Today was a big day for Buick. Not only did the Tri-Shield brand announce the all-new, 2017 LaCrosse sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show, it also announced the new Verano Hatchback in China, which is essentially the Opel Astra K (on GM’s D2XX platform) with Buick touches. And debuting alongside the Verano hatch was the more sporty Buick Verano GS.
Representing the first time that the GS badge has been placed on a Verano, the Verano GS maintains the five-door body style of the Verano hatchback, while adding some more sporty elements and equipment. Arguably the most important of these is the new turbo-charged 1.5-liter I4 LFV Ecotec engine — the very same that was recently named one of “China Heart” 2015 Ten Best Engines. The boosted four is good for 124 kW (166 horsepower) at 5,600 rpm and 250 Nm (184 pound-feet) of torque from 1,700 to 4,400 rpm, while also making it eligible for China’s new vehicle tax incentive, which is only available to vehicles with engines of 1.6-liters in displacement and less.
The new four-banger is mated to a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The powertrain combination is labeled as 20T in China, to designate a turbo 1.5-liter engine with an output of a 2.0-liter engine.
The Buick Verano hatchback lineup
Buick says that the powertrain combination allows the new Verano GS to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (60 mph) in 8.8 seconds while achieving combined fuel consumption of 5.9 L/100 km thanks to the various fuel-saving technologies, such as automatic engine Stop/Start. Buick says that the “trendy, sporty” styling combines with “European car-like handling, premium interiors and advanced technology” to make the Verano attractive to “younger trend-setting consumers” who are looking for an engaging driving experience.
Outside, various cosmetic elements differentiate the Verano GS from the non-GS model, including
- Black and red accents
- Aerodynamic exterior accessories
- Bright red brake calipers
- 17-inch dark-painted five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels
The sporty theme carries on into the interior, with:
- Red carbon fiber-pattern strip across the center console
- Red stitching
- Carbon fiber-pattern finish on the center console
- Sporty, three-spoke multi-function steering wheel with a paddle shifter
- Alcantara racing car-like seats
- Flame Red ambient lighting
In addition, the Verano GS is offered with segment-exclusive Matrix full-LED headlamps which are a first for Buick. Behind the headlamps’ Big Dipper-like panels are 29 Matrix LED clusters connected to front cameras to intelligently perform a range of functions, including automatically turning on the high-beams, activating the anti-glare high-beam headlights, and automatically adjusting the height of the headlamps. They automatically switch between six lighting modes – City, Urban, Expressway, Curve, Parking and Fuel Economy – based on driving conditions.
The Verano GS also comes with Buick’s new intelligent safety systems, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking, and Automatic Parking Assist. Just like the non-GS Verano hatch, the Verano GS also features Apple CarPlay smartphone integration technology.
Comments
China loves their Buicks.
This is a lame excuse for a GS. 9 seconds to 60? For real?
I hear you. Real Lame.
Something about the stage screams Pontiac.
This is what We Build Excitement looks like in a communist nation just recently graduating from the bike.
Seriously, GM could do something a bit more tasteful than neon pink. I’m sure PSA and Ford figured this out.
Yeah, because the government type dictates how a stage would look like for a company that hails outside of China. Let’s talk cars, and leave the neopolitocal garbage out of it.
Communism is an extremist ideology that has failed miserably in every country it was forced upon. It should be called out at every turn.
Funny how the people who don’t like someone giving their honest opinion are the same ones to spout their political opinions/ propaganda at every turn they get. Ah, the hypocrisy…
Communism has had challenges. Then again, so has capitalism. Cuba, with it’s many problems, is still better off than Hati and the DR. (Citizens have great health care, education, they can read, no one suffers malnutrition, no need for UN grain).
European socialism has out preformed both capitalism and communism.
Clearly the government has no involvement. (And please don’t try to predetermine my political sympathies).
My comment was pointing to the fact that China is still populated by naive customers; individuals whose parents used bikes, not autos, in the 1970s.
I was noting how easily impresed the Chinese consumer can be.
With the VW Golf in uncertain territory, GM needs to have a hatch for the North American consumer. Many Golf customers may be looking for a hatch and this Verano is its nearest German competitor.
Vibe customers would like this package as well, so do not get paranoid about it being a hatch. Just call it something other than a hatch.
Agreed, GM needed to cover this space. In the US, hatchback isn’t so bad. 40 percent of Focus sales are hatch, especially on
the coasts.
Chrysler should build one, too, as they once planned. Maybe it will catch on; if not, Lancia gets a new Delta.