SECOND-HAND SENSEThe Opel Signum is not, it has to be said, an attractive car, but its looks don't totally account for its lack of popularity.
The problem with the Signum was its original pricing and the fact that it was designed to be all things to all people - hatchback, saloon and mobile office all in one. While it is a practical car, it never really distinguished itself in any one of these areas and it certainly never attracted the executives Opel hoped it would.
The logic behind the Signum project was to allow Opel take on smaller Mercedes and BMWs but, as we have noted often and anon in this column, big volume manufacturers' names simply do not have the cachet when it comes to office car park competition. The Signum is based on the Vectra and is cleverly designed, internally at least. On the outside it looks as if it has been stretched for road presence but the extra dimensions are simply designed to create greater load space in the rear.
The front, unlike the rear, is rather cramped. The rear has very comfortable seats that can be moved back and forward, which is very clever. However, the middle rear seat is a bit like a booster seat - so designed to accommodate awkward loads in the rear - so is not really comfortable.
The overall boot and rear capacity is nevertheless very impressive. When all the seats are lowered - including the front passenger's - the Signum will accommodate pretty much everything you throw into it.
The Signum does not have very impressive handling, and tends to buckle a bit under pressure, but the ride is fine. Average driving will suit it best and there are no problems on the open road. I have heard it suggested that the Signum would be a good family car, as long as there are only two children, and I would not disagree with this viewpoint. It feels strong, has a good reliability record and has plenty of space, whatever your requirements.
The car achieved a four star (out of a possible five) rating in the EuroNCAP crash tests. The strength of the body and the multiple airbags were praised but there was criticism of the fact that the driver's chest area was subject to quite heavy loads. Also the child protection system was not of the highest standard. Protection for pedestrians was described as "dire".
The Signum has a good record for reliability with only one recall, affecting some 7,000 cars, for problems with the exhaust clamp that holds the front and rear segments together.
There are three equipment levels and three engine choices and these are reflected in the small number of Signums available on the second-hand market.
A 1.8 petrol model registered in 2003 with alloys, metallic paint, multiple airbags, an immobliser, CD, air conditioning, ABS, traction control and electrics and 50,000 miles on the clock is on the market for €15,500. A 2.2 diesel version with the same equipment and 27,000 miles would be a good prospect at €16,975. High prices, however, reflect the Signum's original pricing structure.
- DONAL BYRNE
FOR: Reliability,interior space and load capacity
AGAINST: Looks and expensive to buy second-hand