Buick China has released an official statement confirming the addition of the Buick Verano hatchback, and Verano GS. The news comes days after Chinese spy photographers spotted Verano hatchback test mules in a local parking lot, where peeling back a portion of the camouflage revealed Verano GS badging.
Buick also confirmed the hatchback and the GS will be very much related to the 2016 Opel Astra, evident from the teaser photo supplied, and the models will be arriving this year.
Noted in the official announcement was “born sportiness” injected into the car from the beginning, along with sharp handling dynamics, premium interior and the latest technology. Buick says the Verano hatch design will incorporate a “low-slung stance” with flowing body lines, and Opel’s new signature floating roofline.
The Buick Verano hatchback will be offered with a 1.5-liter SIDI naturally aspirated four-cylinder with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The Verano GS will be paired with a turbocharged 1.5-liter SIDI four-cylinder, accompanied by a seven-speed DCG automatic transmission.
Now, the real question is whether the U.S. is next in line to receive a Verano hatchback, or an expanded GS lineup of vehicles.
Comments
I really hope this comes to the U.S. market, especially in addition to the inevitable Astra GTC successor. However, remember the rumors about the successor to the CTS wagon not being a Cadillac? If we get a Verano 5-door, it still isn’t a replacement for the CTS wagon, so we might get a Regal wagon over here. If that’s the case, we’re looking at Buick squaring off directly against Volvo in the US and China.
It won’t because ya know GM likes to mess with us lol
You mean like how the Cadillac XT5 is based on a FWD platform? Or how the current CTS doesn’t have a coupe or convertible? Or how Chevrolet doesn’t have a smaller RWD Miata-fighter, Cruze SS coupe, or hot-hatch? Or how there won’t be a Buick Grand National? Are you talking about how GM is ending AU production and switching the Commodore to FWD? lol
I bet you can expect a Regal wagon. I see this as the announced “new Buick model” to be built alongside the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia in the Opel factory in Rüsselsheim, Germany.
On the relation of the Verano hatchback and Verano GS to the Opel/Vauxhall Astra, the GM China announcement states “The additions to the Verano family are built on the same mid-range global passenger car platform as the new Opel Astra.”
I’m hoping for both, the GS and a hatchback, because Buick needs infused with new product and GM has holes to fill in their line up.
While Buick won’t be offering the Verano hatchback in the US yet; I had thought Chevy had announced that there would be a Cruze hatchback which should be virtually identical to the Verano in China.
I see Opel and GM are just LADY GA-GA for the Astra line. One question — is it me or doesn’t Kia already have a look alike to the Astra. I’ve seen something on the road twice (Forte5?) that looks a LOT like this Astra.
Not KIA, but Hyundai.
Remember that the Hyundai European Design Laboratory is located in Rüsselsheim, in the city of the Opel headquarter.
Elantra gt (i30) has been out for years, and does not look like the older Astra.
Wake me when the Buick boredom is over.