Buick Regal

I had opportunity recently to take the new Regal out for a spin and must admit that it’s very different than expected. Or maybe

Buick's new Regal points the way toward a world class lineup of premium-level vehicles. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

I expected it to be different, but wasn’t quite sure exactly how it would be unique from previous Buicks.

I’ve spent more time in the new LaCrosse, and was thoroughly impressed with the new four-door that vaults Buick right into the entry-level luxury class, the midsize model now capable of fighting it out with cars like the Acura TL, Lexus ES 350 and Volvo S60, among others, whereas the Regal will face off against Acura’s TSX, Volvo’s S40 and in some respects, Hyundai’s luxuriously-appointed 2011 Sonata. And Regal, despite being derived from the same architectural roots as LaCrosse, feels completely different, much lighter and more agile, while still delivering a decidedly upscale experience.

As soon as I slid

Attractive design sells car, so expect the Regal to do very well. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

inside the perforated leather driver’s seat of my CXL tester my eyes gravitated to the new centre stack. Buick, and all of GM, received upgraded primary and ancillary switchgear some time ago, and when it came out it was class leading. The old switches, knobs and buttons are still very good for entry-level brands, even bordering on premium quality, but what Buick’s integrated into the Regal is a significant move upward. The rectangular buttons are so tightly spaced that it’s a wonder they don’t chafe up against each other, and there’s absolutely no side-to-side wiggle. Understated chrome embellishment adds a little upscale flair, tying the stack in with the rest of the dash and instrument cluster. All displays glow with blue backlighting, adding a calming effect and ideal for visibility day or night. A nice and meaty leather-wrapped

If you haven't been in a Buick lately, you're in for a dramatic surprise. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

steering wheel was fitted to my test example and the raised stitching in its leather seats is a nice touch. Also high on my list are the soft-touch surfaces that abound all-round, while the A-pillar is clothed in a nice mesh fabric.

It should come as no surprise that the Regal looks and feels as upscale as it does, as the interior comes to us by way of GM’s Chinese division, where Buick rates as one of the country’s luxury leaders, and the rest of the car is derived from GM’s Opel Insignia, a vehicle that won 2010 European Car of the Year. And that goodness translates into performance too. Currently only one engine is available, a 2.4-litre direct-injection enhanced Ecotec four that makes 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque, and while fully capable I noticed that brute power isn’t one of its attributes. The engine is smooth,

Quality of materials, good craftsmanship, superb design... the new Buick. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

if a bit noisy in the upper rev range, and lacks some of the zip that a few rivals offer with their new direct-injection fours. Still, the six-speed automatic is smooth and efficient. Noteworthy, the same six-speed automatic will shift gears for a turbocharged engine upgrade available towards the end of the summer, plus a six-speed manual will be added for the upgraded engine. A manual shifter in a Buick!?! Go figure! The 2.0-litre four-cylinder boasts 220 horsepower, which should make for a significant improvement over the naturally aspirated car I drove yet still seriously outshined by some competitors from a performance perspective.

A bonus to the Regal’s lineup of powertrains is fuel economy, however. The car I drove gets

Buick makes no excuses with its high-quality switchgear. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

an estimated 10.4 L/100km in the city and 6.7 on the highway, while the 2.0-litre turbo will be good for about 7.0 L/100km in the city. Still, while its fuel economy is good, it’s not at the level of some competitors, which probably has a lot to do with the Regal’s heft. It’s not a light car at 1,633 kilos (3,600 lbs), at least compared to some of its Asian rivals, which increases consumption. On the positive it makes for a solid car, with that European build quality we’ve all grown to appreciate. So, even if it’s fuel economy is not quite as good as some, it’ll be good enough to appeal to that younger audience Buick so desperately needs.

On that thought, my step dad had a Buick Century wagon

One of the best navigation systems available, this split-screen unit is enhanced with OnStar. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

company car and my mother owned an Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais, virtually the same car as the Buick Somerset, it being one of Buick’s first forays into the small car segment; Skyhawk, a slightly tarted up Cavalier, was first. My mother’s was a nice little car for the era, but hardly as efficient as Japanese cars in the mid-‘80s and nowhere near as nicely put together, nor as performance oriented as the Europeans. Oh how the Regal will change mindsets!

While some things remain, like the trademark chromed waterfall grille, albeit shaped in a much more modern, wind-cheating fashion, the new sedan changes the shape of Buick, even going so far to ditch the hood-side ventiports that were reintroduced on the Lucerne and currently show up on the Enclave and LaCrosse. It’s a sleek,

Regal interior styling is really quite beautiful. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

modern design that hardly hints at Buick’s luxury barge past, with a surprisingly roomy rear seat and substantive trunk.

Attractive 13-spoke alloy wheels are a full 18 inches in diameter and mounted on P235/50R18 all season tires; 19-inch wheels and tires are optional. Those tires connect through to a MacPherson front strut suspension and a four-link independent rear setup with single-path mountings and hydraulic ride bushings, while the upgraded 2.0-litre turbocharged model will get an all-new Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS), which lets the driver select between Normal, Tour and Sport suspension settings. Settings for what?

Exception rear seat roominess for its class. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

The system continually monitors a driver’s style by assessing yaw rate, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering wheel and throttle input and vehicle speed, as well as checking the dynamic vehicle state, including acceleration, braking and cornering, to optimize the reaction of the chassis to maximize performance and comfort. Four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel ABS and brake assist work very well (the turbocharged car will get more powerful brakes), and the electronic parking brake is an upscale feature that shows Buick has arrived.

Of course, the standard 12-way powered, leather-clad and heated driver’s seat and heated leather front passenger seat, both of which feel firm and supportive just like

Buick has taken its best elements, combined them with GM's global pool of talent and put together a car with world class credentials. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

many European rivals, show that Buick has arrived too. The Regal can also be had with a navigation system, a harmon/kardon audio system, ten gigs of hard drive for music, as well as a USB port, while Bluetooth capability, XM Satellite Radio and OnStar come standard. 

Other standard items include GM’s StabiliTrak stability control system and full-function traction control, while standard dual-stage front airbags, side-curtain airbags and a pedal-release system, while rear-seat thorax airbags can be had. 

The car I drove seems to be priced well at $32,990, although some vehicles in brands approaching

From nose to tail, the Regal shows an all-new Buick. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

entry-level luxury in interior quality, styling and performance can be had fully featured for thousands less. Buick is earning back its near-premium status, however, hard fought by its Enclave and new LaCrosse, so the Regal should be able to command slightly more at base and more yet when the turbocharged model hits the showroom floor, which will be priced at $35,990.

And it’s Buick’s newfound attention to detail that will help it achieve higher pricing, with satin metallic, piano black and new Kibo-patterned interior trim materials adding to its rich appeal. Kibo, incidentally, is a beautiful dark, progressively grained wood. Yes, real genuine wood in a Buick! Certainly things are changing in Detroit.

Interior

Exterior

Mechanical

Safety

Dimensions

Misc

(1SB) 1SB CXL Preferred Equipment Group

(1SC) 1SC CXL Preferred Equipment Group

(1SD) 1SD CXL Preferred Equipment Group

(1SE) 1SE CXL Preferred Equipment Group

(1SF) 1SF CXL Preferred Equipment Group

(GAR) Carbon Black Metallic

(J005) Standard Gloss Paint

(K05) Engine Block Heater