March 2008

Opel Signum: Character and Class

  • Elegant looks combined with intelligent packaging
  • Generous space and extremely versatile interior
  • Eight engines from 1.9 CDTI with 100 hp to 2.8 V6 turbo with 250 hp

Rüsselsheim. The Opel Signum, first presented at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, represents an innovative vehicle concept, with highlights including outstanding interior versatility and generous space. At the same time, the top Opel model’s intelligent seating system ensures high-end comfort, even for rear passengers. The range of high-tech options offered for the Signum includes the IDSPlus chassis (Interactive Driving System) with electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC) and the networking of all driving dynamics systems, along with AFL bi-xenon headlamps (Adaptive Forward Lighting), which combine curve and cornering light in a single lighting unit. A further special optional comfort feature is the climate-controlled, orthopedically recommended MultiContour driver’s seat.

Design and packaging

The Opel top model’s character and elegantly packaged functionality are apparent from every angle. The Signum’s confident look begins at the dynamic front end with
chrome-colored lamp units behind clear glass (under dark tinted glass in Cosmo Plus variant). A wide chrome crossbar with Opel logo is the dominant feature of the grille. The long wheelbase combined with short rear overhang is also striking, and the elegant, elongated profile with Opel’s characteristic four-window graphics and wide C-pillar matches the domed window that wraps itself around the body’s rear contours.

The intelligent Signum packaging ensures plenty of space and high-end comfort in the interior. Thanks to the FlexSpace concept, the two outer rear seats can be slid individually 130 mm longitudinally to provide more luggage space or maximize legroom. The seat backs can also be reclined seamlessly up to 30 degrees. The fully functional center seat serves as a storage space when the cushion is rotated, and the seat back can be converted into an armrest.

Passive safety

The Signum sets standards in passive safety, comfort and quality. The basis for this is formed by the extensive use of light and high-strength materials. The extremely rigid passenger cell is complemented by standard safety equipment including multi-stage front airbags, side airbags for driver and front passenger, as well as front and rear head curtain airbags. The passenger protection package is rounded off by the patented Pedal Release System (PRS), as well as active head restraints in front to reduce the risk of whiplash injury. The outer rear seats feature mountings for the ISOFIX child seat system.

Equipment and extras

Opel offers the Signum in the Edition Plus and Cosmo Plus equipment lines. Highlights include:
Signum Edition Plus – Two-zone Electronic Climate Control (ECC), stereo CD-Radio CD 30 MP3, front and rear power windows, height and reach-adjustable steering wheel, heated power exterior mirrors, onboard computer, height and tilt-adjustable driver and front passenger seats with lumbar support, front and rear center arm rest, split (40:20:40) and collapsible rear seats, leather steering wheel and gearshift knob, fabric upholstery with morrocana leather (black or saddle brown), fog lamps, heat-absorbing glazing, solar reflect windshield, radio remote control central locking, 17-inch light alloy wheels
Signum Cosmo Plus (in addition to Signum Edition Plus) – Bi-xenon curve light, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), front and rear Park Pilot, heated seats, Visibility package (incl. Automatic Lighting Control ALC, rain sensor, photochromatic interior and exterior mirrors), chrome exterior door handles and door sills, silver roof rails, leather upholstery, solar protect heat-absorbing glazing in rear

Optional extras include electrically operated and heated MultiContour seat, swiveling tow hitch with Trailer Stabilization Assist (TSA) and Automatic Leveling System (ALS), as well as the Sport package. Various infotainment systems up to the MP3-compatible stereo CD-Radio DVD 90 Navi with DVD-based navigation system are also available.

Chassis and active safety

One of the Signum’s highlights is the standard IDS (Interactive Driving System) chassis. The basis for this is a McPherson strut front suspension hinged to the subframe and
four-link rear suspension. In addition, the Signum features map-controlled, electro-hydraulic rack-and-pinion power steering, four-channel ABS with Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), latest-generation Electronic Stability Program ESPPlus, Traction Control TCPlus with engine and brake intervention, as well as brake assist. An optimal balance between driving comfort and stability is provided by the adaptive IDSPlus chassis with electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC). This networked, high-tech chassis system comes as standard with the 2.8 V6 turbo engine and the 3.0-liter V6 CDTI unit (for Cosmo Plus). It is also available as an option with the 2.0-liter turbo, 150 hp CDTI and 2.2 DIRECT units.

Engines and transmissions

A wide range of state-of-the-art ECOTEC engines is available for the Signum, consisting of four gasoline units and four CDTI common-rail diesels, which are equipped with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter as standard. The top-of-the-line unit is the 2.8-liter V6 gasoline engine with 184 kW/250 hp, which uses a twin-scroll turbocharger to provide plenty of power in all driving situations. This engine accelerates the Signum to 100 km/h in seven seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h.

The most powerful diesel engine, the 3.0-liter V6 CDTI, produces 400 Nm of torque from just 1900 rpm, ensuring excellent driving performance. The six-cylinder engine also offers moderate fuel economy: it requires only 7.0 to 7.1 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. The three 1.9 CDTI engines are even more economical, needing only 5.9 to 6.0 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers.

All engines come with a six-speed manual transmission (except for the 1.8-liter unit). The 2.2 DIRECT engine is also optionally available with a five-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed automatic gearbox is available for the 2.8 V6 turbo, 1.9 CDTI with 150 hp and the 3.0 V6 CDTI units.

Quality and economic efficiency

The Signum’s top quality was again underlined by the J.D. Power Report customer satisfaction survey in 2005, in which it was named best European model of all classes. In addition to top materials and workmanship, the Opel Signum boasts excellent value retention. The basis for this is the extensive galvanization of the body, backed up by a
12-year anti-perforation warranty. The Signum’s clever body concept facilitates quick and economical repairs – a requirement for favorable insurance classifications. Signum owners also benefit from high manufacturing standards: along with the four and five-door Vectra sedans and the Vectra station wagon, the Signum is produced at the Rüsselsheim plant – one of the most advanced car production facilities in the world. As with all its other models, Opel grants a two-year new-car manufacturer’s warranty for the Signum, which goes far beyond the mandatory guarantee.

Opel Signum – Facts and figures

Timeline

  • January 2003: Production launch at new Rüsselsheim factory
  • March 2003: World premiere at Geneva Motor Show
  • May 2003: Sales start in Germany
  • April 2004: Market launch of 1.9 CDTI ECOTEC engines
  • July 2004: Introduction of additional high-tech equipment, including the adaptive IDSPlus chassis with electronic damping control
  • September 2005: Redesigned front end, V6 gasoline engine with 2.8-liter displacement and 230 turbo hp, 1.9 CDTI ECOTEC with 100 hp, diesel particulate filter for all CDTI models standard, more refined IDS chassis
  • November 2005: 1.8 ECOTEC (102 kW/140 hp)
  • December 2006: 2.8 V6 turbo with 184 kW/250 hp
  • Summer 2007: Standard equipment lines expanded by Edition Plus and Cosmo Plus

Highlights

  • FlexSpace concept ensures versatility and high-end comfort in rear
  • All diesel models feature a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter as standard
  • First mid-size class car – besides the Opel Vectra – with an adaptive chassis system (IDSPlus – Interactive Driving System) with electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC), as well as steering-linked AFL bi-xenon headlamp system (Adaptive Forward Lighting)
  • April 2004: 2.2 DIRECT named most environmentally compatible gasoline car in “ADAC EcoTest”
  • Spring 2005: Comparison test victories over international competitors
  • June 2005: Best model of all European automakers in “J.D. Power Report”
  • January 2007: Achieves very low defect rate in German TÜV Report 2007
  • Most popular equipment package in Germany in 2007: Edition
  • Most popular engine in Germany in 2007: 1.9 CDTI (150 hp)
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