2005 Vauxhall Signum Elite V6 CDTI 3.0 V6 Turbodiesel

Summary:

Executive estate performance bargain!

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

The motoring press are a funny lot... if you pay attention to the reviews they give the Signum, you would think it must be some sort of real oddball vehicle - they really dislike it when a vehicle comes along that they can't pigeonhole into one of their designated categories.

When I started looking around for a luxury estate type vehicle, I considered quite a few different models and finally concluded that a BMW 330D SE touring would fit the bill as it had the requisite qualities in terms of comfort, power and economy.

The only drawback being the high purchase price.

That was until I happened upon a Signum 3.0 V6 CDTI...

This has to be one of the best kept secrets of nearly new vehicles in the trade.

Thanks to the poor reception it has received by motoring journalists, initial depreciation is crippling and nearly new ones come along at bargain basement prices.

In terms of performance and comfort alone it really isn't far off the BMW. The BMW 3.0 litre turbodiesel is widely held to be the best diesel motor of its size available, well, having driven both, I can tell you the 3.0 litre V6 CDTI unit from Vauxhall is very much a gem as well, with huge amounts of torque available - in the real world of everyday use, the performance is very, very similar indeed. Where the Signum really scores is in equipment levels and PRICE!

Mine was bought at just 6 months old (ex Vauxhall management vehicle) with 1500 miles on the clock, full leather, sat nav, CD/MP3 player, climate control and 6 speed gearbox and 3 year warranty for just over £15K... almost half list price! Whilst it may still continue to depreciate slightly more heavily than the BMW - in real cash terms it will lose significantly less money over the next 2 years. So, if you are looking for a classy, high performance executive estate and aren't a badge snob, then the Signum just cannot be ignored.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st August, 2006

4th Aug 2006, 04:31

I totally agree with this reviewer - I too have a 2004 3.0 cdti Signum which I have owned for 18 months without any problems and average around 44 mpg.

As a previous owner of Mercedes, BMWs and Audi's I can tell you that this vehicle is as good as any of them... I simply woke up to the fact that you are only paying for the badge.

I still feel smug in the knowledge that I am driving around in one of the best motoring bargains to be found today!

31st Mar 2007, 13:57

I paid £12600 for a 14-month old (latest model) Signum 3.0 CDTi with 13k, with the intention of using it as a towcar for my caravan (1450kg MPLM). It is supremely comfortable, best suited to wafting along rather than thrown about like a sportscar, and is absolutely awesome as a towcar - bags of torque and rock-solid stability, for which the electronic stability control helps. 28mpg around town, mid 40's on any run, 25mpg towing. The wife loves the heated seats!

12th Aug 2007, 14:51

I recently bought a year old Signum Elite 3.0 litre auto with 21000 on the clock. I was over the moon with its performance, and it's 5 mpg better than my old Omega 3.0 litre Elite.

Then the problem, travelling at approx 45-48 mph I released the throttle and was on over run for approx 100 yards; then pulled out to overtake the vehicle in front, NO response from throttle. The driver behind me who followed me out into the o/side of the road gave me a blast plus the finger gestures.

No matter what I did with pedal, the revs would not pick up, and moving from auto to tiptronic did not make any difference.

There were no warning lights up on the dash.

This loss of power lasted for 1/4 mile. I pulled over and parked up for 1 1/2 hours. Returned and started engine; NO power switched. I off and restarted in P and N; still would not accelerate.

Held pedal down and revs picked up after approx 30 seconds.

Main dealer has it from Monday 13; I don't want it back if they can't find a fault. This could kill on the motorway.

2005 Vauxhall Signum Exclusiv 1.9 CDTi (150)

Summary:

One Great Vauxhall

Faults:

Absolutely nothing at all.

General Comments:

This car is a very comfortable motorway cruiser, with plenty of legroom for all occupants.

Turbo Diesel engine really has great performance and economy.

On average 46 miles to the gallon is easily achievable, the built in Sat Nav is really impressive. Have yet to find any negative points about this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th March, 2006