represents a unique offering from the British automaker. Positioned as a hatchback – though often described as a ‘sports hatch’ – the Signum aimed to blend the practicality of a family car with a more dynamic driving experience. This generation, produced from 2005 to 2006, featured a range of engines, with the 2.8i V6 24V Turbo ECOTEC being the performance flagship. While never officially sold in the United States, the Signum was a significant model within Vauxhall’s European lineup, competing with vehicles like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat, offering a distinctive alternative with its focus on interior space and innovative features.
The Vauxhall Signum (Facelift 2005) 2.8i V6 Turbo ECOTEC
The 2005 facelift brought styling revisions and refinements to the Signum, enhancing its appeal. The 2.8i V6 Turbo ECOTEC model stood out due to its powerful engine and relatively sophisticated technology for its time. The Signum, in general, was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a vehicle that offered more than just basic transportation, emphasizing comfort, space, and a degree of sporting character. It was a product of Vauxhall’s attempt to move upmarket and offer a more premium experience within the mainstream segment.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Signum 2.8i V6 Turbo ECOTEC lies a 2.8-liter (2792 cm3) V6 engine, producing 230 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 330 Nm (243.4 lb.-ft.) of torque available from 1800 to 4500 rpm. This engine, designated Z28NEL, utilizes a turbocharger and intercooler to boost performance. The engine’s configuration – a transverse-mounted V6 – was relatively uncommon, contributing to the Signum’s unique driving characteristics. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. This powertrain configuration allows for a maximum speed of 243 km/h (150.99 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 6.2 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 4.3 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonably responsive driving experience. Fuel economy is rated at 10.6 l/100 km (22.2 US mpg) combined, with urban consumption at 15.7 l/100 km (15 US mpg) and extra-urban at 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg).
Design & Features
The Signum is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. Its design, while not overtly sporty, features flowing lines and a relatively low roofline for a vehicle of its size. The interior is a key strength of the Signum, offering a spacious cabin with comfortable seating for five occupants. A notable feature was the ‘FlexSpace’ rear seating system, allowing the rear seats to be folded flat or even removed entirely, maximizing cargo capacity. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 365 liters (12.89 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 1410 liters (49.79 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), standard for the era. The 2005 facelift brought subtle exterior changes, including revised headlights and bumpers, and interior enhancements focused on improving perceived quality and ergonomics. The Signum’s drag coefficient of 0.28 contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Signum |
| Generation | Signum (facelift 2005) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.8i V6 24V Turbo ECOTEC (230 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2005 |
| End of production | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 15.7 l/100 km (15 US mpg, 18 UK mpg, 6.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg, 37.2 UK mpg, 13.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.6 l/100 km (22.2 US mpg, 26.6 UK mpg, 9.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 254 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 243 km/h (150.99 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 230 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 82.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 330 Nm @ 1800-4500 rpm (243.4 lb.-ft. @ 1800-4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z28NEL |
| Engine displacement | 2792 cm3 (170.38 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 74.8 mm (2.94 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1415 kg (3119.54 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 365 l (12.89 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1410 l (49.79 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| 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.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.28 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE, Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
