| Overall Rating |
 |
| Description |
| Signum is essentially an up-market Vectra with powerful engines and loads of kit, but with a less practical, less versatile cabin and a higher price tag. It's smart and comfortable but slightly pointless. |
| Handling |
|
| Comfort |
 |
| Quality & Reliability |
|
| Performance |
|
| Roominess |
|
| Running Costs |
|
| Value for Money |
 |
| Stereo/Sat Nav |
|
| NCAP |
| 4 |
| Worst Models |
| 2.2 petrol |
|
 |
| Road Test |
| Signum has executive-class, and Vauxhall see it as big step up from the Vectra, on which it's based. Its substantial body is halfway between a hatch and an estate, with lots of rear legroom and comfy seats - but only for two in the back. The rear seats slide and recline, aircraft-style, with room for a child in the middle. Ride is on the firm side, especially with the larger wheel options. Signum is more a car for passengers than drivers, despite a good range of engines including 2.0-litre petrol turbo, a smooth 3.2 V6 and a refined 3.0-litre turbodiesel from the Saab 9-5. None of these is particularly thrilling, however, although performance is good and motorway cruising effortless. What Signum lacks is involving handling. It also lacks sufficient class to differentiate it from Vectra, itself a well-built, good quality, spacious and comfortable vehicle that is far more desirable than its repmobile predecessor. |
| Positive Points |
- Refined, spacious long-distance cruiser
- Long wheelbase gives a smooth ride
- Smoothly energetic 2.2 16v and 3.0 engines
|
| Negative Points |
- Too radical for conservative British executives?
- Vauxhall lacks prestige in executive circles
- Depreciates rapidly and heavily
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