The Buick Verano GS is a sporty variant of the Verano compact hatchback, itself a variant of the Opel Astra K. The vehicle was unveiled in November 2015 for the Chinese market, and is currently only available in China. A launch in the North American market is possible.
Buick says that the Verano GS as well as the Verano hatchback on which the Verano GS is based on have trendy and sporty styling, “European car-like handling, premium interiors and advanced technology”. The vehicles are “targeted at younger trend-setting consumers” looking for a satisfying driving experience.
The Verano GS is the first time that the GS badge will have graced the Verano nameplate.
The Verano GS features the latest Buick-Opel-Vauxhall design language for passenger vehicles.
Up front, the brand’s signature waterfall grille takes on a new frameless design with a new piano black finish. The bold, concise and contoured hood gives the vehicle the appearance of a lower stance.
The wedge-shaped silhouette and double-sweep belt line form a dashing profile, with B- and C-pillars in German-crafted (read: Opel) gloss black creating a floating roofline.
The model also features Buick’s wing-shaped LED daytime running lamps, which are echoed in the wing-shaped tinted tail lamps. Together with an integrated rear wing that accentuates the sculptured rear end, they provide a stylish, vibrant and captivating feel.
Unique Verano GS Exterior Elements
Exterior elements unique to the Verano GS include:
- Bright red strips on the front and rear bumpers
- Bright red brake calipers
- 17-inch dark-painted five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels
Buick Verano GS Matrix Full-LED Headlamps
In addition, the Verano GS is offered with segment-exclusive and Buick-first Matrix full-LED headlamps.
Behind the headlamps’ panels, which are reminiscent of the Big Dipper, are 29 Matrix LED clusters connected to front cameras to intelligently perform a range of functions, including:
- Automatically turning on the high-beam headlightsA
- Activating the anti-glare high-beam headlights
- 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 cabin of the Verano GS combines sportiness, premium materials and a high level of craftsmanship. It utilizes the 360-degree wraparound layout that exemplifies its driver-oriented design philosophy.
The vehicle features supple materials throughout the cabin, comes with a standard three-spoke multi-function sport steering wheel with paddle shifters,Flame Red ambient lighting ambient lighting, rear-row USB charging ports and patented Buick Quiet-Tuning noise-canceling technology. In addition, the black and red trim is unique to the GS model.
A carbon fiber-pattern finish on the center console and Alcantara racing car-like seats round out the unique features of the Verano GS’ cabin.
The Verano GS comes with a wide variety of new, trend-setting intelligent technologies that are powered by the Buick IntelliLink infotainment system.
Along with the Verano hatchback, the Verano GS is the first Buick model in China with the Apple CarPlay smartphone integration system. The system allows users to seamlessly connect their iPhones with iOS 7.1 and above through the new-generation Buick IntelliLink infotainment system.
All iPhone features and built-in apps are easily accessible via the high-resolution 8-inch-diagonal display in the center console, including:
- Phone
- Messages
- Maps
- Music
- Podcasts
- Siri
Passive Safety Features
Even though 75 percent of the two Verano’s body structure is composed of high-strength steel, the vehicle also incorporates extensive lightweight design features, including:
- Lighter and more rigid structures
- All-aluminum engines
- All-aluminum sub-frames
- All-aluminum front and rear bumpers
- Aluminum steering knuckles
- Lightweight damping mats
The result is a 100-kilogram reduction in curb weight.
Active Safety
The Verano GS also comes with Buick’s new intelligent safety systems that include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keep Assist
- Collision Mitigation Braking
- Automatic Parking Assist
The Verano GS is powered by GM’s new, turbo-charged 1.5L Ecotec LFV, which in 2015 was named one of “China Heart” 2015 Ten Best Engines. It is paired with a new-generation seven-speed DCG transmission.
The powertrain combination produces maximum output of 124 kW (166 horsepower) at 5,600 rpm and 250 Nm (184 pound-feet) of torque from 1,700 to 4,400 rpm, giving the vehicle the ability to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0-60 mph) in 8.8 seconds while enabling combined fuel consumption of 5.9 L/100 km.
All Buick Verano models feature the engine auto start/stop feature that further helps improve fuel efficiency.
The Buick Verano GS rides on GM’s global D2XX platform. The architecture is shared most directly with the following vehicles:
- Opel Astra K (Vauxhall Astra K)
- 2016 Chevrolet Cruze (second-generation)
The Verano GS is built on the same architecture as the new Opel Astra K, essentially being a rebadged variant of the Opel.
The car rides on a 2,662-mm wheelbase and features a firm chassis comprised of an optimized MacPherson front suspension and enhanced composite torsion bar, along with a new-generation Opel-patented Watt’s link rear suspension and all-aluminum six-point full-length sub-frame. The result is a “perfect balance between body dimensions, weight and overall efficiency”, says Buick.
The vehicle also introduces an all-new belt-drive electric power-assisted steering system that’s the result of more than a year’s worth of testing and tuning at Germany’s famed Nürburgring circuit.
2016 Buick Verano GS and 2016 Buick Verano hatchback unveiling ceremony in Guangzhou, China
Buick unveiled the Verano GS hatchback at the 2015 Guangzhou Auto Show on November 17th, 2015.
When
On November 15th, 2015, GM China stated that the 740 Buick dealerships across China have begun accepting pre-orders on that date.
Where
Currently, the Buick Verano is only available in China. It’s possible that Buick will make its way to North America, including the United States, some time in the future.
The Buick Verano GS is available in three trim levels priced as follows (USD conversion rate as of November 17th, 2015):
- 165,900 Chinese Yuan, or $26,000 USD
- 175,900 Chinese Yuan, or $27,567 USD
- 205,900 Chinese Yuan, or $32,269 USD
In China, the Buick Verano GS joins the Buick Verano Hatchback all-new, second-generation Buick Verano sedan that was launched earlier in 2015. Along with the new Buick Excelle GT, which also uses the D2XX platform, the models strengthen Buick’s presence in China’s premium compact- and mid-range passenger car presence.
