The Vauxhall Signum, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2005, represents a unique offering from the British automaker. Positioned as a hatchback, it aimed to blend the practicality of a family car with a more sophisticated and sporty driving experience. While never officially sold in the United States, the Signum was a significant model for Vauxhall (and its Opel counterpart in mainland Europe) during its production run from 2003 to 2008. The 2005 facelift brought styling revisions and refinements to the original design, enhancing its appeal in the competitive European market. This article details the specifications and characteristics of the 2.2-liter, 155 horsepower Signum with a 6-speed manual transmission.
The Vauxhall Signum: A European Hatchback
The Signum occupied a niche segment, often described as a ‘hatchback coupe’ or ‘sports hatch’. It was based on the Opel/Vauxhall Vectra platform, but featured a more steeply raked rear window and a generally more dynamic profile. Vauxhall marketed the Signum as a more premium alternative to traditional family hatchbacks, emphasizing its comfort, space, and available technology. The facelifted 2005 model received updated front and rear styling, interior enhancements, and revised engine options, aiming to improve its market position against rivals like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat.
Engine & Performance
The 2.2-liter inline four-cylinder engine powering the Signum delivers 155 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 220 Newton-meters (162.26 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3800 rpm. This naturally aspirated engine, designated the Z22YH, features direct fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The engine’s displacement of 2198 cm³ (134.13 cubic inches) provides a reasonable balance between performance and fuel economy. The 6-speed manual transmission allows for precise gear selection and contributes to a more engaging driving experience. The Signum 2.2 can achieve a maximum speed of 210 km/h (130.49 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 10 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 7 kg/Nm, indicating a respectable power delivery for its class. The engine’s power output translates to 70.5 horsepower per liter, a figure typical for naturally aspirated engines of this era.
Design & Features
The Vauxhall Signum is a five-door hatchback with seating for four passengers. Its defining design feature is the sloping rear roofline, giving it a coupe-like silhouette. The 2005 facelift brought a revised front grille, headlights, and bumper, along with updated taillights and interior trim. Inside, the Signum offered a spacious cabin with comfortable seating and a well-equipped dashboard. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, and a CD stereo system. Higher trim levels offered options such as leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and a sunroof. Safety features, crucial for a vehicle of this era, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and front airbags. The Signum’s focus was on providing a comfortable and refined driving experience, with a particular emphasis on interior space and practicality. The fuel tank capacity is 60 liters (15.85 US gallons), providing a reasonable driving range. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4651 mm (183.11 inches) in length, 1798 mm (70.79 inches) in width, and 1466 mm (57.72 inches) in height.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Signum |
| Generation | Signum (facelift 2005) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2 (155 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) | 10.9 l/100 km (21.6 US mpg, 25.9 UK mpg, 9.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.2 l/100 km (28.7 US mpg, 34.4 UK mpg, 12.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 197 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10 kg/Hp, 100 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7 kg/Nm, 141.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 155 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 70.5 Hp/l |
| 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 engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.1 l (7.5 US qt | 6.25 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1550 kg (3417.17 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, Internal Combustion engine |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires 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 hatchback market. Its blend of practicality, comfort, and sporty styling appealed to buyers seeking a vehicle that stood out from the crowd. The 2.2-liter engine provided adequate performance for everyday driving, and the 6-speed manual transmission enhanced the overall driving experience.
