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Buick Verano
Buick has announced the upcoming availability beginning in the 2012 model year of a new compact sedan, the Verano, available with a 2.4L DI 4-cylinder or a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
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NOTE : The EPA database is wrong. It says 94+16. Which is still 110 and should be mid-size. Their site says quite plainly:
Compact 100 to 109
Mid-Size 110 to 119
Actual data directly from GM:
94.6 Cubic Ft. (interior)
15.4 Cubic Ft. (trunk)
(link)
http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/P- - ages/news/us/en/2010/Jun/0603_cruzepricing
Officially it is exactly 110.0 according to GM. GM seems to be happy to market it as a compact, though. But it's not.
Edmunds should at least change its data to reflect this error. Edmunds has enough clout in the industry so that if anyone questioned it, they would be forced to also change their data as well.
ie - "how come Edmunds has it wrong?" Then they check the EPA data and GM's data and see that it's really mid-size according to the actual numbers.
It's likely that GM has a marketing reason to call it a compact car and is getting the EPA to look the other way.
As for the Verano itself, it looks like you're trading a bit over a cubic foot of room inside for trunk space. The Regal is only 14.2 cubic ft, which is dangerously small. IMO, the Verano is poised to make the Regal completely useless. Virtually the same space inside, but costs less and is 400lbs lighter.
Losing weight cannot be under-stated here. It affects literally everything and the lighter that a car is (within reason) the better everything works. Less stress on components as well. Better MPG. Better handling. Better acceleration. No need for a turbo.
I can't wait for it to come out. I think it will be a game changer for GM.
The Cruze is a big compact. The Nissan Sentra is rated at 110 cuft, the Hyundai Elantra is 112 cuft as is the Kia Forte: 112 cuft. None of these cars are marketed as mid-size sedans because they're not. The market class is compact, EPA numbers aside.
The Verano can be a winner for Buick if they keep the base price at $22K. Good looking little compact. The slightly larger console will knock the Verano down to 109 cuft and that's before a sunroof and spare tire are added taking it to 105 cuft. Shoulder room, hip room and leg room put all these cars in the compact class.
Not everyone is concerned with having a huge trunk. Some people would buy the Regal over the Verano for the added safety factor of more length and weight. There is probably a bit more elbow room in a Regal. They will handle differently. And the Regal will have more prestige, whatever that is worth. Others will prefer the style of the Regal over the Verano. It is still true that it is easier to add style and presence to a larger platform, other factors being equal (which they never are!).
I suspect that the Verano will do well for Buick here (it is already an important model in China), but it is unlikely to be a game changer. Crossovers and trucks are still the sweet spot of the market. Small cars are a growing presence, but are still not selling like hotcakes. Given the anticipated rise in gas prices, the Verano projected mpg would have to be a whole lot better in order for people to flock to it for that reason. Compact sedans across the board are becoming progressively quieter and better equipped, because that is what people want, regardless of size. The Verano is a good effort for Buick, and is another part of rebuilding the brand here.
$27,620 for the leather edition seems like a good price to me!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
And yes, adding Verano to the drop-down menu would be a welcome addition.
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They had 2 new 2012 Veranos sitting unlocked on the lot. One was an SD1 (the base) with the only option being red crystal paint at $325 + $885 destination putting it right at $23,800 MSRP.
A very nice car. Solid feeling doors and an interior fit for an Audi A4. It seems much more upscale than the Cruze. EPA numbers of 21 City / 32 Hwy / 25 Combined came in a touch better than anticipated. This trim has everything I would want. The sliding armrest a very good feature and the cloth/leatherette seats offered firm support. A lot here for the money with the 2.4L 4-cyl and 6-sp auto plus a 7 color touch radio with Intellilink, 18" alloys and fog lamps all standard.
The SL1 (leather group) would be a tougher sell for me. It has $5,100 added to the sticker for a $28,900 MSRP. It had a sunroof, spoiler, red paint, and upgraded 18" alloys in addition to leather-heated seats, Bose Audio, leather-heated steering wheel and Passive Entry w/Push Button Start.
I was most impressed with the SD1 and would love to drive one when the 2.0L Turbo is available next summer.
I have the same engine in my '11 Lacrosse and am very happy with it. It makes plenty of power from 3,000 rpms on up and delivers decent mileage. I have averaged nearly 25mpg in mixed driving over the first 4 months. The turbo will be worth a look though.
Before I bought my Lacrosse I drove several compact and midsize models. If the Verano had been available last summer, it would have been a "must drive".
I almost bought a '12 Focus Hatchback. I really sharp car but a touch too "sports car like" for my middle-age bones.
The Verano has a lot more curb appeal (to me) than the Cruze. It looks like a larger car too. I checked the dimensions and the Verano is nearly 3" longer and 1" wider than the Cruze.
I was surprised at how much more "physical presence" the Verano has over the Cruze (and many other market-class compacts).
My sister/brother-in-law recently bought a 2012 VW Jetta TDI and I was shocked at how much larger it looks than others in the class.
The Verano is even bigger than their new Jetta. Except in price!
I did say the Verano looks bigger than the others. It is just that 2.9" added to the nose can happen with a modest styling change, such as the 2010 Fusion over the 2009. A grill change or bumper change can easily swallow that much extra length. Styling can add or detract from perceived size. Who would initially think that a Chrysler 300 is shorter than Lincoln MKS? The Lincoln is a bigger car, but somehow more truncated looking.
Thanks.
Jen :shades:
Waiting for lease info to be released and for the local dealership to get a few more in stock. Would like to check it out.
I ran into this post a little late and could not respond to the interviews for car shoppers below 35.
I am 25 and planning to buy my first car. i really love the 2012 Verano Base trim, compared to Acura/Lexus/Audi. I found out the quotes from different dealers for the verano and they said out of the door price would be around 26K. Few of my friends suggest that i should go for a used one, probably a 2011 Buick Lacrosee.
My budget is $25K, and I travel around 40 miles a day. Can you guys please suggest what I should go for regarding the two options I have. I am totally new to buying and selling cars and really don’t know what to consider. I would appreciate any input you guys can give on resale value, maintenance cost etc
Thank you
The Verano is a compact and while it's trunk is the same capacity as the Lacrosse, the passenger cabin is far smaller. The Verano will have a completely different driving experience (more sporty) than a Lacrosse that is more traditional Buick.
Buick offers a 4 year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. That is a plus for many consumers. Buick dealers are everywhere also, another plus for scheduled maintenance.
The $26k out the door price quoted must be for a pretty loaded model. Veranos can be found well equipped for $23k. A used 2011 Lacrosse could go as low as $19k or as high as $30k depending on options. If it were me, I'd look into a 2012 Verano with a few less options and keep it around $24k.
Check truecar.com for the best prices in your area. Good luck!
General note – This review is not intended to either prove or disprove anyone’s prior, existing opinion(s) & or reviews of the car. It is, for all intents and purposes, my thoughts after having driven up to, and just passing the 1900 kms mark. I am not, and do not claim to be a professional auto reviewer. However, like many of you, I do happen to like cars & truth be told I am really, really liking this vehicle.
And NO, I am not either 60 or 70. But let’s just say I am in my earlier 40’s.
About me: American born but raised in Lugano Switzerland in my early hood then back to the U.S where I served in the USMC and afterwards worked at Boeing under Alan Mulally’s leadership. Now a part of the Canadian landscape. My Grandfather, who raised me in Lugano (Switzerland) basically retired from MBenz. As such, he was truly passionate about cars and as such I was raised around Alfas, Fiats, Opels, Peugeots, Renaults Porsches, you get the picture. He was also good friends with Clay Regazzoni and I was offered the opportunity to be introduced to Niki Lauda. As a side note, my Nonno most idolized the Opel GT.
Cars I have owned: Ford Pinto, Toyota Starlet, Toyota Celica, Chevelle, (2) Chevy Camaros, Chevy S-10, Merkur XR4Ti, Audi A4, Suzuki Sidekick, VW Jetta, Mazda Miata and lastly the Verano. As it happens, once the Verano Turbo arrives I may be upgrading to it.
What I was looking for in a new car: An entry level luxury / luxury vehicle focusing on several aspects of the car ownership experience to include: well built, reliable, great to drive, safe, decent on gas, comfortable & lastly aesthetically pleasing.
On to the car
2012 Buick Verano – (EXT) White Diamond Tri-Coat - (INT) Cashmere Leather Package with Intellink (less Navigation) but with the optional wheel package.
Average combined mileage so far (as per trip computer): 12.4 L - Not that great but as it happens, and with anyone being familiar with Richmond, B.C., one should know that it has more stoplights per capita than the rest of the world combined. Not sure as to what the City Planners where thinking when designing roads, but traffic must not have been one of their top priorities. IMO, Bangladesh has better roads for Heaven’s sake.
So, why the Verano? The only reason that I was swayed in the first place towards this purchase was after being talked into test driving a Chevy Cruze. After doing so, it led me to believe, that for once, GM along with its other American counterparts, were finally changing for the better. The fact that the Verano has German DNA also helped to have it as one of my choices.
Interior: All that I can say is wow. The fit & finish in this thing is truly a step up for GM. As it has been highlighted in several professional reviews, if one was to remove the badging one would think they are sitting inside a Bimmer or Audi. It is really that good. But can it be considered luxury? Well, that defines what luxury means to each one of us. Is it a Bentley? No. Is it an Audi A7? No. But I would be diligent in stating that the Verano’s interior can definitely go head to head with any of its luxurious counterparts. And considering the price of entry, one should not find much to fault in its execution.
The seats are well bolstered and I have found it to be relatively easy to find a good driving position. All the controls, knobs, buttons etc. move and/or click with a reassuringly quality feel when either being pushed and/or pressed. The instrument cluster, along with its gauges, is set up very nicely in pods which I have found to be easy to read in all lighting levels being either sunny or at night. I would have preferred that Buick use white background lighting as opposed to the “usual” and overused orange and blue hues. But it is not something to really complain about. The cabin ambient lighting is just beautiful. Additionally, while driving at night, the chrome on the speed / tach pods reflect outside reflections form streetlights which truly help in exuding some sort of class. All that I can say is that they really thought about everything when designing the interior. The Bose audio system is decent enough. I am aware that everyone craps on Bose’s back door in regards to their sound reproduction qualities but I am not buying a car so I can listen to Beethoven or Bach in “D” Minor, or in my case, Eminem, Jay-Z, Wyclef Jean and other forms of Hip Hop etc., at 700 Watts of power. Is it nice? Yes. Does it sound good? Yes. I believe that GM with its “Quiet Tuning” initiative has achieved what they set out to do. As previously highlighted in several reviews I have had passengers ask me if the engine was running. It is really whisper quite inside. So, I guess, all the better for Bose to do its thing as advertised.
In regards to all the radio & heating / air conditioning controls on the center console. In short, S-I-M-P-L-E. I have read reviews stating that there are so many buttons that it is confusing to use them. I say, YEAH RIGHT! to that. Everything is set up so simple a 2nd grader can figure everything out in about 3 minutes.
I find that my choice of interior color mix is quite nice. Not old looking but then yet not the same atypical boring all black with aluminum a la MBenz. One thing is for sure. It is not austere. There are wood grain inlays (fake) on the door pulls and around the center dashboard inset in brushed aluminum dash trim which add a subliminal classy touch. Other than that the color on the rest of the dashboard and doors is two toned (brown / cashmere) and it is made with good quality plastics. Everything, gaps – panel alignments etc. is up to snuff. If anything, this in itself should speak in volumes as to how different, and better, the Big 3 have improved in the past few years. Speaking of doors. When they are either opened or closed these doors shut with that Teutonic thunk. Not sure if this is due to Opel’s help in the engineering but I find the Verano very substantial or solid, so-to-speak.
Technologies on board – In short, Onstar & Intellink with Pandora / Sticher are amazing to have. The fact that I can also start, stop, warm the seats & steering wheel, check my car’s vitals, and do all this with my phone is a feature that I can wholeheartedly brag about. Yup, truth be told! I have had several German auto owners that have asked as to why this is not available in their cars for the price of entry.
Exterior – Simple, classy, and elegant without being flashy. In this respect I really have not much to say since everyone has their personal taste in respect to how a car should look like.
Engine & Suspension – This is an easy one. Great engine, very smooth and quiet, but it certainly could use the addition of a few ponies. The car does feel heavy and being several hundred kilos heavier than most cars in its segment, GM should really work towards in rectifying this. But I am told that the Verano GS should be arriving soon with an extra 40HP so I guess they are already aware of this. As for as the Suspension system and how well it works all that I can basically say is that the car feels pretty planted and feels secure when driven. Again, It is in fact very Teutonic in the way that it drives, soaks up potholes pretty well, is stable. The car is quick to respond to driver inputs and it handles quite well. The car arrives with pretty much all the standard fanfare of today’s models, Traction Control, Slippage Warning etc. IT IS a great car to drive and always look forward to taking the long way home just to keep on driving it.
So at the end: If anyone should have any doubts as to how good this car really is, you should really take the time to test one. Is it better than A, B, or C? Well that is subjective in itself since what is purchased should only be dependent on the requirements of the end user. All that I can say is that I am duly impressed. Very good luxury car for the price I paid for it. Is it a 3 Series? Audi A4? Possibly not. But does it aspire to be? Not really. But I can say this. GM has garnered its fair share of criticisms as of lately but criticisms aside GM has always been at the forefront of automobile technology. I for one, can wholeheartedly say that I have been won over by the Verano. Or better yet an American car. In truth if they can continue to build the cars that they are building they should be able to change people’s perceptions of what kind of company that GM aspires to be.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I don't have any resources available to answer your specific question as I assist US drivers. However, GM of Canada may be able to assist you with this if you wanted to contact them at 800-263-3777 (Hours: M-F 7:30am - 11:30pm, Sat 7:30am - 6:00 EST).
All the best, and I'm sorry that I can't answer your question for you right here,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
Conversly the sound suppression work on the Verano is world class! Honda needs to sit up and take note! I'm going to look at the Acura ILX due out this spring before I make any small car decision.
This is the little lady's ride and I get it on weekends. So far no problems to mention at all. This car is well built and fit and finish are excellent. For a car in this category it handles well and mpg not bad but could be better.
Pick up outstanding and rides like a library on the highway. Compared to Regal I tool around with this car comparable but a notch better as far as transmission and luxurious interior.
Only thing to note, front end is very low and I have a sidewalk crossing my driveway so I have a slight incline. This puppy front end dam rubs against it when I pull out to fast. Keep in mind also when parking near parking lot bumpers this baby will rip apart if you go to close.
Had a recall notice regarding air bag, but dealer inspected and said all was good!
Thats it for now!
However, I don't think $100 cost for adding Homelink would throw this car into another price category.
Also, the labor involved in building an Audi A4 for example is not appreciably different from an A6 or A7, or a Regal v. a Lacrosse.
If I were in the market for a Buick, the Verano is as big as I would want to go, living in the densest part of my city as I do. My new Volvo S60 is actually an inch or two less in length than the Verano. An A4 is about as big as I care to go with a sedan, so trading up to the next size just because it seems a better deal is not something I would do.
I think Edmunds was being a bit harsh when they said: "Lacks the cachet of rivals like the Acura ILX, Audi A3 or Lexus IS 250." "Cache" is a very fickle and perishable commodity. 15 years ago, you couldn't give away a Cadillac; and 10 years ago, people were laughing at Hyundai. This car could be a real game changer for Buick if:
1) They get a firm grip on the car's identity and target market early on. Is it a fast upscale small car, or a premium sports compact? Flappy paddle shifters for the automatic trans and other sporting touches like premium tires and Brembo-style brakes could go a long way in reinforcing that "sports" image & performance.
2) GM resists the urge to go to el-cheapo parts bin pieces. Premium sport sedans are the sum of premium pieces - no corner cutting, please. (You know you've done it before.)
3) Keep the price realistic. You can't break into this niche by charging what the big boys have already earned the right to charge. Don't try to hit a home run on every unit by charging yourselves right out of the game. Earn your street cred first - then we'll talk about big profits.
Here's hoping GM is listening.
Verdict: I like driving this car. It feels solid. I never have any sense of losing control – whether rushing on rough pavement, cornering sharply, passing at high speeds or braking hard. The steering is precise – effortless when parking, responsive when maneuvering through traffic, a bit slack at high speeds but straight-tracking. As for power - much mocked on these forums - I can only say that the Verano goes as fast I want it to go. There are plenty of angry and aggressive drivers here in NYC. Few of them intimidate me or my Verano.
I was sold by Buick’s quiet-tuning promotions. The technology and claims are real. And there were some unexpected effects. This car is definitely quiet, just as promised. There is little mechanical noise. In fact, at idle, the engine is so faint that a few times, I accidentally left the car and returned only to discover that I had forgotten to turn the engine off. There is little wind sound. The windows are smallish, especially the four extra portholes, and extra thick. This muffles outside sounds, especially noticeable when you drive through a tunnel alongside trucks. The cabin feels quite compact. All its surfaces are well-padded. The whole effect is like being inside a capsule - an airplane or submarine. Your environment is so calm compared to the harsh one outside. It gives me a sense of privacy – of really being in my own world.
I can listen to the radio at the same volume level I would in my living room and still have an easy conversation with a passenger.
The seats feel more like a living room arm chair. They are firm yet with generous bolstering, good back support and luxurious-feeling leather. Do you know that Pavlovian response when you are about to have the first taste of a favorite food – you start salivating. I have a similar experience each time I walk up to the car. The seat is so comfortable, so perfectly positioned, that my body relaxes in joyful anticipation of the first contact. I did some comparisons, and found that the Verano’s seats are about 2-inches higher than other car seats and not as steeply sloped. The extra height makes it easier to get in and out of the car. Some people like the sports car like feel of very low seats. I prefer sitting higher and upright. I think that’s what gives the cabin its living room feel.
There are a few disappointments. Significant blind spots. The front side pillars take a chunk out of the field of view when turning. They can hide pedestrians. And the pillars in the back force you to look much more carefully for on-coming traffic when pulling out of a parking space. The rear window and mirror seem awfully constricted. Although the car is quiet, I am quite aware of sound of the tires on the road. Road bumps produce sharp thumps. I suspect this is simply a consequence of there being little other noise, and possibly because of the low profile tires and general tautness of the body.
The entertainment and communications system – Intellilink – offers lots of features, but the user interface needs a little more thinking. It took a while to navigate through the plethora of offerings – Sirius, CD, USB, Bluetooth streaming, AM, FM etc. This requires assigning shortcuts to sources on groups of six buttons, each group representing a single collection of favorites. You have to cycle through the groups of favorites to get to the shortcut for a particular source and if you don’t actually press the button, there is a mismatch between the button’s screen label and the actual shortcut. Ughh.
The Bluetooth phone connection requires that the radio be on. There should be some standby mode where the radio is on but if you feel like quiet, nothing is actually playing. Also, the touch panel could display a virtual analog clock instead of the boring Buick logo when the radio is off. This would dress things up. Hey, it’s just a computer. Why not allow display of a picture of your lover, your dog or family? This could be done through the car’s smartphone app. Importing contacts from my particular phone was not supported. But I can use the car’s own phone (yes, it comes with its own phone and number!). It would be nice to have commands to be able to dial separate digits during a call. This way, you could access voice mail or get through office PBX switches or any automated telephone response systems.
The car is definitely small. Still, I can push the seats far enough back that the feet of my 6-foot body cannot reach the pedals. Gas mileage is 22-23. Not terribly impressive for such a small car. A full tank gives me about 325 mile range.
Sometimes the car looks to me like an ugly duckling, parts of the body seem bloated. Nevertheless, there is an inner coherence to the design. The theme of the chrome “eyebrows” over the tail lights are carried through onto the dash. Study a picture of the control panel and you’ll see how the chrome accents on the outer button edges or between groups of switches contribute to readability. Notice how the brushed aluminum outline is well sculpted. This is subjective, but I think the Verano is pretty and pleasing, even if it is an ugly duckling.
I am interested in knowing about this particular thing you mentioned in your review. Please share which smart phone app you mentioned
"Why not allow display of a picture of your lover, your dog or family? This could be done through the car’s smartphone app"
Thanks a lot
I am interested in knowing about this particular thing you mentioned in your review. Please share which smart phone app you mentioned.
"Why not allow display of a picture of your lover, your dog or family? This could be done through the car’s smartphone app"
Thanks a lot
I was making a wish. This function does not actually exist. My point is that the Intellillink/OnStar functionality has unrealized potential. The display is probably driven by a netbook-like compact computer possibly running Linux. The image is like a PC desktop. Tt would be neat if the user could customize it. The car comes with a phone app that monitors tire pressure, gas, oil and through which you can send commands to start the car or prepare a route. This could be a way to customize the display - someday.