Buick Verano

With the LaCrosse positioned as the Buick flagship model and the Regal positioned as the middle-class Buick, it seems that Buick meets its new addition to the family of GM's luxury marque and this one's a bit small and it has European engineering. In China, this was called the Buick Excelle GT (别克英朗GT), but here in the North American market, this is known as the Verano.

2012 Buick Verano

2012 Buick Verano interior

Yes, the Buick Verano is the newest compact sedan that provides premium luxury in a compact sizing. It uses the platform that was lifted from the latest-generation Opel Astra (Vauxhall Astra) and the Chevrolet Cruze.

On the exterior design, the Verano is a well sculpted baby brother of the Buick LaCrosse courtesy of its trademark styling cues designed by David Lyon. The front view looks very impressive but what makes it redundant is its side and rear view because it looks to be more Chinese rather than being American but whatever. It's far too radical to explain.

The Verano's interior was lifted from the latest generation Opel Astra because this was way too similar for a compact sedan like the Verano. Despite that, it still offers premium luxury and comfort for five adults. It features some of the premium amenities offered on the Verano such as the Dual-zone climate control, Heated steering wheel, Heated leather-appointed seating, Console armrest, Power windows, and front and rear reading lamps. This baby Buick really has a touch of class and what's surprisingly that it has a BOSE Premium Audio Speaker System with 9 speakers, which provides the best sound experience unlike any other compact sedans in the market.

The Verano is powered by a 2.4L Ecotec direct-injection DOHC engine with Variable Valve Timing that produces 180HP of power and 171lb-ft of torque. It is mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission, electronic controlled with overdrive. It provides "Quiet Tuning" lifted from the LaCrosse, which is impressive to block sound and vibration for the best silence needed. The Verano comes with the StabiliTrak with Traction Control to bring the best handling in corners.

The Buick Verano has six exterior colors such as Quicksilver Metallic, Summit White, Black Onyx, Crystal Red Tintcoat, White Diamond Tricoat, and Mocha Bronze Metallic.

My Comment:
This baby Buick could be a decent compact sedan that has a league of its own. Things that I like about the Verano are the impressive front view, Astra-inspired interior, BOSE Audio System, and its Quiet Tuning. This car nicknames it the baby LaCrosse. Things that I don't like about the Verano are that the side view is a bit more like the Volkswagen Jetta and the rear view is a bit more Chinese. Not only that, this car doesn't have a Sport Mode like the Opel Astra have. Maybe they should have think twice before coming up with the Verano sedan. However, this car is friendly for the beginners because of its starter price of 22,585 US Dollars, the cheapest Buick offered on its lineup.

Photo: General Motors

Opel Astra - Fourth Generation

It has been moments since General Motors decided to axe the Saturn brand by next year and keep the Opel/Vauxhall brand to the European GM division. But the differences ascend to the boiling point since the new Opel Astra came to the public and soon reaches to the world market either this, as a Vauxhall Astra in the United Kingdom, or as the Buick in China and if possible, the United States as the replacement for the evaporating Saturn Astra.





Available as a 5-door variant only, following with other variants filling up the new Astra range sometime, the quality of this Opel provides exceptional design, unmatched quality, and the performance that is well-made for the premium hatchback for adults. At the first rate, the new Astra looks similar to the sports variant of the Mazda Axela (Mazda 3), with the headlamps shaped like the Kia K7 premium sedan, but the heart of the Astra truly bred in the Autobahn.

The new Astra has a list of engines available as of press time. From the 1.4-litre, ecoFLEX engine to the 2.0-litre, CDTi ECOTEC diesel engine, there are nine available engines to choose from. Aside from the engine choices, the new Astra comes equipped with the FlexRide switch, providing the feel of the luxury car, a compact car, or a sports car, all in one package. Choose which mode, and feel free to drive the new Astra any way you want. The Compound Crank with Watt's Link rear axle suspension provides improved control and stability, giving the new Astra's driving control enjoyable for adults.





The Astra's interior design still carries Opel's new design language ever since the Vectra's replacement, the Insignia, provided the new look of Opel. With the comfort of the sports car with the spaciousness perfect enough to carry luggage, the exceptional interior of the new Astra is truly a modern living for adults who wished to try this new hatchback.

IS IT PERFECT ENOUGH?
With the new look of the Opel Astra; there is no difference between the words "luxury" and "sporty" all at the same time. The new Astra is a rival to the Mazda Axela, the Toyota Auris/Blade twins, and the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis (Lancer) Sportback. Promise this car, it will be perfect enough for adults to try this new hatch on the road.


Photo: GM Europe