Opel Signum

Opel Signum
Overview
Manufacturer Opel (General Motors)
Also called Vauxhall Signum
Production 2003—2008
Assembly Rüsselsheim, Germany
Body and chassis
Class Large family car
Body style 5-door hatchback
Layout Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Platform Epsilon platform
Related Fiat Croma
Chevrolet Malibu
Opel Vectra
Saturn Aura
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,830 mm (111 in)
Length 4,636 mm (182.5 in)
Width 1,798 mm (70.8 in)
Height 1,466 mm (57.7 in)
Curb weight 1,490 kg (3,280 lb)-1,715 kg (3,781 lb)
Chronology
Successor Opel Insignia

The Opel Signum is a large family car that was engineered and manufactured by the German automaker Opel from 2003 to 2008. It was almost exclusively sold in Europe. In the United Kingdom, it was rebadged and sold under the Vauxhall Signum name. The Opel Signum was largely based on the Opel Vectra, and used the long-wheelbase version of the GM Epsilon platform, also used by the Opel Vectra Caravan.

The car was based on an unusual concept of a very large hatchback with a nearly vertical tailgate. Its dimensions place it between traditional large family cars and executive cars. In most markets, it was also priced accordingly (more expensive than the Opel Vectra, but less than e.g. Audi A6). The Opel Signum was intended to capture a whole new market segment.

From March 2008, the Vauxhall Signum was no longer listed on Vauxhall's current price list, which implied that RHD production ended, and both the Opel Signum and the Opel Vectra were replaced in October 2008 by the Opel Insignia range.[1]

2001 Signum2 Concept

The Opel Signum2 Concept is a luxury hatchback presented by Opel at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany, and the 2001 Bologna Motor Show in Italy. Design elements from the car were later used in the production Signum, which went into production in 2003. In November 2000, sketches of the Signum2 were present.[2]

The Signum name was also used on a concept car presented at the 1997 Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. In August 2001, the name of the car was announced.[3]

Differences compared to Vectra

The Signum platform is that of the Vectra Estate, the wheelbase is longer than the Vectra hatchback/saloon by 13 cm (5.1 in). This provides for very ample rear legroom. Instead of a traditional three-passenger bench seat, the Signum has two separate seats in the rear, which can be adjusted in many ways, including sliding back and forth (just like the front seats) and reclining backrests. There is also a very narrow central section, which includes a folding armrest and can also serve as a third seat (the Signum is fitted with three rear headrests and safety belts). The seats can also be folded down individually to increase the cargo space - a system that Opel calls Flexspace.

The Signum shares many body panels (including the complete front part of the body) and interior elements (in particular the complete dashboard and front seats) with the Vectra, but the tailgate and rear fender design is unique to the Signum. The Signum was facelifted along with the Vectra lineup in 2005, getting a new front fascia design and slight changes elsewhere.

All Signums were made alongside Vectras in Opel's Rüsselsheim plant in Germany.

Engines

The Signum was offered with a wide range engines it shared with the Vectra. These include:

Replacement

The car ceased production in 2008. Although no direct replacement was announced, much of the market territory it once occupied was filled by the Insignia (2008).

See also

Opel Vectra

References

  1. ↑ "United Press International: GM Woes Spell Trouble For Opel". UPI.com. Retrieved 6 December 2008.
  2. ↑ "Opel-Vauxhall Signum2 design study unveiled". cardesignnews.com. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
  3. ↑ "Signum2 concept for Frankfurt Motor Show gives a glimpse into Opel's Future". cardesignnews.com. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Opel Signum.
« previous — Opel car timeline, 1980s–present
Type 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s
0123456789 0123456789 0123456789 0123456
City car Agila A Agila B Karl
Adam
Supermini Corsa A Corsa B Corsa C Corsa D Corsa E
Chevette
Small family car Kadett D Kadett E Astra F Astra G Astra H Astra J Astra K
Ampera
Large family car Ascona B Ascona C Vectra A Vectra B Vectra C / Signum Insignia
Executive car Rekord E / Commodore C Omega A Omega B
Full-size car Senator A Senator B
Coupé Tigra A
Manta B Calibra
Monza
Convertible Tigra TwinTop B Cascada
Sports car Speedster GT (Roadster)
Mini MPV Meriva A
Compact MPV Meriva B
Zafira A Zafira B
Large MPV Sintra Zafira Tourer C
Mini SUV Mokka
Compact SUV Frontera A Frontera B Antara
Mid-size SUV Monterey
Pick-up Campo
LAV Kadett Combo Combo B Combo C Combo D
Van Bedford Blitz Arena Vivaro A Vivaro B
Movano A Movano B
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