After the dismissal of the Opel Omega in 2003, the German car-maker needed a new offer in the executive market and it came with the Signum, which was refreshed in 2005 along with the Vectra range.
The Opel Signum was the big flop on the German car-maker range. It was based on the long-wheelbase platform of the Vectra Station-wagon and, while the front was identical with its lesser brother, the rear was different but resembled the Opel/Vauxhall Astra, which was a compact hatchback. The 2005 refresh brought a new exterior look, new interior features, and a new engine.

From the outside, the most striking difference was on the headlights. The new parts were bigger and extended toward the A-pillar. The hood and the front fenders were changed. A wide chromed bar with the large Opel badge was the dominant feature of the grille.

Inside, the Signum retained its four-seats architecture with two separate places for the rear occupants. Due to its long roofline and 2.83m (111”) wheelbase, it offered plenty of legroom and headroom. There was a new, three-spoke steering wheel, new wood grains, aluminum, or carbon-look trims.

The engine lineup was completed with five gasoline engines (1.6 - 2.8 liter, 100 - 230 hp) and four CDTI common-rail types of diesel (1.9 - 3.0 liter, 100 - 184 hp). The top model was fitted with a turbocharged gasoline V6 unit. Apart from the base, 100 hp engine, which was fitted with a 5-speed manual, all the others were fitted as standard with a 6-speed manual. The 2.8 V6 Turbo, the 150 hp 1.9 CDTI, and the 3.0 V6 CDTI were available with a 6-speed automatic.

When launched in 2003, the Signum sparked a lot of surprise, particularly due to its shape which makes the car difficult to relate to a specific class.
Minutely designed, the Signum looks good. However, its hatchback shape is constantly contradicted by its nearly MPV size. Although one may have expected the Signum to be a comfortable 5 seater, Opel didn’t see any case in fitting the car with a 5th seat, and used that space to fit in a variety of comfort-enhancing tools such as food trays and beverage holders. Paradoxically, the height of the vehicle is just a tad above that of a sedan so the head room offered is yet far from matching that of an MPV.