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’ – the Signum aimed to blend the practicality of a family car with a more dynamic driving experience. While never officially sold in the United States, the Signum was a key model for Vauxhall (a subsidiary of General Motors) in the United Kingdom and wider European markets, competing with vehicles like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. The 2005 facelift brought styling revisions and refinements to the original Signum, which debuted in 2003, and this version remained in production until 2008.
Vauxhall Signum (Facelift 2005): A Detailed Overview
The Signum was conceived as a more stylish and upmarket alternative to the traditional family saloon. It shared its platform with the Opel Vectra (Vauxhall’s sister brand in mainland Europe), but distinguished itself through its unique fastback design and a focus on interior space and comfort. The facelifted model further enhanced these qualities, offering a more contemporary aesthetic and improved features. The 2.2-liter engine variant, producing 155 horsepower, was a popular choice, offering a balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
Engine & Performance
The 2005 Vauxhall Signum 2.2 utilizes a 2.2-liter (2198 cm3 or 134.13 cu. in.) inline four-cylinder petrol engine, designated the Z22YH. This naturally aspirated engine produces a maximum power output of 155 horsepower (Hp) at 5600 rpm, and 220 Newton-meters (162.26 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3800 rpm. The engine features direct fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration allows for a power-to-liter ratio of 70.5 Hp/l. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission. Performance figures include a maximum speed of 206 km/h (128 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 10.2 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.2 kg/Nm. Fuel economy is rated at 11.6 l/100 km (20.3 US mpg, 24.4 UK mpg, 8.6 km/l) in urban driving, 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg, 44.1 UK mpg, 15.6 km/l) on the extra-urban cycle, and 8.3 l/100 km (28.3 US mpg, 34 UK mpg, 12 km/l) combined. CO2 emissions are rated at 199 g/km.
Design & Features
The Signum’s body style is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and accessible cabin. It seats four passengers comfortably. The 2005 facelift brought subtle but noticeable changes to the exterior, including revised front and rear bumpers, updated headlight and taillight designs, and a redesigned grille. Inside, the Signum focused on providing a comfortable and well-equipped environment. Features included power steering (hydraulic type), ABS (Anti-lock braking system), ventilated front disc brakes, and disc brakes on the rear axle. The McPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and an anti-roll bar provided a comfortable ride, while the torsion beam rear suspension contributed to the car’s handling characteristics. The Signum’s interior was designed with a focus on ergonomics and usability, aiming to provide a premium feel compared to more mainstream family cars. The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4651 mm (183.11 in), width 1798 mm (70.79 in) including mirrors 2036 mm (80.16 in), height 1466 mm (57.72 in), and wheelbase 2830 mm (111.42 in). The minimum turning circle is 11.92 m (39.11 ft).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Signum |
| Generation | Signum (facelift 2005) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2 (155 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) | 11.6 l/100 km (20.3 US mpg, 24.4 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg, 44.1 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.3 l/100 km (28.3 US mpg, 34 UK mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 199 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 206 km/h (128 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 155 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 3800 rpm (162.26 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z22YH |
| Engine displacement | 2198 cm3 (134.13 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 94.6 mm (3.72 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 12:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.1 l (7.5 US qt | 6.25 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1580 kg (3483.3 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| 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 | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tire size | 215/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
The Vauxhall Signum, while not a mainstream success in terms of sales volume, offered a distinctive alternative in the European market. Its blend of hatchback practicality, stylish design, and comfortable interior made it an appealing choice for buyers seeking something different from the conventional family car. The 2.2-liter engine provided a reasonable balance of performance and economy, making it a versatile option for both urban and long-distance driving.
