The Vauxhall Signum, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2005, represents an intriguing chapter in the British marque’s history. 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. While never a huge seller in the UK, and not officially sold in the United States, the Signum was a key model for Vauxhall (and its sister brand Opel in mainland Europe) in the mid-2000s, offering an alternative to more conventional estate cars and saloons. This article details the 2005-2008 facelifted Signum, specifically the 1.9 CDTI variant with an automatic transmission.
Vauxhall Signum (Facelift 2005): A Detailed Overview
The Signum was based on the Opel/Vauxhall Vectra platform, but distinguished itself with a more distinctive fastback profile and a focus on interior space and flexibility. The 2005 facelift brought revised styling, including updated front and rear fascias, interior enhancements, and a refinement of the engine range. The 1.9 CDTI engine, a common choice in Europe for its balance of performance and fuel economy, was a key component of the Signum’s appeal. It offered a diesel-powered option for drivers seeking lower running costs without sacrificing too much in terms of driving enjoyment.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2005 Vauxhall Signum 1.9 CDTI is a 1.9-liter, inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated Z19DTH. This engine produces 150 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and a substantial 320 Nm (236.02 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3200 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to boost performance, and a diesel commonrail fuel injection system for efficient combustion. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 10.9 kg/Hp, and 91.6 Hp/tonne, indicating a reasonably sprightly performance for a vehicle of its size. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. This combination allows for a maximum speed of 205 km/h (127.38 mph). Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined cycle figures of 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg, 39.8 UK mpg, 14.1 km/l). CO2 emissions are rated at 192 g/km.
Design & Features
The Signum’s body style is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and accessible cabin. The fastback design contributes to a sleek silhouette, differentiating it from more traditional hatchbacks. The interior is designed with a focus on space and comfort, offering seating for four passengers. Key features of the 2005 facelifted model include ABS (Anti-lock braking system) as standard, hydraulic power steering, and ventilated front disc brakes with disc brakes at the rear. The Signum’s suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front with a torsion beam arrangement at the rear, aiming to provide a balance between ride comfort and handling. 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). A 60-liter (15.85 US gal, 13.2 UK gal) fuel tank provides a reasonable driving range. The Signum also features a maximum roof load capacity of 100 kg (220.46 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Signum |
| Generation | Signum (facelift 2005) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.9 CDTI (150 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2005 |
| End of production | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.7 l/100 km (24.2 US mpg, 29.1 UK mpg, 10.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg, 39.8 UK mpg, 14.1 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 192 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Maximum speed | 205 km/h (127.38 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 3200 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 3200 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 | 1638 kg (3611.17 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 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| 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 buyers seeking a versatile and reasonably efficient hatchback. While not a mainstream success, it remains a noteworthy example of Vauxhall’s attempt to carve out a niche in a competitive market segment. Its blend of practicality, comfort, and diesel-powered performance made it a viable option for those looking for an alternative to more conventional family cars.
