Pictures - 2012 Buick Verano

The all-new Buick Verano is a compact car that finds its roots in the European Opel Astra, which coincidentally also underpins the new Chevrolet Cruze, but for Buick the car will come with a bit more luxury and find itself competing in the near-luxury segment.

Following Buick’s current design language, the Verano features a sculpted design with a familiar Buick face. Of course a waterfall grille is front and center, flanked by blue translucent projector beam headlamps not unlike the units used on the larger Regal. Historically accurate hood-mounted porthole vents complete the Verano’s front end.

A steeply-raked windshield and fast-sloping rear pillars are intended to give the Verano a decidedly sporty look, culminating in a rear end that is fairly unique within the Buick lineup. However, some might not agree with Buick’s decision to use chrome accents on the rear taillights. The Verano is about six inches shorter overall than the Regal.

The Verano’s interior carries over the theme of luxury and sport, featuring a dash and center stack that is familiar within the Buick family. The Verano is available with a number of luxury features, including a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, touch screen navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.

Despite its entry-level designation, Buick engineers have gone to great lengths to ensure the Verano’s cabin is as quiet as possible - a detail often associated with luxury. The Verano is fitted with details like hydraulic ride bushings, a five-layer headliner, triple sealed doors and 4.85-mm laminated glass to keep as much noise out of the cabin as possible.

Interior features include remote start, electronic e-brake, power windows and locks, steering wheel-mounted radio controls, automatic climate control, fabric-wrapped A-pillars and available push-button start/stop, heated steering wheel and leather seating.

Power for the Verano is supplied by the same 2.4-liter engine used in the slightly larger Regal, generating 177 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. Shifting through a six-speed transmission – both manual and automatic gearboxes are on offer.

However, some buyers in the compact segment may be let down by the Verano’s fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.





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