Opel Signum 2.2i 16V ECOTEC (155 Hp)

The Opel Signum 2.2i 16V ECOTEC: A European Executive Hatchback (2003-2005)

The Opel Signum, specifically the Opel Signum 2.2i 16V ECOTEC (155 Hp) variant, represented a bold and somewhat unconventional foray by the German automaker into the executive car segment. Launched in May 2003 and produced until 2005, this model was part of the Signum’s single generation, positioned above the traditional Opel Vectra C on which it was based. Designed primarily for the European market, where it was also sold as the Vauxhall Signum in the United Kingdom, it aimed to blend the practicality of a wagon with the spaciousness and premium feel of an executive sedan. Its distinctive five-door hatchback body style, often described as a “large hatchback” or a “C-segment crossover,” offered a unique proposition to buyers seeking versatility without compromising on comfort or driving dynamics.

Unlike its more conventional competitors, the Signum championed interior flexibility and rear passenger comfort, attempting to carve out a niche between traditional sedans and the burgeoning SUV market. This article delves into the technical specifications, design philosophy, and market impact of the 2.2i 16V ECOTEC variant, a key gasoline engine option during its production run.

Engine and Performance: The 2.2i 16V ECOTEC Powerplant

At the heart of this particular Opel Signum was the 2.2-liter (2198 cm³) 16-valve ECOTEC engine, internally designated as the Z22YH. This naturally aspirated, inline four-cylinder gasoline engine was engineered for a balance of performance and efficiency, a hallmark of Opel’s ECOTEC philosophy. It featured a DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) valvetrain and, notably for its time, a direct injection fuel system, which helped optimize fuel delivery and combustion efficiency.

The engine produced a respectable 155 horsepower (Hp) at 5600 revolutions per minute (rpm), providing ample power for motorway cruising and confident overtaking. Torque output stood at 220 Newton-meters (Nm), which translates to approximately 162.26 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque, peaking at 3800 rpm. This torque delivery profile ensured good responsiveness in everyday driving scenarios.

Mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, the Opel Signum 2.2i 16V ECOTEC was capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour (mph) in a brisk 9.3 seconds, with a 0 to 100 kilometers per hour (km/h) time of 9.8 seconds. Its maximum speed was rated at 131.11 mph (211 km/h), making it a competent performer on European autobahns. Fuel economy figures were competitive for its class and engine size, with a combined rating of 29 US mpg (8.1 liters per 100 km). Urban consumption was 22.2 US mpg (10.6 l/100 km), and extra-urban consumption was 35.6 US mpg (6.6 l/100 km), reflecting the engine’s efficiency in varied driving conditions. The 60-liter (15.85 US gallon) fuel tank provided a decent cruising range.

Design and Features: A Focus on Versatility

The Opel Signum’s design was a departure from conventional executive car styling. While sharing its platform and many components with the Vectra C, its extended wheelbase (111.42 inches or 2830 mm) and unique hatchback body distinguished it. Measuring 182.52 inches (4636 mm) in length, 70.79 inches (1798 mm) in width, and 57.72 inches (1466 mm) in height, the Signum offered a substantial road presence. The drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.33 was respectable for a vehicle of its size and shape, contributing to both fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise.

The interior was where the Signum truly aimed to innovate. With five seats and five doors, its “FlexSpace” seating system (though not explicitly detailed in the provided data, it was a hallmark feature of the Signum) allowed for considerable configurability. The rear seats could slide, recline, and fold individually, transforming the interior from a comfortable four-seater with executive-level legroom into a versatile cargo hauler. Minimum trunk space was 12.89 cubic feet (365 liters), expanding significantly to 49.79 cubic feet (1410 liters) with the rear seats folded, rivaling many wagons.

Standard features for the era included power steering (hydraulic), front-wheel drive, and a robust braking system with ventilated discs at the front and disc brakes at the rear, complemented by ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for enhanced safety. The suspension system utilized coil springs at both the front and rear, providing a comfortable and stable ride characteristic of European executive cars. The vehicle rode on 215/55 R16 tires mounted on 6.5J x 16 wheel rims. With a curb weight of 3384.1 pounds (1535 kg) and a maximum permissible weight of 4519.48 pounds (2050 kg), the Signum was a substantial and well-built machine.

Technical Specifications: Opel Signum 2.2i 16V ECOTEC (155 Hp)

Legacy and Market Impact of the Opel Signum

The Opel Signum, particularly the Opel Signum 2.2i 16V ECOTEC, occupies a unique place in Opel’s history. It was an ambitious project aimed at filling a perceived gap in the European market for a more versatile, premium executive car that offered more practicality than a traditional sedan and more comfort than a conventional wagon. Its primary competitors in Europe included established executive cars like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and French rivals such as the Renault Vel Satis and Citroën C5, which also tried to push boundaries in design and functionality.

Despite its innovative interior packaging and comfortable ride, the Signum struggled to gain significant market traction. Its unconventional styling, which some found polarizing, and its positioning as a premium Opel — a brand more associated with mainstream family cars — made it difficult for consumers to justify its price point against more traditional, badge-heavy executive offerings from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. The 2.2i 16V ECOTEC engine, while competent, also faced stiff competition from more powerful gasoline and increasingly popular diesel engines available in rival models.

The Signum’s relatively short production run from 2003 to 2008 (with the 2.2i 16V ECOTEC variant ending in 2005) indicates that it did not achieve the sales success Opel had hoped for. However, its legacy lies in its forward-thinking approach to automotive design and interior versatility. It demonstrated a willingness by Opel to experiment with new body styles and prioritize passenger comfort and modularity, concepts that would later become more prevalent in the automotive industry, especially with the rise of crossovers and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs).

Today, the Opel Signum is often remembered as a curious but commendable attempt to innovate within a conservative market segment. While it may not have been a commercial blockbuster, it showcased Opel’s engineering capabilities and its vision for a more flexible and user-centric executive vehicle. For enthusiasts and collectors, it represents a distinctive piece of European automotive history, offering a blend of practicality, comfort, and an engine that delivered a solid balance of performance and efficiency for its time.