GM has just announced that the 2012 Buick Verano will be priced from $23,470 (including an $885 destination fee) when it goes on sale later this year. The top trim will cost $26,850.
Standard features on the Verano include leaterette seating, 7-inch LED touch-screen radio display with IntelliLink, automatic climate control, remote start, power windows and steering wheel radio controls. The only engine offered is a 180 horsepower/ 171 lb-ft 2.4-liter four-cylinder. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission offered.
Keen readers of Inside Line's blogs will notice that the top-trim Verano is only $800 more than our fairly-loaded 2011 Chevy Cruze. And while you'll certainly be able to outfit the Verano with options like a suroof and expensive stereo, careful shoppers -- especially those who want some power-- will at least be considering Buick. If Buick can get the word out that is.
rollk says:
11:09 AM, 09/ 6/11
I think I'd rather have a Chrysler 300...
bassrockerx says:
11:52 AM, 09/ 6/11
This looks really nice actually I like it especially the styling. Lincoln doesn't have anything like this and it punches the Chrysler 200 in the face. The only competition I see for this car is the Hyundai azera but it is much more expensive then this
ed124c says:
11:57 AM, 09/ 6/11
#bassrockerx: The Verano is smaller than a Regal, which is smaller than a Sonata, which is smaller than an Azera. So, technically, they don't compete. Everyone is allowed to choose any size car they want.
I want Olds or Pontiac back.
bc1960 says:
12:07 PM, 09/ 6/11
It has 4 cylinders but appears to have 6 ventiports--what's up with that? And another company on another continent rocking vinyl upholstery--in brown and butterscotch?--maybe it's time to get my Lava Lamp and tie-dyed Ts out of the attic.
roar02ram says:
12:17 PM, 09/ 6/11
Cimarron much? To be fair, it isn't a simple badge job, it looks nice enough, and the Cruze is a solid starting point, blah, blah, blah, but for real? I don't think so. Perfect car for geezers needing nice, economical transportation. But as for everyone else? Forget it.
bodyblue says:
12:23 PM, 09/ 6/11
"Lincoln doesn't have anything like this and it punches the Chrysler 200 in the face"
HUH? Lincoln has nothing that small, the MKZ has REAL leather standard not BS "leatherette" and a smooth V6 not that EcoTec tractor engine....so you are correct, Lincoln has nothing like it.....and as for "punching" please provide any comparison road test where you can prove your statement. On paper they are close and the 200 has the option of the 283hp Pentastar ....who would punch whom with over a 100 more ponies?
As it was in the beginning, as it is now.....badge engineering without end.
throwback says:
12:25 PM, 09/ 6/11
I see GM having the same problem Ford has with the Fusion/MKZ. I would buy a Cruze over this in a heartbeat, Pun intended. The more powerful engine is nice, but is the car any quicker than a 1.4T, 6speed auto combination in the Cruze? The Regal should be the bottom of the range in the USA. What's the point of 3 car divisions if you're going to be stepping over each other?
par_avion says:
12:25 PM, 09/ 6/11
Perfect car for old folks.
jaeger1 says:
12:28 PM, 09/ 6/11
@ed124c - the Regal is larger than the Sonata in every exterior dimension. Look it up.
As for the Verano - I'd take it any day of the week over the Cruze. Better looking inside and out (though I'd pass on the Williy Wonka chocolate caramel fantasy treatment), and a good deal more power for not a lot more money. Can you say "cannibalized sales"?
stovt001 says:
12:30 PM, 09/ 6/11
"The more powerful engine is nice, but is the car any quicker than a 1.4T, 6speed auto combination in the Cruze?"
It doesn't have to be quicker. As long as it fixes the horrid tip-in, throttle lag, and transmission "calibration" of the 1.4T/6A combo, it will be worth it.
On the other hand, I totally forgot this car will exist soon. I'm skeptical this will amount to significantly more than a badge engineering job. I fear Buick will need something more focused and differentiated to move the needle.
j2j says:
02:10 PM, 09/ 6/11
The Azera and Verano are pretty much on the opposite sides of the size-spectrum (the Azera is comparable in size to the Lucerne).
As Buick designs go, the Verano is a disappointment - looks too much like a economy car w/ Buick elements hastily/cheaply tacked on (comparisons to the Cimarron are right on the money - at least when it comes to the sheetmetal).
The interior looks pretty good tho.
zimtheinvader says:
03:16 PM, 09/ 6/11
" Everyone is allowed to choose any size car they want."
No way! You have to buy the car I like!
firstwagon says:
04:56 PM, 09/ 6/11
"As Buick designs go, the Verano is a disappointment - looks too much like a economy car w/ Buick elements hastily/cheaply tacked on (comparisons to the Cimarron are right on the money - at least when it comes to the sheetmetal)."
Wrong brand. What we have here is the new Buick SkyHawk.
cr_driver says:
06:06 PM, 09/ 6/11
Is that fake wood?
Really don`t like those gauges...
bc1960 says:
07:33 PM, 09/ 6/11
Well, even some Acuras have fake wood, although I'd choose something else. But I can't get over this specific interior color scheme--it reminds me of my Dad's '72 Capri, except that looked better. Plus points for not making it monotone, however.
roadburner says:
08:07 PM, 09/ 6/11
This car will make a perfect "dinghy" for Paw-Paw to tow behind his Winnebozo.
milt721 says:
07:20 AM, 09/ 7/11
How does the exterior styling differ from a Regal?
dougtheeng says:
07:51 AM, 09/ 7/11
stop it with the fender ventssssssssssssssssssss
dougtheeng says:
07:51 AM, 09/ 7/11
er, hood vents. gah i hate fake vents.
noburgers says:
08:13 AM, 09/ 7/11
dam vents!
even though it is smaller than a Regal, they are so similar I no longer can tell what Buick model is going by--Regal, Lacrosse, Verano. I should be able to tell it apart from the Lacrosse based on the bulk of the Lacrosse, I suppose....same goes with Audi now unless it's a TT or coupe.
Yet it is easy to tell a Cruze from a Malibu from an Impala.
audisport says:
08:54 AM, 09/ 7/11
@bassrockerx- The 200 with V6 has 100 more hp than the Buick and it wouldn't shock me to see the 200 getting similar real world gas mileage, which is pathetic considering that the Buick is a compact.
bodyblue says:
09:14 AM, 09/ 7/11
"er, hood vents. gah i hate fake vents. "
"Venti-Ports" :)
ergsum says:
09:40 AM, 09/ 7/11
Don't mind dougtheeng; he's just venting!
bodyblue says:
09:53 AM, 09/ 7/11
ba-da-bing! erg, you are always ready!