I’m not sure, but I think the ass-brows of the Buick Verano are growing on me. Those out-of-place chromed strips adorning the vehicle’s rear fascia have long been GM Authority’s only beef with the way the Verano looks, but only because they’re so distracting from an otherwise elegant body.
Ah. I know why I’ve warmed up to them, even if it’s slightly. It’s because with the Verano Turbo, those gleaming accents serve as a vexatious farewell to any stock Volkswagen GTI pulled up next to it as the red light flashes green. And the VW driver would have never seen it coming. In a clam shell, this is the charm of the Buick Verano Turbo — a sedated appearance with a stinger under the hood: a boosted 2.0L Ecotec LHU engine with a substantial 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
Yes, 250 horsepower and 260 pound feet of torque. And guess what? No torque steer. At all. None. Even without HiPer Strut, the Verano Turbo keeps its aim forward thanks to unique suspension and steering calibration, which are both tightened up to manage the power, and they do a swell job in doing so. In fact, because the steering feel is more weighted than before, it almost feels like a traditional hydraulic setup, rather than these new electric setups that have been appearing, which at times feel overly-sensitive while providing little driver feedback. But tire traction isn’t improved, as the Continental rubber found on the force-inducted Verano is the same on the base model, as are the brakes, which feel a bit soft.
If it weren’t for the unchanged brakes and tires, the Buick Verano Turbo may just thwart the Regal GS as the top performer in Buick’s current lineup. The whole car is fairly sharp, nimble and quick. And at a sub-$30,000 asking price, it drives a hard bargain against not only the Acura ILX and Audi A3, but even performance-oriented cars such as the base Cadillac ATS and Lexus IS250, despite a completely different drivetrain layout. If Buick were to upgrade the quality of the interior materials (like the tacky fake wood and chrome), add HID headlamps and include a few more power functions to the cabin, the Verano Turbo could easily ask for a couple more grand on its base MSRP and totally get away with it. But that’s not all.
They’ll Never Know
What makes the Verano Turbo even more significant is that it makes the naturally aspirated base Verano completely irrelevant as it stands, by adding an extra 70 horsepower and another 90 pound-feet compared to the base model, while delivering nearly identical fuel economy numbers. And it comes stock with a manual transmission, which is a huge plus to anybody who enjoys driving.
Recording 27 combined miles per gallon, I actually averaged the same mileage as I did in the more docile 2.4L base model, and admittedly, I was harder on this turbocharged Crystal Red Metallic test subject than I was on the naturally aspirated white Verano I drove in late summer on the same grid of roads. However, premium 93-octane petrol was used over the standard 87-octane grade, which Buick recommends against in the Verano Turbo. Regardless, if you were eyeing the base model over the boosted Verano on fuel mileage alone, stop right now. The Verano Turbo, which starts at $29,105, is the one to buy.
To specify, our 1ST tester came with $2,020 in options, which included a $900 power sunroof, premium audio and navigation system for $795, and the $325 Crystal Red tintcoat. Tack on the $885 destination fee, and the total comes to $32,010 — a bargain considering the content and performance.
It Actually Fits In At The Local Car Meet
As for the manual transmission itself; the narrow shifter easily fit the grip of my hand comfortably, as I would motion into first while let off the high catch point of the clutch pedal. Gravy. Second and third gears for some reason felt a tad on the notchy side, but not enough for me to really spend any more words griping about it. It’s also important to watch the tach on the Verano Turbo, and shift around 5,500 RPM or so, rather than drawing the engine all the way out to its 7,000 RPM redline, as power begins to take a dive beyond that 5,500 RPM range. Additionally, torque peaks at 2,000 RPM, with 90 percent available at 1,700 RPM, giving the Verano Turbo a swift punch off the line. Unfortunately there’s little to find at the top. Again, just shift at 5,500 and you won’t have to worry.
If you do everything right, and Buick affirms that the Verano Turbo will jump from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in just 6.2 seconds. That’s faster than the aforementioned Volkswagen GTI, and even the base Audi A4. But you’d never know it with its business-casual looks. In fact, the only changes from the base model include a subtle spoiler, twin exhaust tips instead of one, and a single “Turbo” badge. Couple that with the incredibly quiet interior, and other creature comforts like a heated steering wheel, an IntelliLink infotainment system and lovely seats, and the Verano Turbo is that rare combination of refinement and performance in a C-segment car — a real sleeper that also doesn’t mind being tossed through winding backroads, as if it were some sort of quasi-German sports sedan. Considering it’s based on the Opel Astra, it kind of is.
The Verdict
Believe it or not, those considering the Buick Regal GS might find themselves saving 10 grand or so after experiencing the sweetheart that is the Verano Turbo. Now, if only we could get its powertain in the Chevrolet Cruze…
[nggallery id=496]Disclaimer: General Motors provided the Buick Verano Turbo and a tank of gas, which was refilled with premium fuel. Steven Pham once again provided the photos, while I picked the location and insisted we take all the photos with the fog lamps on.
Comments
How long did you have the tester
7 days.
Very nice write up there sir, great props for the Verano Turbo. I had seen a video review with first impressions of it, and they did experience torque steer, then again they had the auto. Did you get a chance with that set up or only the manual setup?
Also wondering, how did the new systems work i.e. rear camera, cross traffic alert, side blind-zone alert. Seems like the rear cam is offly low for great use but thats only seeing where its located and not testing it. But glad they added the tech, so not to decontent a car, rather boost it more with only a slight increase on price.
When I first experienced the Verano Turbo it was with the automatic, but it was for a total of maybe 20 minutes in heavy traffic. It was hard to gauge much. The manual version kept straight. The steering weight probably had a lot to do with it. I wish the rear camera had more lighting in the dark, but other than that it worked fine. Side blind-zone alert and rear cross traffic alert did what they’re supposed to do. I’m also glad these features are found in the Verano Turbo as well!
Thats how I feel with the back up cam on our Terrain, but its adjustable to help with the lighting issue. I’ll definatly have to test a Turbo out next time I go in for service. When they start showing up at a dealer closer to me that is. ^^
I’ve read a number of reviews of the Verano–including the turbo model–and most have been nothing short of ‘glowing.’ Looks like Buick has a hit on their hands. Also, the appeal of the Verano may explain why shoppers are apparently choosing it over the larger, more expensive, Regal.
I got real annoyed at the turbo lag in the GS. How is the lag?
It’s predictable. Full torque at 2,000 RPM so if you want to launch it… just pin it there. In a lot of ways this car is a junior-sized GS.
They need to fit this in the Encore! Early reports suggest it’s a dog — 10+ sec to 60, with no highway power.
A 2.0T won’t fit in the Encore’s engine bay. A 1.6T, on the other hand, might have a better shot.
I know all you guys love back up cameras, blind zone alert etc. but I prefer the much cheaper time tested mirror. What a value this car would be if you could delete $2k worth of these toys! It also bugs me that people have to have push button start. What a key doesn’t do the job anymore?! Now people are jumping on 7,8,9, speed transmissions. Look at the torque curve – is th’s really necessary or just bragging points?
I’d tend to agree with you on a way to make it cheaper. But by adding this content and the back up cam being stanadard kit on all trims, then your getting more for the additional price. As for the push button and # speed trannys i do agree. Is 6 not enough??
Fabulous car….great job BUICK!!!!!
The 2.0T sound just about right for this car. Lots of power, without going into performance territory too much. I still want to see the Cascade with that drop-top come in; making the Verano have a convertible option would take a bite out of the Chrysler 200. In the next refresh (when the mid-cycle come up) I’d like to see a little more aggression and some more elegance too. (Don’t get me wrong, the Verano looks great, but we need to distance it from sedans a tad more). Also, I like having all the tech bells and whistles.
Still, very solid foundation. The turbo was a good addition. Keep making improvements and this could work.
This is a VERY impressive car, I had recently test driven one while my Camaro was in for service.. While I like coupes over sedans I have no children, The Verano Turbo is VERY impressive… The heated steering wheel should be standard or at least an option on most GM cars Especially for those in the snow belt..just my 2 cents. GM.
Do you know if they plan on restyling the front bumper to get rid of the license plate recess. It looks bad and the Regal has that initially for the Russelheim models but it was restyled for NA production. Could the same be done for the Verano because it is a great looking car.
These Buicks are really top-drawer of late…the ads the Buick team uses are also clever and some of the best I have seen…CADILLAC, are you listening???
If you had the choice between the 2013 Verano or the Chrysler 200s whic would you go with?
If you had the choice between the 2013 Verano or the Chrysler 200s which would you go with?