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’ – it aimed to blend the practicality of a family car with a more dynamic driving experience. While not widely sold in the United States, the Signum was a significant model for Vauxhall (a subsidiary of General Motors) in the United Kingdom and Europe, competing with vehicles like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. The 2005 facelift brought styling revisions and refinements to the original Signum, which was produced from 2003 to 2008. This version, equipped with a 1.8-liter engine and a five-speed manual transmission, offered a balance of performance and fuel economy for the European market.
Vauxhall Signum (Facelift 2005) 1.8: A Detailed Overview
The Signum was conceived as a more stylish and upmarket alternative to traditional estate cars and saloons. Its unique selling point was its ‘FlexSpace’ rear seating system, allowing for versatile cargo configurations. The facelifted model further enhanced this appeal with updated interior and exterior aesthetics. The 1.8-liter engine variant, producing 140 horsepower, was a popular choice for buyers seeking a balance between performance and running costs.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2005 Vauxhall Signum 1.8 is a 1.8-liter, inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated the Z18XER. This naturally aspirated engine delivers 140 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 175 Nm (129.07 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3,800 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration provides a reasonable level of performance for everyday driving, with a maximum speed of 207 km/h (128.62 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 93.6 horsepower per tonne, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 117.1 Nm per tonne. The five-speed manual transmission allows for driver engagement and contributes to relatively efficient fuel consumption. Fuel economy figures are rated at 10.4 l/100 km (22.6 US mpg) in urban conditions, 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle, and 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 US mpg) combined. CO2 emissions are rated at 185 g/km.
Design & Features
The Signum’s body style is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and accessible layout. The 2005 facelift brought subtle but noticeable changes to the front and rear fascias, including revised headlights and taillights, and a redesigned grille. The interior was also updated with improved materials and trim. A key feature of the Signum is its ‘FlexSpace’ system, which allows the rear seats to be folded flat or even removed entirely, creating a large and versatile cargo area. Standard safety features for the time included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a hydraulic power steering system. The vehicle’s dimensions are substantial, measuring 4651 mm (183.11 in) in length, 1798 mm (70.79 in) in width, and 1466 mm (57.72 in) in height. The wheelbase is 2830 mm (111.42 in). The Signum offered a comfortable and well-equipped interior, aimed at providing a premium experience for its occupants.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Signum |
| Generation | Signum (facelift 2005) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 (140 Hp) Manual 5-speed |
| Start of production | 2005 |
| End of production | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.4 l/100 km (22.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 185 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 207 km/h (128.62 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 6300 rpm |
| Torque | 175 Nm @ 3800 rpm (129.07 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z18XER |
| Engine displacement | 1796 cm3 (109.6 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.2 mm (3.47 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.9 l (5.18 US qt | 4.31 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1495 kg (3295.91 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 | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 215/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
The Vauxhall Signum, in its 2005 facelifted form, offered a compelling package for European buyers seeking a versatile and stylish hatchback. While not a high-performance vehicle, the 1.8-liter engine provided adequate power for everyday driving, and the ‘FlexSpace’ system offered a level of practicality that set it apart from many of its competitors. Although it didn’t achieve significant sales success, the Signum remains a noteworthy example of Vauxhall’s design and engineering capabilities during the early 2000s.
