Car Fanatics Forum

Car Fanatics
Photo credit: Kumar Jonnalagadda
May 18, 2012
By: CF staff


Buick Verano delivers key luxury features and characteristics found in the Buick LaCrosse, in an efficiently packaged, right-sized vehicle for the compact luxury market. It is the brand’s third all-new model in the past two years and the first in the compact luxury segment.

Verano is the latest model in a Buick product renaissance that began with the Enclave and continued with the LaCrosse and Regal. Like them, Verano is distinguished by luxury and technology, including 10 standard air bags, an available heated steering wheel and a Buick IntelliLink radio system with Bose Premium Audio and OnStar-powered connectivity that enables seamless communication between the Verano and the driver’s smartphone.

The all-new Buick IntelliLink system uses Bluetooth or USB to connect the driver’s smartphone to a seven-inch, LED high-resolution, full-color touch screen display radio. IntelliLink expands on Buick’s current Bluetooth and USB capabilities to allow smartphone control via voice activation and steering wheel-mounted controls. It also enables streaming stereo audio from the phone through services like PANDORA® Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®.

Most importantly, Buick IntelliLink enables seamless integration of stowed portable devices with each vehicle’s infotainment system, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Verano is designed to be the quietest compact sedan on the road, while delivering a responsive driving experience. An Ecotec 2.4L direct injected with six-speed automatic powertrain combination is standard and delivers 180 horsepower (134 kW), enabling 0-60 mph performance of 8.6 seconds and an EPA-estimated 32 mpg on the highway. A 2.0L turbo engine will be offered in the future.

I hate those chrome eyebrows... Kind of reminds me of a shiny angry bird.

How are the noise levels that they tout so highly in their commercials?

It looks so much better in person. I saw a red one last week - looks really good in that colour!

Its a very quiet car. Much like the Lexus ES. The interior smells like Starbucks Coffee. The interior is that brown color and its very nicely laid out. The A-Pillars can make it tough at some intersections but its very nice and easy to drive. The steering wheel is incredibly thick, probably the thickest steering wheel I've ever come across. The 4-cyl is adequate, its no power house but its very smooth, the engine can get a little noisy when being pushed but it works well with the smooth shifting transmission.

Can't wait to see what the new 2.5 is like or better still the 2.0 turbo...

It's a nice car. It's got more pep and completely different styling than the Cruze which is a huge plus (those who remember the Skylark say amen).

I miss farm country back in Ontario... is that Lakeshore Road you took the pics on, or maybe somewhere north of Toronto?

I'm definitely in the target market for Buick as a Mercury and Chrysler owner. I've been impressed with the three Buicks I've sampled recently, the Enclave (pre-update), LaCrosse and Regal Turbo. Both in styling and features, Buick is hitting my tastes very well. I'm looking forward to the Verano report.

The Voice of Doom;205958 Wrote:It's a nice car. It's got more pep and completely different styling than the Cruze which is a huge plus (those who remember the Skylark say amen).

I miss farm country back in Ontario... is that Lakeshore Road you took the pics on, or maybe somewhere north of Toronto?

Rev's down in the States my man...

Ha, VoD, that is the picturesque back road of Bethlehem, CT. The scenery can be beautiful here if you know where to go. Bas, I actually am liking this car. I thought it was going to be very boring but its incredibly comfortable, the seats are just great. The driver seat is like a lazy boy, but the biggest issue I have is the lack of seat controls for a Premium car. It only has a 4-way power and manual recline, it desperately needs lumbar support as my back felt awkward sitting in it. The steering wheel is incredibly meaty, and is heated which is nice but I didn't bother using it because its 70 degrees or more outside.

What happened to the second pic?

I happened to it!

Well at least the clouds are in focus.

are they?

Its called abstract, you bunch of talentless little fudge packers. I was just showing off my talent (or lack there of ) of picture taking in different ways. Just enjoy it damnit!