Vauxhall - Signum

2003 onwards 

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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.

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	Refined, spacious long-distance cruiser
	Long wheelbase gives a smooth ride
	Smoothly energetic 2.2 16v and 3.0 engines
	Too radical for conservative British executives?
	Vauxhall lacks prestige in executive circles
	Depreciates rapidly and heavily

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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.