When Vauxhall launched the Signum in June 2003 it was aimed fairly, squarely and unashamedly at the company car driver.

Packed with equipment and presented as Vauxhall’s new flagship model it was intended to lever middle managers out of their base model BMWs and Audis and into a Vauxhall. It didn’t work.

Without the kudos of the German marques, Vauxhall was always going to need more than just generous equipment levels. It was in the end forced to discount the Signum, bringing it within reach of the Ford Mondeo-driving company echelons. This in turn did little to inspire private buyers concerned about residual values and the Signum quickly became a no-go area for private cash.

But nearly three years after its launch the Signum deserves another chance as a used car. Second-hand examples are plentiful and prices are attractive. There is also an impressive track record of reliability. Like many top of the range models from middle-ranking manufacturers, the Signum is as good a used car as it was a bad new one.

There is a choice of petrol and diesel engines. The smallest 2 litre petrol produces 173bhp thanks to the addition of a turbocharger. This makes the car reasonably quick and relatively economical. Next is the 152bhp 2.2 litre unit, which is almost as quick and manages to squeeze an extra 5mpg. The range topping 3.2 V6 boasts 207bhp but its power advantages are outweighed by heavy fuel consumption.

There are three diesels: the 2 litre 99bhp unit is disappointing while the 3 litre V6 with 174bhp is strangely sluggish. The mid-range 2.2 litre with 123bhp is the pick of the bunch. Both petrol and diesel offer a manual or auto box on all but the 2 litre models. Most buyers prefer the manual, which although not the smoothest in the world is robust.

Vauxhall called its entry level model the Elegance, while the mid spec car is the Design and the top spec car the Elite. Even on the Elegance the standard equipment is good and includes air-conditioning, alloys, electric windows and mirrors, plus a long list of safety features such as six airbags and ABS.

The Design model plays the role of sports derivative with 17in alloys and stiffened suspension. The result is a firm ride that some drivers will not enjoy, although the sports front seats are supportive. Expect to pay about £400 more for a Design than an Elegance.

At the top of the range sits the Elite with leather upholstery, electric seat adjustment and trip computer. This adds around £1,200 to the price.

One of the Signum’s most unusual features is its rear-seat configuration. There are two large rear seats divided by a smaller middle seat. The cushion of this seat can be folded forward and flipped over to reveal a storage console, and the upper section can be folded down to provide an armrest for those occupying the two outer rear seats.

The whole rear seat slides forward and back, giving huge amounts of legroom (at the expense of boot space), and by reclining the seatback passengers can nod off as if travelling by plane.

If you fancy a big car that’s well made and a little bit individual then the Signum should be on your list.


Ride Design models have 17in alloys and sports suspension, giving a harsh ride

Storage Roof-mounted storage bins are reminiscent of aircraft. Optional “Travel Assist” box mounted in the centre rear seat has to be removed and stored to carry third passenger and may rattle when in position

Rear seats Best for two adults plus occasional child

Dimensions The high roofline and short overhangs create a big-car look

Satellite navigation Standard fit across the range since summer 2004

Stereo Four-disc CD player standard on all models

Safety Front, side and full-size curtain airbags are standard although the car achieved only four stars in the Euro NCAP tests when some rivals managed five

Security Alarm system with sensors and deadlocks standard on all models

Boot space Capacity of 480 litres is reduced by more than 100 when the rear seat is moved back to give extra legroom

Servicing Due every 20,000 miles on petrol models and 30,000 miles on diesel cars

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Vauxhall Signum 2.2 Elegance
Engine 2198cc, four cylinders
Power 152bhp
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 34.9mpg (combined cycle)
Acceleration 0-62mph: 9.1sec
Top speed 130mph

THE ONE TO BUY

Vauxhall Signum 2.2 Elegance 2003 03 with 50,000 miles and a full service history. Pay £7,525 from a dealer or £6,500 privately

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Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. ‘Trade’ is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; ‘Retail’ is what you would pay a dealer