Car Test
|
R0351 | |
|
August 2003 |
||
| First Drive | Vauxhall Signum | |
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: 2.2 Direct Elite | |
|
The Signum is one of those sector-straddling specials which we’re now seeing in growing numbers. In this case, Vauxhall’s new Vectra-based ‘premium’ model is neither orthodox saloon, hatchback or estate – or rather, it’s all three in one. By offering clever FlexSpace seating versatility (something of a Vauxhall speciality these days), it’s designed to combine unrivalled passenger comfort with outstanding luggage space.
When the two back seats are slid right back, rear legroom exceeds that of even Skoda’s splendidly spacious Superb and the almost equally roomy Renault Vel Satis. Clever that, because the Signum is only 4cm longer than the Vectra – it’s the stretched (13cm-longer) wheelbase that deserves the credit. It’s extremely comfortable, too, because the backrests recline by up to 30 degrees and there’s a lot of footspace and headroom for two. Pity the third rear passenger, though, on the ‘occasional’ perch in the centre. In fact, in the Elite, this area is occupied by the so-called Travel Companion – a (removable) bulky box of tricks containing a coolbox, fold-out tables, drinks holders, a waste bin and a clamp for a DVD player. There’s also stowage space for family knickknacks in the long, overhead storage console. Moving the back seats forwards increases the boot length by up to a useful 13cm. What’s equally nifty, though, is the way that, in one easy movement, the 40/20/40 split back seats fold flat to form a long, well-carpeted load floor. And, if you then fold down the front passenger’s seatback, long objects can stretch from tailgate to facia. Our car was powered by Vauxhall’s new 2.2-litre direct-injection engine. It’s an all-alloy, balancer shaft-smooth unit that’s not only Tractable at low rpm, but sprightly, too, particularly if you give it a generous dose of revs – beyond 4000 it really feels on song. When motorway cruising, though, we often felt that it would be nice to have the longer-legged stride of the new six-speed 'box that’s standard in the more-powerful 2.0 Turbo and 3.0 V6. From the centre pillars forward, the Signum is very much Vectra, so expect dark trim, and seats that are pretty unyielding – partly due to the leather, perhaps. But at least their eight-way electric adjustments – for both – help to give a first-rate driving position at the reach-and-rake adjustable wheel. One thing that takes time to adjust to, however, is the way that the audio system, climate control and trip computer all have to be set up via the central display screen (for the optional satnav, too). The longer wheelbase doesn’t bring about a magical transformation to the Vectra-style ride, which can be fidgety on bumpy B-roads. It improves considerably on main roads and motorways, however, where the car bowls along with well-settled ease and modest tyre noise. The brakes feel fine and although the electro-hydraulic steering isn’t pin-sharp around the straight-ahead position, it feels good when bend-swinging. A little more self-centring action wouldn’t come amiss, though. |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||
