Buick Verano Takes To The Streets (With Video)
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When we first drove the 2012 Buick Verano last month, we called it plush, comfortable and capable.
And in this video, GM employees describe it as being beautiful, comfortable, and quiet, with richness, vibrance, and warmth — and we’d have to agree. We’d even agree with the statement that the Verano offers excellent handling with a very comfortable ride. But the one aspect that we’d have to challenge is that the Verano is “a new kind of luxury that doesn’t exist in a car this size.”
Perhaps they’ve never drive the Lexus IS or Acura TSX, but both of those are pretty much the exact same size as the Verano and can also be described as beautiful, great-handling, smart, efficient, beautiful, rich, warm, and inviting. But maybe we’re just splitting hairs here…
Nevertheless, enjoy these shots of the Verano traveling through the gorgeous state of Washington during the just-passed fall season.
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The Verano exterior styling matches its pricepoint, its interior elevated the car to a good buy for the money; but the engine brings the overall package back into the questionable realm, unfortunately, for most though this will be a semi-luxury vehicle that meets there price point.
I think the engine is irrelevant in this category. For instance, most Lexus IS250 and Acura TSX (4 cyl) buyers — in my experience — do not even know what an engine is, let alone how many cylinders it has or how much power it makes. They buy because of the brand, luxury, status, or ride/quiet isolation — in no particular order.
The Verano, with the 2.4 ECOTEC, does just fine against those models (and their base powertrains) as far as power numbers go; that’s why I would even recommend raising Verano’s base price while increasing the base equipment levels. Then it could be a real contender to the Lexus and Honda (I mean Acura) — since many associate a higher price with better quality/product in that space.
Also, I’m a strong proponent of the idea that the semi-lux space will go away in the next several years — with traditional mid-luxury automakers (such as Volvo, Saab, Infiniti) moving upmarket or being discontinued (Mercury). But we’ll see 🙂
Yes, Alex…..great take on this car….. I have driven it and found it very, very nice. I was surprised Buick has come so far so fast. I would compare it to any smaller Cadillac or Lexus I have ever seen…just felt right to me. I am glad a new engine will take over…I suppose same one as ATS…..:)
What do you think of the 2.4 engine used in Verano? I know the 2.5 will replace it soon so it should be same as ATS?
When I drove the car it seemed plenty peppy…definetly an exhaust note you can hear with radio off but car is quiet….I suppose on highway it is very hushed
The 2.4 is fine; In my opinion, it doesn’t matter what engine a Buick has as long as it gets superior gas mileage. Just like most Lexus buyers don’t know (or care) what is powering their car, Buick should focus on being super quiet, comfortable, and luxurious and beat Lexus at its own game.
I would describe the Verano’s exhaust as not so much of a “note” but rather noise (not with a negative connotation). It’s an engine that makes noise, though one can hear little of it inside. The ATS, on the other hand, is all about performance and it’s much more audible and prominent.
Will the 2.5 engine be quieter?
Yupp; quieter and more refined.
Well, great….I wonder why they are waiting til this point to introduce it….I guess that means a lot of people will wait til that happens!! Thanks for the tip, buddy….also for the prompt and accurate replies!
They really wanted to get the 2.5 right, so it’s taken the engineers a bit of time to get it out the door. Add to that the perceptional issue of announcing a product a year ago (with the Malibu launch), and you get the “time” lag that comes with knowing about something for a long time without the ability to get your hands on it, even though the engine was probably still in development upon its announcement.
Oh, will you still hear that exhuast sound as you do now??
I would imagine you would. But the clicking/ticking/tapping noises (as a result of Direct Injection) will be largely subdued — from what we hear.
Thanks, excellent….you are truly in the know
I see Buick added a new color…Cyber Gray…. for Verano; very sharp…similar to Gray Flannel on SRX, I think.
I jut wish it got mpg around 36, then I might buy it.
So is MPG your biggest reason for buying a car? Nothing wrong with that, but if it’s not, there are a million other reasons for getting the Verano.
But if fuel economy is the determining factor, I think you will be able to get it up to 36+ MPG on the highway. Even though my Cruze was rated at 36 MPG, I achieved 48 MPG most of the time at 65 MPH (set on cruise control).
Not at all Alex, MPG is not the biggest reason for buying a car, I could care less about MPG, but the car would be for my family, and I would be barely be able to afford the Verano , so I would need to save some money on gas. Despite the verano being a better car than the cruze, id probably have to get the cruze just because its cheaper, here in california, we average 1500 miles a month, so gas is a big expense. Maybe youre right, but Id have to wait till I can get confirmation that the verano will get better mpg before I buy it.
Ah, got ya. Here’s what I would do: when you take the Verano out for the “test drive” — tell the sales person that you want to take it on the highway for a 15-mile stretch to see the fuel economy it gets.
Then set the cruise to 65, reset the average MPG meter, and see what you get. I strongly believe that you will end up with around 40 MPG instead of the 36. 🙂
but isn’t it that the EPA hasn’t set the fuel economy for the Verano yet?
Yes…..it should do very well for average driver..in town probably decent also 🙂
I bet mileage is a lot better for most people on the highway…it is pretty good at 32…as good as a honda
Hondas aren’t as luxurious, comfortable, or quiet as a modern Buick… I see your point, I just wouldn’t make the comparison.
YES, new Hondas aren’t what I would buy again. I think the designs are forgettable at most. Do you think the new ATS will be as quiet as the Verano? I suppose the 2.5 engine will be the same in both for base but geared differently.
The ATS will be quiet, but in its own way. The exhaust and engine note is precisely tuned on the ATS, whereas the Verano is made to simply be as quiet as possible.
Thanks, Alex…..I figured it would have a more European-type feel….I imagine it will still be Cadillac in its overall feel.
Would you buy a Verano? I must admit I really felt food driving it….although , having had a few Cadillacs, I will definitly try out the ATS when it arrives…..
Having owned the Cruze, I would definitely buy a Verano… although I still think that it should be priced higher while delivering more standard equipment, fitting of a true luxury brand.
That said my priorities currently lie in a whole different direction (RWD, red-blooded performance) — so a Camaro is where I’m looking next.
Yes, I know you like the Camaro……I am quite certian I will get a Buick or Cadillac next time….I have had both of these brands before and was not very happy with the quality after a few years; had thought of a Lexus but sounds like modern GM is just as good….love the quiet of these new cars
When does the coupe come out wiht the 2.5???? That sounds super nice 🙂
I would want to know compare this vehicle to the Regal, which one is quieter?
The coupe of the Verano or the ATS? As far we know, there won’t be a Verano coupe… but the ATS is about 8-12 months behind the sedan (as of a few months ago).
I bet the ATS coupe will be stunning. I would like to see Verano as a coupe also but we will have to wait and see if they go that way.
Alex you are right the fuel economy will vary a lot from the published point set using epa testing. the verano in my actual driving easily gets mid to high thirties if you don’t go crazy with the speed, epa testing is not real world hope my seat of the pants input helps.
@Vic This is totally subjective, but in my experience — the Verano is quieter than Regal.
I heard the same thing on a blog…..yes, it is very hushed…as we discussed, you hear the exhaust starting out. I did not go on freeway but on open highway for a bit and was solid and comfy but isolated. Bet it would be a great commuter car or great for little trips
interesting