The Buick Verano Interior The Buick Verano Exterior 2012 Buick Verano: First Drive By Bengt Halvorson 2012 Buick Verano - First Drive Not too long ago, when Buick and Pontiac (and farther back, Oldsmobile) occupied a vague middle ground that was more premium (or sportier-flavored) than Chevrolet but not as luxurious as Cadillac, it seemed that many Buicks were merely thinly disguised, cosmetically different versions of what you might find at the Chevrolet dealership, for thousands less. And often, they were. Now with those other brands mothballed, it seems that 'badge engineering' is truly out at GM, and Buick is again finding its focus. The all-new 2012 Buick Verano is a prime example. It stands proud with Buick badging, with big trishield Buick emblems over the grille, on the rear, and on the steering wheel. It comes with an interior—along with features and appointments—that are undeniably a step up from entry-market. And it offers a more refined experience plus better performance than you'd find in the most affordable cars its size—in the end, for what's closer to Chevy money than Cadillac money.  The Verano is the smallest Buick to come to market in a while. At about 184 inches long, it's on the cusp between compact and mid-size—and virtually the same size, in nearly every dimension, as the Chevrolet Cruze. Given GM's product history, it's easy to jump to conclusions. But first off, Buick insists that the Verano isn't just a badge-engineered Cruze. The Verano comes with a different powertrain; it shares very few parts with the Cruze; and it doesn't share any structural components with the Cruze above the floorpan. And if you need any further proof, the two sedans are even assembled at different plants altogether: The Verano is assembled at the Lake Orion, Michigan plant that used to make the Pontiac G6 (and now also makes the Sonic), while the Cruze is made at Lordstown, Ohio. Like a big sedan, sized down At first look, it's the long, arching roofline that helps give the Buick Verano proportions that are closer to those of the smaller LaCrosse than a larger small car. Otherwise, the look is very conservative. The Verano's flanks have clean, flowing sheetmetal, with a subtle accent beltline; and the vertically straked grille, low hood and large, detailed headlamps (with hints of blue) call it out as a Buick. Chrome has been overused as an accent in recent years, but Buick has (mostly) done it tastefully; we especially liked the light strokes of chrome that angle around the rear corners then angle downward toward the center in back. But as for the Buick 'ventiports,' which find their way again to the Verano's front fenders...we bet they're still going to be seen as a bit tacky by the younger, more affluent crowd the brand is trying to attract. Early on in a day spent driving the Verano, we nicknamed it the incredible shrinking car—because every time we stepped out to switch drivers, it looked more compact from the outside than it felt from the inside. The Verano's interior packaging is quite conventional, but it really feels like a mid-size car inside. Front seats are supremely comfortable, and the driver's seat adjusts into such a wide range of positions that this 6'-6” driver would be comfortable on an all-day—or, for that matter, cross-country—drive. This is one of the best vehicles on the market for long-legged drivers; I didn't even need the seat back all the way. On the other hand, the 2012 Verano has a decent back seat, with enough comfort and headroom for most adults, but the need to juggle legroom between the front and back is the only compromise—and the only real reminder that this isn't quite a mid-size car. The trunk is huge, too. Our test car, for most of the time—one of the top-level models, at $26,850—had a beautiful Choccachino leather interior; but we also took a short drive in a base model ($23,470) with light-beige combination cloth-and-leatherette and think we'd be nearly as happy with that combination. Materials, detailing, fit, and finish in our “early sale production” models were every bit as good as, if not better than, you'd find in a Lexus IS, ES, or HS. Quiet-tuned—and they mean it One key phrase you hear often from the Buick team when discussing this car is “quiet-tuning.” As with most of the other models from this brand, Buick is making an effort to differentiate the 2012 Verano from other models in its class by making the driving experience remarkably quiet and stress-free. And you're likely to notice before you even start the engine is that the Verano is quiet. Thanks to triple-sealed doors, laminated side glass, an acoustic laminated windshield, a woven-acoustic-material headliner, and the extensive use of other sound deadeners like foams, baffles, mats, and shredded jean denim, the Verano is very, very quiet inside. 18-inch alloy wheels are standard, too; as Buick says, they give the Verano a better ride and help cut road noise versus steel wheels. From the outside, the four-cylinder engine makes a little direct-injection racket, but you don't hear any of it inside. Buick even went so far as to have someone walk around the car with a gasoline leaf blower, having us open and close the windows and doors to show off all the insulation. It's very impressive. If you've wondered why we've held off on actual moving-vehicle driving impressions until this point in the story, there's a reason for it. It's nothing bad—simply that the Verano is a comfortable-riding, quiet car above a performance car. But you probably knew that. For now (a 250-hp turbo engine is on the way next year) Buick is only installing a 180-horsepower, 2.4-liter DI four-cylinder engine in the front-wheel-drive Verano. It's the same engine that's in the Equinox, but it's hooked up to an updated, next-gen version of the Equinox's transmission with revised torque-converter programming and more precisely-acting solenoids. Not so quick, but surprisingly agile As such, the Verano is by no means quick—and surprisingly, not all that much quicker than the Equinox or the Cruze. Buick says 0-60 mph takes 8.9 seconds (just a few tenths shorter than the Cruze 1.4T), and the 2.4-liter, while it has decent grunt off the line, seems to lack its full stride if you're much below 4,000 rpm or not really mashing the throttle. There are no paddle-shifters, but you do have full manual control if you slide the shift lever over to the side. The suspension layout, and the basic geometry of it, are actually shared with the Cruze, although the pieces themselves are different. With a MacPherson strut design in front, paired with a Z-link (Watt's linkage) design in back, GM engineers argue that you actually get better, more predictable response and better body control on quick transitions—no matter the surface. even compared to an independent setup. Four-wheel disc brakes and a relatively quick steering ratio (with a fat, somewhat small-diameter steering wheel) complete the hints of sportiness. In all honesty, we'd been expecting the Verano to feel a little quite a bit heavier than the Cruze and be less fun to drive. But when Buick picked a route heading out over the Oregon coast range—and including a couple of stretches that are best enjoyed with a true performance car—we knew the Verano must be quite capable. And it is. Like most GM cars nowadays, the Verano feels a little heavy when you push it hard around a corner. But just as in the Cruze, once you move past the spec-sheet stage, you'll never miss the lack of a true independent rear suspension. Even through the tightest esses, on heaved, poorly graded surfaces, this sedan held its own. There's lots of lean and body motion—and not all that much grip through the tires—but it's safe, responsive, and even quite fun; everything loads and unloads with a sense of confidence, and we had way more fun than we would have in a Lexus ES 350. And all the while, if you're driving hard, this whole “quiet tuning” thing plays mind games. Through the foam, matting, and such, engine noise is so well muted that you can easily forget when the engine is revving up high or left in manual mode. The roads around Portland, Oregon, where we tested the Verano have some of the coarsest surfaces of any in the U.S., too, yet this Buick's Quiet Tuning really worked—resulting in an interior that seemed quieter than many other vehicles on glassy-smooth asphalt. By first accounts, gas mileage is good, too. The Verano's EPA fuel economy ratings, of 21 mpg city, 31 highway, are just okay; but better are the real-world figures we saw—in the mid-20s, even as we drove quickly over low mountain passes and twisty two-laners. There's very little we'd like to change dynamically, considering the Verano's comfort-over-all-out-dynamics compromises. But a couple stick out in our minds: First, the brake pedal is very soft, bordering on spongy (an issue we've noticed with many non-performance GM cars of late). Secondly, just a few degrees off center, there's either a rapid change—almost a 'kink' in some situations—in the electric power steering's boost, or in the rack's ratio; it can be a little unsettling on mid-speed country-road corners (we thought at first this was sidewall flex, then it happened at lighter loads). More than a tease of luxury All versions of the 2012 Buick Verano include automatic climate control, remote start, steering-wheel controls, an electronic parking brake, a USB port, Bluetooth, and Buick Intellilink—basically a touch-screen and voice-activated interface for media and hands-free calling. It's simpler than MyFord Touch but accomplishes most of the same tasks—including voice-activated Pandora and Stitcher streaming, through your smartphone's data connection. At the top of the lineup, the Verano comes with push-button ignition, heated seats, and a Bose surround-sound system that was designed specifically for this vehicle. There are also plenty of smaller storage spots, along with front and rear reading lights. Options on the Verano could drive the bottom line toward, but short of, $30k. Items of interest include a navigation system, a heated steering wheel, and a rear park assist feature. Summing up the experience with the Verano is a matter of expectations. Buick officially lists the Verano's key competitors as the Lexus IS 250 and Audi A3, along with the Acura TSX and potentially a loaded VW Jetta or base Infiniti G25. It's about the exact same size as the Suzuki Kizashi, but its focus is completely different. Cars like this are, by a wide range of predictions, poised for the most sales growth in coming years, and GM will be ready with both the Verano and the upcoming compact Cadillac ATS. In a few years Buick expects the Verano to be in an actual segment, competing against the Lincoln MKC and small Acura on the way. In a way, the Verano appeals to the same type of shoppers who might consider a Hyundai Genesis or Equus—or even a model like the LaCrosse, to some degree. Applying that logic to a smaller car, the brand might not be upper-tier luxury yet, but the car really feels like it. The Verano is hardly pulse-quickening, but we don't think that's part of the Verano's mission statement (its extreme quiet might have something to do with it, honestly). For raciness, there's the refined but still giddy Regal GS. This isn't an enthusiast car, and it isn't a Cadillac. But it's very much a premium car, for a price that's not so premium. Luxury shoppers on a budget are going to like that.   2012 Buick Verano Starts at $23,470 SAYS PARSONS BUICK! DETROIT The Verano offers more passenger and cargo volume than the Acura TSX sedan or Lexus IS 250. “Verano is a great new addition to Buick because it expands the brand’s reach,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. “With Verano, we’re inviting new customers into the Buick family, giving us the opportunity and privilege of building longtime Buick loyalty.” Verano is Buick’s third all-new model in the past three years and the first in the compact segment, delivering the premium features and luxury characteristics that have helped make Buick one of the fastest-growing automotive brands in North America. The car will be offered in three models, with the top model carrying a suggested retail price of $26,850, including destination charge. All models are powered by a fuel-efficient 2.4L four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that delivers 180 hp at 6,700 rpm with 171 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,900 rpm. The Verano’s exterior is distinguished by sleek lines, blue translucent projector beam headlamps and standard fog lamps and 18-inch multi-spoke, forged alloy, silver-finish wheels, with a premium 18-inch split spoke wheel design available on certain models. The Verano interior is designed for exceptional seat comfort and support, and contains Buick’s signature acoustic refinement and premium soft-touch materials inspired by the award-winning Buick LaCrosse. A dozen noise-reducing and noise-cancelling technologies are used in more than 50 areas of Verano’s body structure for increased cabin isolation and quietness. “Rich leather appointments, warm wood tones, metallic accents, soft ambient lighting and intelligent technologies make the cabin an inviting environment,” said David Lyon, executive director of Verano’s design. Verano standard features include leatherette seating, high-resolution 7-inch diagonal LED backlit color-touch radio display with IntelliLink technology and 10 standard air bags.    Automatic climate control, remote start, power windows and steering wheel radio controls are also standard. The up-level model features the same leather materials used in the LaCrosse.  The Verano’s seat heaters automatically activate in temperatures below 45 F (7 C) when using the remote start function, along with rear defogger on all models and heated outside mirrors.  Verano also features an available heated steering wheel – an option not found vehicles like the Lexus IS250 or Infiniti G25. Push-button engine start is available on lower-level models, and is standard on the up-level model. The standard all-new Buick IntelliLink system uses Bluetooth or USB to connect a driver’s smartphone to the 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®. Full functionality requires a compatible Smartphone and data plan rates apply.  In addition to Buick IntelliLink, a nine-speaker Bose sound system specifically engineered for the Verano’s interior is available on all trim levels. OnStar is standard for six months on all Verano models. It uses GPS and cellular phone technology to call for help in the event of a collision. OnStar subscribers also can use the service to send help to other motorists and to call for help in other non-collision emergencies. About Buick Buick is a modern luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors with thoughtful personal technologies, along with responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning luxury models, including the Enclave crossover, LaCrosse sedan, Regal sport sedan and highly anticipated all-new 2012 Buick Verano sedan. Buick is one of the fastest growing majors in the U.S. and remains a best-selling brand in China, with continuing record growth. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers by contacting us at sales@parsonsbuick.com, at www.facebook.com/parsonsbuick. Parsons Buick Anticipates the 2012 Buick Verano – The all-new 2012 Buick Verano luxury sedan, which goes on sale later this year at Parsons Buick, will have a starting price of $23,470 including $885 in destination charges.   GM Press Release Jan. 6, 2011, 12:01 a.m. ET BUICK INTRODUCES THE ALL-NEW 2012 VERANO Compact Luxury Entry is Buick’s Third New Model in Two Years   – The all-new 2012 Buick Verano compact luxury sedan, the brand’s third new model in the past two years and first in the compact luxury segment, will be revealed at the North American International Auto Show. Verano goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2011, the latest model in a 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 next-generation radio system with OnStar-powered connectivity that enables seamless communication between the Verano and the driver’s smart phone.

Buick banks on Verano compact to grab more import buyers Rick Kranz Automotive News Jan. 6, 2011 Buick calls the 2012 Verano its first compact luxury sedan. General Motors Co. has high hopes for the widening Buick's reach plus wooing import car intenders, specifically those shopping the Audi A3, Lexus IS 250 and Volvo @40, with the new sedan. The Verano is aimed at buyers "looking for luxury, refined performance, craftsmanship and beauty, but also a value in the luxury market, " said Roger McCormack, Buick's product marketing manager. It will be officially unveiled Monday during media previews for the 2011 Detroit auto show.

The Buick Verano from your Hartford Buick dealer, Parsons Buick, will come initially with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 177 horsepower and 170 foot-pounds of torque. It will be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and highway fuel economy is estimated at 31 mpg. Later, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder will be available, the same one that now is offered as an upgrade in the slightly larger Buick Regal sedan. In the Regal, it has 220 horsepower and 258 foot-pounds of torque. For safety, the Buick Verano in Hartford will come with 10 standard air bags, antilock disc brakes, electronic stability control and standard OnStar, GM's in-car communications, navigation and automatic crash-reporting system. “Verano expands our lineup, continues Buick's momentum and gives us a great opportunity to attract a new generation of customers with a product that delivers on their expectations for design, performance and technology,” said John Schwegman, Buick's marketing vice president. GM is emphasizing the Verano's “refined styling with a sporty profile,” which the company says is intended to blend “Buick's signature cues — including a black chrome waterfall grille, blue translucent projector beam headlamps, portholes and chrome accents.” Inside are sporty bucket seats up front, and a three-person bench in the rear. The Verano expected to have cabin features that are “upscale, with soft-touch materials and premium leather.” The car also was designed to be quiet inside, even at highway speeds, thanks to acoustical laminated glass, triple door seals, “refined chassis dynamics” and 17-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels that have been made to minimize road noise. Also helping to provide a quiet ride are a five-layer headliner with acoustical fiber, nylon baffles with insulating foam in hollow areas of the body, and recycled denim insulating material between the rear-body structural components. Among convenience features are a next-generation radio, touch-screen navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and even an optional heated steering wheel. The windshield has been steeply raked to give the car a sporty look. While the 17-inch alloy wheels are standard, two 18-inch wheel designs will be offered. Exterior color choices will include Claret Red Tintcoat, White Diamond Tricoat, Olympic White, Switchblade Silver Metallic, Cyber Gray Metallic and Mocha Bronze Metallic. The cabin has metallic and wood trim available, and the color choices include neutral and medium titanium with the faux leather or cloth upholstery. The optional leather interiors will come in ebony, cashmere or Choccachino colors. The leather is the same that Buick uses in the LaCrosse. Other features include keyless entry and push-button start, dual-zone climate control (automatic is optional), remote start, heated seats with the leather upgrade, an electronic parking brake, a locking center console armrest between the front seats, power windows with express up/down in the front, steering-wheel audio controls and reading lights in the front and rear. The heated steering wheel and seats are activated automatically by the remote-start feature when temperatures are lower than 45 degrees. Speed-sensitive electric power steering is standard, and the car has MacPherson struts in the front to make the drive smoother over potholes and bumps. Today, as part of the New York Auto Show press activities, Buick and GMC will announce the introduction of IntelliLink, a simple-to-use, customizable infotainment system with expanded wireless capability. Buick IntelliLink is coming to the 2012 Verano. IntelliLink uses Bluetooth or USB to connect the driver’s smartphone to the vehicle's new seven- or eight-inch, high-resolution, full-color touch screen display radio. IntelliLink expands on the current Bluetooth and USB capabilities to allow smartphone control via voice activation and steering wheel-mounted controls, and streaming stereo audio from the phone through services like PANDORA® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®. Most importantly, IntelliLink enables seamless integration of stowed portable devices with the vehicle’s infotainment system, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. GM will assemble the Buick Verano at its Orion Township plant northwest of Detroit a short distant from Toledo Ohio and the showroom of the 2010 #1 Volume Buick Dealer in Ohio, Ballas Buick GMC. This all-new compact luxury sedan has so much to offer we can't possibly describe it all at one time. So, every few months we'll share a different feature with you. And we'll start with technology. We call it IntelliLink.(1) The full-color touch-screen entertainment system that will personalize your music experience like never before. This connectivity opens the gateway to your favorite artists on AM/FM/CD, XM Radio, Pandora, Stitcher Smart Radio and more. When it comes to USB and iPod devices, IntelliLink seamlessly connects to your personal music collections. And with voice recognition controls, you can safely navigate your devices while driving. Finally, all this incredible sound can be delivered on Verano's premium Bose sound system. Staying connected to your music is only part of IntelliLink. Hands-free calling, Bluetooth connectivity with your smart phone, and voice-activated navigation—are all controlled with this state-of-the-art system. For more information on the Verano's IntelliLink system, visit Buick.com. We'll catch up with you next month with more great highlights on the 2012 Buick Verano luxury sedan.