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 – though often described as a ‘sports hatch’ – the Signum aimed to blend practicality with a more dynamic driving experience than traditional family cars. Sold primarily in Europe, the Signum was never officially offered in the United States. It served as a more premium and stylish alternative to the more mainstream Vectra, sharing many of its mechanical components but offering a unique fastback profile and a more sophisticated interior. The 2005 facelift brought revised styling, improved interior materials, and updated engine options, including the 1.8-liter petrol engine detailed here.
Vauxhall Signum (Facelift 2005): A Detailed Overview
The Signum occupied a niche market segment, attempting to appeal to buyers who desired the space and versatility of a hatchback but with a touch of executive flair. It was a direct competitor to vehicles like the Ford Focus C-MAX and, to some extent, the Audi A3 Sportback. The facelifted model, produced from 2005 to 2008, refined the original design and addressed some criticisms leveled at the initial release. The 1.8-liter engine variant, coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, offered a balance between performance and fuel economy, making it a popular choice for European drivers.
Engine & Performance
The heart of this Signum variant is a 1.8-liter, naturally aspirated inline-four cylinder engine, designated the Z18XER. This engine produces 140 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 175 Nm (129.07 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3,800 rpm. While not a powerhouse, the engine provides adequate performance for everyday driving, allowing for a maximum speed of 201 km/h (124.9 mph). The six-speed manual transmission allows drivers to effectively manage the engine’s powerband. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 93.6 HP per tonne, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 117.1 Nm per tonne. Fuel economy is rated at 7.5 liters per 100 kilometers (31.4 US mpg or 37.7 UK mpg) on a combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 180 g/km, meeting Euro 3 emission standards. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its relatively efficient operation.
Design & Features
The Signum’s defining characteristic is its distinctive hatchback body style, featuring a sloping rear window and a relatively long wheelbase. The 2005 facelift brought subtle but noticeable changes to the front and rear fascias, including revised headlights and taillights. Inside, the Signum offered seating for five passengers, although rear headroom could be limited for taller occupants. The interior was designed with a focus on comfort and practicality, featuring a well-equipped dashboard and a spacious cargo area. Standard features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), hydraulic power steering, and ventilated front disc brakes. The vehicle’s suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and a torsion beam arrangement at the rear, providing a reasonable balance between ride comfort and handling. Tire size is 215/55 R16, mounted on 6.5J x 16 inch wheel rims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Signum |
| Generation | Signum (facelift 2005) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 (140 Hp) Manual 6-speed |
| Start of production | 2005 |
| End of production | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.3 l/100 km (22.8 US mpg, 27.4 UK mpg, 9.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.5 l/100 km (31.4 US mpg, 37.7 UK mpg, 13.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 180 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 201 km/h (124.9 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 3 |
| 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 | 4451 mm (175.24 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 | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| 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, represents a unique attempt to carve out a niche in the European market. While it didn’t achieve widespread success, it remains a noteworthy example of British automotive design and engineering, offering a blend of practicality, style, and a reasonably engaging driving experience.
