If you want the practical convenience of a hatchback, the load carrying capability of an estate and the flexibility of an MPV, Vauxhall’s versatile Signum five door, revised last autumn, could fit the bill.

There’s more: the kind of refinement and comfort you would expect to find in an executive car. Should you also want acceptable power and efficiency but with frugality from an engine, the company’s latest 1.8 litre unit, which debuted in the new generation Zafira last year, is also now available in Signum.

The new power plant features a variable valve timing system, bringing a host of improvements compared to the unit that has been superseded. With output boosted from 120 to nearly 140 horsepower, the zero to 60mph sprint can now be achieved in just over 10 seconds and the top speed has been raised to 125mph. At the same time, fuel consumption has been reduced by an average of three per cent with the new engine achieving 39.2mpg on the combined cycle.

This more efficient engine also provides significant benefit in kind tax band reductions for company car drivers. A 40 per cent taxpayer would save £406 over three years. Advanced valve and cam phasing technology makes sure the engine is operating as efficiently as possible. With 90 per cent of the 175N-m maximum torque available between 2,200 and 6,200 revs the Signum 1.8 feels lively and responsive even at lower engine speeds making everyday driving more relaxed with less need to change gear and work the engine. The new engine is lighter than the previous version but has increased stiffness and structural strength.

ABS brakes are supported by electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and cornering brake control systems. Passenger safety is enhanced with the fitment of front, side and curtain airbags.

Signum’s versatility is enhanced by the provision of three rear seats featuring a 40:20:40 split and the centre portion can be turned to create more storage space. When they are all folded down the cargo area provides 1,400 litres worth of space.

An optional flat-fold facility on the front passenger seat enables it to be used as a work surface – or to provide even more space for those long or awkwardly shaped loads. Both front seats can be reclined.

What’s called a travel assistant sits between the two other rear seats and offers passengers two folding tables, an electrically operated cool box, a litter container, cup holders and a receptacle for a portable DVD player.

Signum also offers a twin audio module that permits differing audio or CD programmes at the front and rear. Every version of the Signum – and there are 30 of them – provides satellite navigation guidance as standard. The 1.8 Exclusiv entry model costing £18,150 which was provided for test also includes roof rails, cruise control, electrically operated windows with green tinted glass, remote control central locking with deadlocking, air conditioning with a pollen filter, foldable and heated door mirrors, some steering wheel mounted controls, a colour-keyed fleece velour carpet, a 12 volt power socket, a self-correcting RDS-time clock, headlight beam levelling with a ‘lights on’ warning and chrome effect air vent controls. The spare wheel is a space-saver.

The 1.8 engine is also available with the higher Elegance trim at £18,995.