West drive Opel Signum 2003 - 2005 hatchback

Sweet trip

The category of sedans of the upper middle class is a large and delicious pie, and almost all automakers are trying to grab a piece from it. They are trying to try to try, but it is not always possible to be too strong and the chains of the German triumvirate’s hands in which this pie fell. However, the desire from this does not weaken, and the methods of struggle for sweets become more and more sophisticated. Someone lies with sports, someone strives to stuff the car with all conceivable options, while others simply copy the genre's luminaries, which, of course, do not inactive either. The sense of third -party efforts, if you look into the eyes of the facts, a little, only the crumbs from the pie get. The research continues ...


In the case of Opel Signum, we can talk about a fundamentally new form of struggle, namely an attempt to transplant passengers of almost business class from a conservative sedan to something that simultaneously resembles a hatchback and a station wagon. It seems that the idea is quite viable, for the whole world has long been aware of the advantages of such a car layout. But is it a solid gentleman vital in Rolex and on the hatchback?


Recall the avant -garde Renault Avantime. A three -door hatchback, although the creators attribute it to the rank of compartment. What about him? Locked in Bose was discontinued. However, with a less radical Vel Satis, everything is in order, and with Opel the situation is different, because the company acts more pragmatic, offering moderate innovation in the person, which, most likely, will not allow the pioneer success.


The model is built on the Epsilon platform, which, recall, have Vectra and Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan. The difference is that the Stretch Variant base was prepared for Signum especially for 13 centimeters, and all of them were given, of course, to the rear passengers. Well, so that the car does not seem like a kind of overlap, reduced the rear overhang. As a result, Signum was longer than the standard Vectra by only four centimeters.


If in front the novelty copies Vectra (with small cosmetic changes like a detached radiator grill and nuances in the design of the bumper), then the back of the body is solved in the original style. The huge dome -shaped glass is rounded along the edges, it captures part of the massive rear racks and, along with large rubies of the rear lights, is the main element of the stern design. It looks emphasized technocratic and at the same time quite interesting. Unfortunately, there is nothing more to catch on the eye. But in general, Signum clearly replays Vectra, even in the modification of GTS. And it is perceived as a car above the designers managed to deceive the observer.


The concept of the internal space of Signum is called Flex- Space (from the English Flexible Space, flexible space), and, I must admit, it is really very flexible, direct analogues in the ranks of competitors are not yet visible. Speaking about the salon, the emphasis should be placed on the back of it that the most interesting solutions are concentrated there. However, there is something curious in front. We are talking about the latest development of multi -contouring seats. Opel representatives report that the creation of seats approved by Germanic orthopedists cost about 75 million euros! Rather, we will check the justification of such investments.


Strange, but the landing was not impressed. Despite a large number of electrical adjustments, it was not possible to sit like a glove with either the first or the fifth attempt. It seemed insufficient lateral support, which, along with slippery leather upholstery, made a few strain in corners. But we will be fair for all the time of trips to Opel Signum, no signs of fatigue appeared. And the ventilation system built into chairs is just a class! Getting up from a leather chair on a hot summer day, it is very surprising to feel, sorry, absolutely dry. Therefore, we evaluate the seats perfectly. After all, the purpose of the car is not at all sports, although more effective lateral support would still not hurt.


We look at the sun ceiling do not find, but we see a fairly long plastic panel. After small manipulations, we open as many as four niches in which a variety of small objects can be stored. Needless to say, caring for the consumer. But optional. We move back. Yes, practically a business class is open in all directions! The planting formula of the back row can be designated as two and a half. Two separate chairs and something solid plastic between them. This something is equipped with a headrest, which makes it clear in the middle is still possible. But how long, and with what comfort is a big question. In general, the middle place would be logical to call a multifunctional armrest with the possibility of use as a seat. By the way, if desired, the Travel Assistant device is installed here, which includes folding tables, cup holders, a socket, cooled boxing. And then everything will look logical, because in such machines there is rarely when three people are sitting, and two here is very comfortable.


The rear seats move in the longitudinal direction by 13 centimeters. The passenger can change the back of the back in a fairly wide range. The side windows are equipped with curtains, naturally, the ventilation system and heating the rear seats are present. In the wives of the rear seats, the trunk volume is 550 liters, and if you pull (directly from the passenger compartment) for special handles, then the backs will turn smoothly, forming an even floor, and the volume will miraculously increase to 1410 liters. Transportation of long goods is also possible to simply fold the front passenger chair. The fifth door is large, which ensures the convenience of loading. The force that must be attached to close it is quite large, it may not even work out the first time.


Like all modern cars, Signum is equipped with an impressive amount of passive safety. Frontal and side pillows, window curtains, belts with pretense and tension limiters, active head restraints for four main seats (another reason to refuse a medium rear place), a traumatic pedal node. Electronic assistance systems in the management of the machine can be attributed here.


Soon, the list of additional equipment will be replenished with another innovative passive security system. We are talking about AFL Adaptive Forward Lighting (adaptive head lighting), thanks to which in the dark, sections of the road, which the headlights of almost all modern cars are left unlit, will be clearly visible. Reading the readings from the speed and position of the steering wheel, the electronic brain of the car adjusts the direction of the light beam. Signum, equipped with AFL, can also boast of xenon high light.


The controllability of the car fits perfectly into its concept. Signum is obedient, understandable, comfortable and absolutely not exciting. The increased wheelbase made the car's behavior somewhat different than Vectra. The machine with changed suspension settings moves more solidly and confidently. The suspension is quite elastic, but the emphasis is not at all on sports, but on comfort. But this does not mean in any case that Signum does not steer well turns can be attacking quite aggressively. However, a pronounced insufficient rotation, tangible rolls and unsportsmaning seats are hunting to write out perfect trajectories in intricate turns. But on long straight lines, grateful to a flat powerful motor, it is much more interesting to ride. Regardless of speed, the car goes like rails, rebuilding is absolutely not strained.


The programs of the five -speed checkpoint are long, tormenting the sea, so it is not necessary to actively act with a pen. The clarity of the work of the checkpoint was not impressed. The lever moves are large, selectivity is not on top. However, these disadvantages float only with a rather energetic work by a lever of the gearbox. And the need for such may not be the wrong car.


Brakes without complaints. The correct operation of the ABS, adequate effort. The pedal knot left an ambiguous impression. The clutch pedal is very high. Unknown! The overview of the forward is excellent, but when parking reversing at first, difficulties may arise. The review is clamped with wide rear racks. Just think about parking sensors, which is one of the options in the list of additional equipment.


Signum offers a wide selection of checkpoints and power units. It should be noted that new Opel engines will debut by car. The first engine of a German company with a direct fuel injection 2.2 Direct Ecotec, which is the development of the 2.2 Ecotec motor. This power unit is more powerful, more elastic and more economical than its predecessor. Number two 2.0 Turbo, an even unit issuing an impressive maximum torque of 265 Nm in the range from 2500 to 3800 rpm. Well, of course, the modern diesel V6 CDTI ECOTEC, with a volume of 3 liters, with a capacity of 177 hp. And, of course, with a gigantic moment 370 Nm. By the way, a new six -speed automatic transmission will be offered with the two last engines.


The price factor is determining, the success of Signum depends on it. The basic equipment of the model is more expensive than a standard Vectra for less than 3,000 euros. The proposal is tempting. Naturally, in the event that you are attracted to everything new, and the unusual hatchback concept is almost a business class seems to be a good alternative to a classic sedan.
 
Leonty Tyutelev
 

Source: Motor magazine [September 2003]