Verano Talk Forum : Buick Verano Forums http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/ buick verano forums en Sun, 20 May 2012 04:32:33 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/images/styles/VeranoTalk/misc/rss.png Verano Talk Forum : Buick Verano Forums http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/ Buick Verano reliability - better information http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/buick-verano-general-discussion-forum/487-buick-verano-reliability-better-information.html Fri, 18 May 2012 19:22:24 GMT I wanted more up-to-date car reliability information that made the differences between cars clearer. So a few years ago I started getting people... I wanted more up-to-date car reliability information that made the differences between cars clearer. So a few years ago I started getting people together to make this possible. TrueDelta now updates actual repair frequencies, not just dots, four times a year, to track cars closely as they age.

I'd like to provide reliability stats for the Verano like we do for other Buicks, just a matter of getting more owners involved.

Participants simply report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, following the end of each quarter.

To encourage participation, participants receive full access to all results, not just those for the Verano, for free. I'll share results for the Verano in this thread after each update.

For the details, and to sign up to help out:

Car reliability research ]]> Buick Verano General Discussion Forum mkaresh http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/buick-verano-general-discussion-forum/487-buick-verano-reliability-better-information.html Iphone 4 issues http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/buick-verano-general-discussion-forum/486-iphone-4-issues.html Fri, 18 May 2012 17:56:05 GMT Just wanted to see if anyone else is having issues with the bluetooth and the iphone 4. Bluetooth links up fine to the system when I get in the car... Just wanted to see if anyone else is having issues with the bluetooth and the iphone 4. Bluetooth links up fine to the system when I get in the car but if I receive a call the music locks up and all I can do to fix it is power cycle my phone. Does the same either over bluetooth or plugged directly into the usb port in the console. I just wish my old 2g nano was supported and there would be no issues. ]]> Buick Verano General Discussion Forum SuCraM http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/buick-verano-general-discussion-forum/486-iphone-4-issues.html 2012 Buick Verano, On the Road http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/buick-verano-videos/485-2012-buick-verano-road.html Fri, 18 May 2012 14:44:02 GMT http://youtu.be/65pzApZ3AcA ]]> Buick Verano Videos TDR http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/buick-verano-videos/485-2012-buick-verano-road.html Idiot of the Month Award Goes to... http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/484-idiot-month-award-goes.html Wed, 16 May 2012 18:04:24 GMT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pgm8I0B8bY ]]> Off Topic Discussion TDR http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/484-idiot-month-award-goes.html Toyota, Honda top supplier survey with lower results, GM and Chrysler improve http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/483-toyota-honda-top-supplier-survey-lower-results-gm-chrysler-improve.html Wed, 16 May 2012 16:02:24 GMT Before financial Stargate opened in September of 2008 and transported us to an entirely new economic dimension, it was oh so common to read about... Before financial Stargate opened in September of 2008 and transported us to an entirely new economic dimension, it was oh so common to read about domestic automakers hammering Tier One suppliers to lower their prices. Of course, suppliers are still asked to find efficiencies, but pre-2008, it seemed a point of honor to hold a supplier's feet to the fire. No more: in the latest Working Relations Index survey of suppliers by Detroit firm Planning Perspectives Inc., General Motors and Chrysler rocketed up the charts to bring the bunch much closer together.

Admittedly, the two companies are still in last place, with GM just ahead of Chrysler and Toyota and Honda still up top. But perspective and improvement is the issue here: in 2005, Toyota scored 415 and GM scored 114. In this year's survey, Toyota scored 296 and Chrysler scored 248. It is the first time in the 12 years of the survey that the six automakers covered have been separated by less than 50 points. Chrysler's jump was led by the efforts of the the late Dan Knott, whle GM's improvement has been led by Bob Socia.

And yes, this is also a matter of the perennial leaders, Toyota and Honda, suffering a dip: in 2010 Toyota scored 327 and Honda 309, two years later, Toyota has dropped 31 points. Every automaker, however, from top to bottom acknowledged that they still have work to do with supplier relations. The benefits of good feelings are that suppliers tend to present their newest tech to, and make better parts for, the automakers with whom they have the best relationships. Naturally, it has been found that the reverse is true as well.

Nissan and Ford make up the middle two spots, where they've been for years. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Hyundai aren't on the list yet; PPI feels it doesn't have enough data on the Germans to yet to officially include them, and it doesn't have enough data on Hyundai to rank it at all. If the data gathered on the Germans was included, though, they would sandwich the rest of the field: BMW and Mercedes at the top, Volkswagen at the bottom a point shy of Chrysler.

Toyota, Honda top supplier survey with lower results, GM and Chrysler improve ]]> Off Topic Discussion verano http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/483-toyota-honda-top-supplier-survey-lower-results-gm-chrysler-improve.html Buick begins airing Marisa Miller Enclave ad, Watch it here.... http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/482-buick-begins-airing-marisa-miller-enclave-ad-watch-here.html Wed, 16 May 2012 15:46:34 GMT Im not the type of person that would be interested in an SUV but Miss Marisa sure does make this commercial interesting! ... Im not the type of person that would be interested in an SUV but Miss Marisa sure does make this commercial interesting!

]]> Off Topic Discussion verano http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/482-buick-begins-airing-marisa-miller-enclave-ad-watch-here.html What is missing on the Verano that you wish was on it? http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/buick-verano-general-discussion-forum/481-what-missing-verano-you-wish.html Tue, 15 May 2012 12:45:55 GMT I recently traded in my 2011 Nissan Altima Coupe for a Summit White Verano with the leather package and a sun roof. I LOVE this car. However, there... I recently traded in my 2011 Nissan Altima Coupe for a Summit White Verano with the leather package and a sun roof. I LOVE this car. However, there are a couple of things I wish it had. I miss the backup camera that was in the Altima. I also wish the Verano had turn signals on the mirrors. Does anyone else miss having something on the Verano? Thanks in advance for all replies! ]]> Buick Verano General Discussion Forum TBS http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/buick-verano-general-discussion-forum/481-what-missing-verano-you-wish.html issue when first putting car in drive http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/buick-verano-general-discussion-forum/480-issue-when-first-putting-car-drive.html Tue, 15 May 2012 00:01:53 GMT I recently purchased a Summit White Verano with the leather package and sunroof. I love the car. I do have a question though. When I put the car into... I recently purchased a Summit White Verano with the leather package and sunroof. I love the car. I do have a question though. When I put the car into drive, I feel a slight bump on the brake . Has anyone else experienced this. I am wondering if it is just the ABS system doing a check. Thanks for all responses! ]]> Buick Verano General Discussion Forum TBS http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/buick-verano-general-discussion-forum/480-issue-when-first-putting-car-drive.html First Drive: 2012 Buick Verano Leather Edition http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/buick-verano-general-discussion-forum/479-first-drive-2012-buick-verano-leather-edition.html Mon, 14 May 2012 17:02:24 GMT Graeme Fletcher May 14, 2012 – 8:00 AM ET | Last Updated: May 9, 2012 6:44 PM ET Image:... Graeme Fletcher May 14, 2012 – 8:00 AM ET | Last Updated: May 9, 2012 6:44 PM ET



Buicks have long been all about cruising comfort — the float-on-air ride, cossetting cabin and life’s little luxuries. For the buyer well on in years, the formula worked; for the younger crowd, it did not. Buick’s transformation and its desire to seek a younger customer started with the introduction of the Regal. It still brought a luxurious and comfortable cabin, but the new-found thrust was to provide some semblance of driving pleasure. It worked very nicely.

The Verano is the next car aimed at rejuvenating Buick’s image and attracting that more youthful buyer. In the end, the Verano is so much of a clone of the Regal that it takes a keen eye to differentiate the two cars — the slightly more pronounced nose and the fact the character line that runs through the side of the car is reversed are the two key differences. It is all very subtle, to say the least. Now, that is not a knock against Buick — it works very nicely for BMW!

The Verano is also very close to the Regal in terms of size — its wheelbase is 53 millimetres shorter, measuring 2,685 mm. In terms of the practical effect this has, well, it means there is slightly less rear-seat legroom. And while the 14-cubic-foot trunk is 0.2 cu. ft. smaller than the Regal’s with the optional Bose sound system aboard, it is actually 0.1 cu. ft. larger minus said system. In the end, it requires a tape measure to really quantify the differences.

Up front, the Verano delivers ample room, comfortable seating and a refined finish — visually and build quality-wise, the Verano sets a new standard for Buick. The materials are obviously off the top shelf and the colour combinations brighten up the cabin nicely. Likewise, standard equipment abounds, especially if one opts for the Leather Edition. This thing counts all of the usual power toys, full leather and the aforementioned nine-speaker Bose audio system to go along with the heated seats and steering wheel. The Leather Edition also earns a seven-inch colour screen that integrates the infotainment and phone functions into one convenient format that can be accessed via the touch-sensitive screen or through voice command. The tester also featured an optional power sunroof and attractive 18-inch wheels. As I say, it’s loaded, and for less than $30,000.

If there is a niggle, it is paying $380 for premium paint. Unless one wants basic black, white or silver, one will pay a premium — $995 for the white diamond tri-coat finish!
Where the Verano truly shines is in the quietness of its ride. The firewall features not one but two noise-deadening blankets, there is extra insulation between the roof panel and headliner and more beneath the carpeting and in the trunk along with laminated glass in the front side windows and triple door seals. It is all part of Buick’s QuietTuning offensive. The effect the work has on the ambient cabin noise is extraordinary — there is no extraneous noise. In fact, the lack of any significant aural feedback seems a little eerie at first.

The Verano also borrows from the Regal when it comes to its motive power. In the Verano’s case, the 2.4-litre Ecotec engine, which uses all of the latest technologies, makes 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. That is two fewer hp and one fewer lb-ft of torque than the Regal. As employed in the Verano, this engine delivers decent performance and a run from rest to 100 kilometres an hour in 8.7 seconds.
The power is then fired through the same six-speed manumatic transmission and the front wheels. The box itself is a slick unit that slips through its gears seamlessly and it is willing to kick down when needed. The powertrain combination is effective, wafting the Verano to speed effortlessly while returning pretty good fuel economy — a test average of 8.7 L/100 km.

Ride-wise, the Verano has been imbued with the ability to control unwanted body motion without sacrificing the overall quality of the ride. The sensation of smoothness is undoubtedly helped by the aforementioned quietness within the cabin. As a result, the Verano is aptly described as a sporty boulevardier. The electric steering has some real feel to it, the up-level P235/45R18 tires minimize understeer and, more importantly, the Verano drives through a corner in a manner that’s just not expected of a Buick. It all comes together very nicely.

At the launch of the Verano, I wondered why anyone would take the more expensive Regal over Buick’s latest entry. My time with the Verano on home turf confirmed that initial impression. The Verano, especially the Leather Edition, brings as much or more equipment, a quieter ride and better fuel economy for less money. The base Regal with its cloth seats is, at $30,085, already more expensive. Option it up to the same equipment level as the Verano Leather Edition and, would you believe, the premium soars to more than $5,000 for what basically boils down to more rear-seat legroom — 86 mm to be exact, but who’s counting?

THE SPECS

Type of vehicle Front-wheel-drive compact sedan
Engine 2.4L DOHC in-line four
Power 180 hp @ 6,700 rpm; 171 lb-ft of torque @ 4,900 rpm
Transmission Six-speed manumatic
Brakes Four-wheel disc with ABS
Tires P235/45R18 (optional)
Price: base/as tested $22,595/$29,725
Destination charge $1,495
Transport Canada fuel economy L/100 km 9.9 city, 6.2 hwy.
Standard features Dual-zone automatic climate control, power locks, windows and heated mirrors, cruise control, six-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, heated tilt and telescopic steering wheel, AM/FM/CD/MP3/satellite radio with nine speakers, auxiliary inputs and steering wheel-mounted controls, Bluetooth, keyless entry and push-button start, trip computer, fog lights
Options Power sunroof ($1,100), 18-inch wheels ($525), premium paint ($380)

First Drive: 2012 Buick Verano Leather Edition | Driving | National Post ]]> Buick Verano General Discussion Forum buickbuick http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/buick-verano-general-discussion-forum/479-first-drive-2012-buick-verano-leather-edition.html Review: 2012 Buick Verano 1SL http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/buick-verano-general-discussion-forum/478-review-2012-buick-verano-1sl.html Mon, 14 May 2012 17:00:14 GMT Image: http://gmauthority.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DSC_6054-582x385.jpg Admittedly, I’m an adrenaline junkie. It’s probably why I...

Admittedly, I’m an adrenaline junkie. It’s probably why I enjoy my share of participating in extreme sports, like mixed martial arts, and rugby. It would also explain many of my hospital visits. Regardless, while my thrill-seeking spirit remains constantly intact, I do like to get in touch with my mellow side. And such a mood struck me whilst holding the key fob of a White Diamond 2012 Buick Verano. So with a muffled thud, the driver’s side door shut, I pushed the start button, tuned to XM Chill, and off I went.

Overview

We had some time with the 2012 Verano last fall. The lasting impressions were that it was subliminally quiet, well appointed, and brought a great alternative to the otherwise overly hard and sporty luxury compacts in the market. But time with the vehicle was limited, and wasn’t enough to really give a solid verdict. Revisiting the Verano for a second time gave more perspective.

In particular, our Verano tester fell into the range-topping Leather package, while the Monroney tells us that it’s categorized as a 1SL model and costs $25,965. As you can see from the photos, our tester was colored a $495 White Diamond hue, which was the only additional option, while the interior is a descriptive Choccachino leather. Tally in the premium paint and $885 destination charge, and the final price still rests well below thirty grand, at $27,345.



Available options missing from the tester included things like a $900 power sunroof, and a $795 navigation system and the $450 set of more premium looking wheels. The Verano doesn’t really get much more advanced than that. Bi-Xenon headlamps, surprisingly, are absent from the party. Come to think of it, so are power-reclining seats, a power-adjusting steering wheel, and power-folding mirrors. These options would be welcome additions, and don’t seem like too much to ask for. Oddly enough on the contrary, the mirrors are heated, the leather steering wheel is heated, and the high-quality seats can be found in its bigger, more expensive family member, the Buick LaCrosse.

The Verano’s appearance features an attractive, conservative front fascia, but the rear end never grew on me. The chrome ass-brows above the tail-lamps just look tacky. Is this the kind of desired look that young single professionals and empty nest couples look for in a car? I’m gonna go with no.



Well Blended Ride And Handling

Revisiting the Buick Verano reassured the fact that it’s one of the quietest vehicles I’ve ever been inside of. And it’s a sub-$30,000 compact. Almost no wind noise, even at interstate speeds. The steering is sharp and the Continental tires grip appropriately. Going with the steering, the suspension isn’t floaty, and not overly hard. To get more descriptive, it’s on the jaunty end of neutral. However if I could, I’d tune the suspension for an even softer ride only if I could keep the steering for the sake of added comfort — an element the vehicle seems to exhibit mostly. The braking feel is initially squishy before the four discs clamp down enough to stop the 3,300-pound Verano from 60-0 in 124 feet, but nevertheless is easy to get used to.



The Verano’s engine is nothing to get excited about, though the six-speed transmission is the smooth standout in the powertrain. Mash the pedal and the 2.4L Ecotec seemingly yells more out of discomfort than pleasure. I’m sure we can all relate to that. Anyways, the 0-60 sprint is just under nine seconds, so it’s not exactly an athlete. Than again, this car isn’t pretending to be one. But for the hungry swarms of you out there pent up with desire for a 2.0L Ecotec turbo engine complete with a six-speed manual transmission in the Verano, don’t you worry. It’s coming.

Hopefully some of you bought into my sarcasm, as I am still left scratching my slowly balding head as to how a stick-turbo Verano got the green light for the North American market, and appealing and practical cars like the Chevrolet Cruze wagon and hatchback are left to be enjoyed across the pond. Regardless, I will continue to pray to the car gods for GM to show some product consistency. /rant.

The EPA rates the 2012 Verano with its 180 hp, 171 lb-ft 2.4L Ecotec at 21 mpg in the city and 32 mpg highway. I averaged 27 mpg, which is two points higher than the EPA-rated average, but I will confess that it was mostly highway driving with 55 mph speed limits and interstate driving with 70 mph speed limits. Some people who are now used to 40 mpg compacts may find the Verano’s numbers unsatisfactory, but when it comes to the Verano’s competition, such as the Lexus IS250 and Acura TSX, the 32 mpg highway figure is still class leading. Though it’s still fairly low for a modern front wheel drive compact. But that seems to be changing soon.

Those who have been paying attention may also note that GM’s about to launch a brand new 2.5L four-cylinder mill, essentially making the aged 2.4L engine in the Verano obsolete. It will be the new 2.5L that will gradually replace the 2.4L Ecotec across GM’s portfolio going forward. Expect the all-new, smoother, quieter, more powerful and more efficient 2.5L Ecotec in the Verano by the 2013 model year, at which point we will revisit the Verano again to test both this new engine and the 2.0L turbo configuration. With the 2.5L block, we can hope for yet even more refinement, more power and increased fuel economy.



Full Sized Comfort, Compact Size

If plushness is what you want, a Buick Verano equipped with Choccachino leather seats is the best way to go. The grained leather is soft to the touch, and the seats design give plenty of support, even for hours of driving. The seats are also of a wider nature with less of an emphasis on bolstering, giving the cabin a less confined feeling that’s also supplemented by the vanity windows. Rear passengers may find their amount of legroom disappointing, but then again, this isn’t a LaCrosse, even though the small Verano is as quiet as one.

While the first try with the Verano yielded much of what the chassis was capable of, I didn’t play as much with the Intellilink system as I would have liked to, that changed this time around. The system itself is standard, as is the attractive seven-inch color display screen. To play a certain radio station, users must first push the proper button on the steering wheel, and say “tune”. From there, simply say whatever frequency (AM, FM, or XM) and then the station number. In the case of XM, you can opt to say the station name (like “Electric Area” or “Classic Vinyl”) instead. And if you have a smartphone, you can even stream Pandora or Stitcher through the Bose Premium Audio System via Bluetooth if your heart so desires.



Looking Forward

A base Verano starts a hair over $22,500. And there’s a few sore spots that give way as to why the Verano carries a relatively low price tag, despite being great otherwise. The center storage compartment may have been soft to the touch, but felt loose and flimsy. The plastic window vents tasked with defrosting the front driver’s and passenger windows look and feel as if they came from a Rubbermaid reject bin, and are extremely noticeable to occupants. To back this up, I introduced my mother to the Verano as she fits that “empty nest couples” demographic Buick is targeting with the vehicle. Before I even asked her what she thought of the Verano’s cabin, she gazed at these vents and exclaimed: “I don’t like those at all”. Take it from my mom, Buick. Sequentially, she did warm up to the car after she realized how serene the Verano rides.

Other weak marks are the plastichrome interior accents and wood carved from a faux tree. Real brushed metals and veneered wood could do wonders here. And if that means bumping up the MSRP, I doubt few will care, because according to Buick’s people, almost nobody goes for a base Verano in the first place. Additionally, it will show that GM is serious about making Buick a true luxury brand. Despite it all, these blemishes never spoiled the experience. But like eating a tender steak, you know it would sometimes be better with a little more seasoning, even if it still tastes good.
The GM Authority Final Word

The 2012 Buick Verano is a well-done first attempt at a comfortable, contemporary entry luxury vehicle. Its starting MSRP is a great value considering the creature comforts, and its hushed ride is reminiscent of vehicles much larger and more expensive. And with just a few tweaks, the surprising Verano can be pretty much perfect.

Photo Credit: Steven Pham

Review: 2012 Buick Verano 1SL | GM Authority ]]> Buick Verano General Discussion Forum buickbuick http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/buick-verano-general-discussion-forum/478-review-2012-buick-verano-1sl.html Is America Becoming The Land Of The Suckers? http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/477-america-becoming-land-suckers.html Mon, 14 May 2012 16:07:38 GMT Is America Becoming The Land Of The Suckers? Image: http://images.thetruthaboutcars.com/2012/05/Suckers.jpg Suckers come in all shapes and... Is America Becoming The Land Of The Suckers?





Suckers come in all shapes and sizes.


They can be a young guy with college loans in his mid-20′s who is charged $800+ for a $100 repair. Or an elderly couple on a fixed income who is encouraged to sign on the dotted line with a malevolent seller.


Every single American has probably been a sucker at some point in their lives when it comes to cars. Young, old, smart, not so smart, confident, fearful… and in all cases, struggling with the unfamiliar. Our society is not one that de-fangs the predators or educates the victims. It is a debtful and litigious one that encourages money to be thrown into every which direction but personal accountability.


Or does it? Frugality is supposedly the in thing these days… and cars are now kept longer than ever. As a life long debt hater, I would like to think that there are far fewer suckers than before. Especially when it comes to cars.


But the numbers tell me otherwise.




This recession has yielded some unusual results in two industries that reflect the lack of change within the American automotive lifestyle. Take a look at this graph for instance.





Autozone is the largest auto parts retailer in the United States. Not to be outdone by a long list of other competitors. It has been a bellweather of success along with many of the other publicly traded auto parts retailers during this recession. Since 2008 this market segment has yielded a 125% return vs. the S&P 500 index.


So should we all just toss in our proverbial ponchos of stock portfolios and start chasing after companies that embrace Americas newfound penchant for frugality? Not quite yet. Any investment we do in life has to require far more than a few blips worth of data.


The idea of buying a parts retailer may be lucrative to the ‘keepers’ amongst us who believe in investing in our cars for the long haul. But the three most dominant and successful auto parts retailers have only seen annual revenue growth of 4% to 7% over the last five years (Click symbols: AAP, AZO, GPC.)


Without going too deep into the rabbit hole of data, success in the auto parts business has more to do with managing inventory and costs than the sudden enlightment of the general public.


As far as it pains me to say it, most Americans are not pursuing the path to wisdom at all. At least as it relates to cars. In fact everything on the wholesale side of the world points to a public that is increasingly dependent on barnacle levels of debt for their roadside freedom.


Go to page 18 of the 2012 Data Source Book for Used Car News and you will see the nasty reality of a ‘sucker’ infested marketplace. According to Experian Automotive, loans for used cars that are for 60 months or less are becoming far fewer in number. In their place are 5+ year loans. The 61 to 72 month term is now the most common one in the United States with loans beyond 72 months up a startling 41.1% just in the last year (see page 18).


There are now more auto loans for used cars that are six years and longer, than those that are three years or less.


The average term has gone up (page 17). The average payment has only declined for the most creditworthy (see page 16). While those who are the most credit challenged are putting nearly 15% less of a down payment since 2008 ($959 down in 2011 vs $1130 down in 2008, see page 23).


From these numbers, it appears like a lot of folks are going to be bordering on the broke for a very long time. But it gets worse. Far, far worse for the unfortunate among us who happen to live from paycheck to pawn debt.


For more Americans than ever before, the cycle of ‘debt to equity’ has become a ‘debt to debt’ trap. That will be shown in detail come Wednesday. But for now let me ask you a question. How can we reduce the number of suckers in our society? Jokes are welcome as always. But serious answers would be even better.




Hammer Time: Is America Becoming The Land Of The Suckers? | The Truth About Cars ]]> Off Topic Discussion TDR http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/477-america-becoming-land-suckers.html Driven: 2012 Buick Verano 1SL http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/buick-verano-general-discussion-forum/476-driven-2012-buick-verano-1sl.html Thu, 10 May 2012 19:41:58 GMT "Big as a Buick" is a phrase that rolls easily off the tongue, and for good reason. For decades, one of this stalwart brand's consistent deliverables was sheetmetal and lots of it. That started becoming a problem, however, round about the days of the first gas crisis. Buick, like other GM divisions, rushed out a series of smaller entries, most of them called Skylark -- although a Skyhawk also snuck in there. And most of them were forgettably, or regrettably, restyled versions of cheap Chevrolets.

Those baby Buicks never were very good at distilling the brand's strengths into a smaller package; their only selling point was their smaller package.

A different baby Buick

For its latest attempt at a smaller offering, Buick shot down the Skylark nameplate -- wisely, in my opinion -- and went with something new. The Verano is hatched from the same egg (GM's Delta II architecture) as the Chevrolet Cruze and the Opel Astra. But whereas previous baby Buicks often had too much family resemblance to their GM siblings, this time not only do the Buick and the Chevrolet have unique body panels, but even the greenhouse is different. One might stop short of calling the Verano handsome -- Buick still seems to be searching for a cohesive design language that extends beyond the "waterfall grille" -- but the Verano looks nothing like a Cruze.

That's also true of the interior. The top-spec version features rich-feeling leather and contrast stitching, well-padded door panels, and plenty of wood and dark-metal trim. The front bucket seats are deeply pocketed and the steering wheel feels good. Buick's IntelliLink touch-screen interface is on hand, and it works pretty well. There's a 7-inch touch-screen (standard on all models) but also separate audio knobs and buttons. Speaking of buttons, the center stack has too many and they're too similar -- a situation that's common to most General Motors cars. And while we're picking nits, some of the interior fits were not very good.

Although the cabin is upscale, it is not large. The steeply raked windshield makes for a somewhat closed-in feeling up front, but the real issue is in the rear, where back seat space is tight. A six-foot adult can fit back there, but only just; headroom and legroom are at a premium. The Lexus HS250h is much better in this regard; so too is the only slightly bigger Acura TSX.





Bigger engine, bigger thirst

The Verano's 2.4-liter engine is larger than either of the two available powerplants in the Chevy Cruze. It delivers 180 hp and 171 pound-feet of torque, fed to the front wheels through a well-programmed six-speed automatic. That's a lot more spunk than you get in either of the Cruze engines, both of which are 138-hp. The Verano accelerates smartly, and the normally aspirated four makes for throttle response that's nicely linear.

All of that befits a compact that is more upscale than a workaday Cruze. The problem, though, is that the larger engine takes a toll in fuel economy. The Verano's 21/32 mpg doesn't befit a compact car; in fact, it would be only middling for a mid-size.

Buick's own mid-size Regal gets 25/36 mpg, with the eAssist powertrain, as does the even larger LaCrosse. The Verano does beat the Regal with the base engine and an automatic (19/31 mpg), but not by much. And several mid-size sedans do better than the Verano, most notably the Toyota Camry (25/35 mpg) and the Hyundai Sonata (24/35 mpg). The Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, and Nissan Altima also all beat the Verano figures.

Smaller car, smaller price

Without great gas mileage as a calling card, a smaller Buick has to be a less-expensive Buick, and it is. Prices start at $23,470, which is more than $4000 under a Regal. My test car was the highest of the three trim levels, and included the aforementioned leather, heated seats and steering wheel, passive keyless entry, and rear park assist (but no camera). Add navigation and a sunroof, and you're still under $30k.

A Verano or...?

At the end of our data panel, we're supposed to identify some competitor cars. With the Verano, that was a bit of a head-scratcher. There are the two little Lexus models, the CT200h and the HS250h, but they're hybrids -- so they get significantly better fuel economy but they also cost a lot more. The Audi A3 is a premium compact but it's also a hatchback and it, too, is more expensive. The closest competitor may be the new Acura ILX; it's not out yet but will be soon.

The premium compact category is in its infancy in the U.S. car market. Credit Buick for getting there early. That doesn't mean, however, that its entry will be an easy sell. Buick's baby may be a bargain, but in America, it's hard to make a case for a small car unless it gets significantly better fuel economy than a bigger one.

2012 Buick Verano 1SL

Base price (with destination): $26,850
Price as tested: $27,345

Standard Equipment:
180-hp, 2.4-liter I-4 engine
6-speed automatic transmission
Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
Air-conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate control
Power windows
Power door locks w/remote and passive entry
Keyless ignition
8 airbags
OnStar w/6 months directions & connections, automatic crash response, and turn-by-turn navigation
Leather upholstery
Heated seats
Heated steering wheel
6-way power driver's seat
Bose premium AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system w/9 speakers and USB input
IntiellilLink with 7-inch touch-screen
Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls
Bluetooth
Tilt & telescoping steering column
Auto-dimming inside mirror
60/40 split-folding rear seats
Cruise control
Ultrasonic rear parking assist
18-inch wheels
Fog lamps

Options on this vehicle:
White Diamond Tricoat paint - $495

Key options not on vehicle:
Power sunroof - $900
Navigation - $795
Premium 18-inch wheels - $450

Fuel economy:
(city/hwy/combined)
21 / 32 / 25 mpg

Engine:
2.4L DOHC I-4
Horsepower: 180 hp @ 6700 rpm
Torque: 171 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm

Drive:
Front-wheel

Transmission:
6-speed automatic

Curb weight: 3300 lb

Wheels/tires:
18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
235/45 R18 Continental ContiProContact tires

Competitors:
Acura ILX
Audi A3
Lexus CT200h
Lexus HS250h

Read more: Driven: 2012 Buick Verano 1SL - Automobile Magazine ]]> Buick Verano General Discussion Forum buickfan http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/buick-verano-general-discussion-forum/476-driven-2012-buick-verano-1sl.html The Top 10 Cars for Mom on Mother’s Day http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/475-top-10-cars-mom-mother%92s-day.html Thu, 10 May 2012 18:13:33 GMT Image: http://cdn.leftlanenews.com/photos/content/january2012/thumbnails5.0/mom-ri_653.jpg Mothers, your day has arrived. While most sons and...


Mothers, your day has arrived. While most sons and daughters will be making a bee line for the local florist, we think Mom deserves to be really spoiled this year.


After all, who carried you for nine months? Sorry, Dad.


The Leftlane staff put our heads together to come up with a list of 10 vehicles we think most mothers would be delighted to see in their driveways on Mother’s Day. What follows is a no-particular-order group of 10 wildly different cars that seem mother-approved to us. We left our list totally open-ended… as long as it has four wheels and can be bought new today by someone with at least a somewhat reasonable budget, it was considered.


What does your mother currently drive? What do you think she’d like to be driving in the future? Share your thoughts below.


The Top 10 Cars for Mom on Mother’s Day





Honda Odyssey. Minivans and mothers are an obvious stereotype, but that’s clearly quite all right with many parents. Honda’s latest Odyssey boasts unique styling and class-leading fuel economy along with arguably the most innovative interior ever put into a passenger car. Cubbies, storage pockets, cup holders, fold-flat seats and other conveniences abound.





Chevrolet Corvette. Mom might drive a family truckster, but you know she really wants something with a little power and style. Chevrolet’s evergreen Corvette lineup is the best it has ever been – both on road and on a track. And it’s an astoundingly good value equation, even if its price continues to creep upward. Just make sure you sign Mom up for an SCCA driving school first!





Volkswagen Beetle. VW has done the impossible by once again recreating a classic. This time, the Beetle brings with it a little mojo, including a more squat appearance and a pair of desirable turbocharged powertrains. Depending on Mom’s disposition, she might like the eco-friendly diesel-powered Beetle TDI or she might be better suited with the zippy Beetle Turbo. ]]> Off Topic Discussion TDR http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/475-top-10-cars-mom-mother%92s-day.html 2012 Buick Verano, Detailed Walkaround http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/buick-verano-videos/474-2012-buick-verano-detailed-walkaround.html Thu, 10 May 2012 14:48:54 GMT http://youtu.be/HC25Eo4Z9ik ]]> Buick Verano Videos RPM http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/buick-verano-videos/474-2012-buick-verano-detailed-walkaround.html NADAguides.com Names the 2012 Buick Verano Featured Vehicle of the Month for May http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/buick-verano-general-discussion-forum/473-nadaguides-com-names-2012-buick-verano-featured-vehicle-month-may.html Thu, 10 May 2012 14:47:51 GMT Buick's All-New Compact Luxury Sedan Offers Elegance with Safety and Technology









COSTA MESA, Calif., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --News Highlights
  • NADAguides.com, the leading online provider of vehicle pricing and information, announces the 2012 Buick Verano as the Featured Vehicle of the Month for May. The Buick Verano combines luxury and technology features at a reasonable price point and elegantly flaunts the new design direction of the brand that is heralded by the Enclave, LaCrosse and Regal.
  • Launched late last year, the Verano is Buick's first entry in the compact luxury segment; a segment that is gaining popularity with buyers registering a 61% sales increase since 2009. The Buick Verano is also gaining its own popularity among consumers with sales increasing 20% from March to April.
  • Powered by a standard Ecotec 2.4 liter, four-cylinder, direct injected engine producing 180 horsepower and mated to a six-speed automatic powertrain, the Verano achieves an estimated 32 mpg on the highway. NADAguides.com analysts were impressed with the Verano engine's E85 capability, enabling buyers the ability to choose Ethanol in addition to regular gasoline.
  • A 2012 Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick, the Buick Verano offers a host of safety features including 10 standard air bags, anti-lock brakes, full-function traction control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and OnStar with Automatic Crash Response. NADAguides.com analysts also noted the rear parking assist as an additional safety feature of the Buick Verano, which is available on the 1SG and 1SL models.
  • Along with its safety and performance capabilities, the 2012 Buick Verano shows off new Buick design language including an arching roofline, sculpted chrome accents, blue translucent projector beam headlamps and standard, 18-inch, multi-spoke, alloy finish wheels. The Verano also offers the technology that shoppers currently demand including an all-new Buick IntelliLink system, which uses Bluetooth or USB to connect the driver's smartphone to a seven-inch, LED high-resolution, full-color touch screen display radio.
  • The 2012 Buick Verano has a starting MSRP of $22,585 and goes up to $25,965 for the four-door sedan with Leather Group.
(Photo: Login)(Logo: Login)Key Quotes
  • Troy Snyder, Director of Product Development at NADAguides.com:
"The 2012 Buick Verano is a stand out model in the compact luxury segment, already achieving significant sales increases in its first few months and holding its own with more established brands in the segment like Acura and Audi. We were impressed with the Verano's thoughtful design, luxury appointments, quiet ride and full suite of safety and technology features, making it an easy choice for Featured Vehicle of the Month of May."
  • Brian Sweeney, Vice President of Buick Sales and Service:
"Buick vehicles are appealing to consumers of all ages who are looking for purposeful technology, unexpected luxury features at an attractive price, and expressive design, and the Verano offers all those attributes and more. Verano has increased its sales every month since launching late last year and is bringing new buyers into Buick showrooms."2012 Buick Verano Highlights
  • Engine: The 2012 Buick Verano comes standard with a powerful Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder, with dual-overhead camshafts, variable valve timing and E85 capability. The engine produces 180 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque and the direct injection technology helps it produce more power with less fuel and lower emissions. The engine is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission that helps the Verano deliver an estimated 32 mpg on the highway. NADAguides analysts noted the Verano's advanced Z-link rear suspension, which is lighter and requires less space than a typical fully independent rear suspension. The lower weight helps contribute to the vehicle's fuel economy, while the compact design enables more trunk space.
  • Interior: Inside the Buick Verano offers exceptional seat comfort and support, as well as premium soft-touch materials, including ambient lighting inspired by the LaCrosse. Metallic and wood trims and warm ambient lighting make the cabin an inviting environment, while unexpected interior touches surprise and delight, including a heated steering wheel, which is connected to the Verano's heated seats and linked with the remote start feature. In temperatures lower than 45 F, the steering wheel heater and seat heaters automatically activate. Analysts at NADAguides.com also noted the quiet ride of the Verano as compared to other vehicles in its class and point to the use of quiet-tuning systems that are built into the vehicle's architecture, designed to block or absorb sound and dampen and eliminate vibrations.
  • Technology: The 2012 Buick Verano offers comprehensive connectivity that is enabled by OnStar's remote vehicle access, which makes keeping tabs on the vehicle easy from anywhere with a smart phone. By downloading the OnStar app, owners can utilize remote vehicle features that enable them to check a multitude of items including fuel tank level and range, fuel mileage, remaining oil life, tire pressure, odometer reading, as well as vehicle locking/unlocking, remote vehicle start and a vehicle locator. In addition, the Verano offers the latest in multimedia including a radio system with a navigation system, USB and auxiliary input jacks, full Bluetooth with streaming audio, structural speech recognition and SMS texts. Additional connectivity features include text-to-speech conversion of SMS texts, smart phone app integration (Pandora, Stitcher) and Gracenote music organization for external devices (USB drives, etc.), including Playlist Plus and Album Art features.
  • Safety: As a 2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick,the Verano is fully equipped with an array of excellent standard safety features to protect driver and passengers should an accident occur. Such standard safety features include ten airbags, more than any car in its class, a collapsible pedal system, which allows the pedals to detach during a crash to reduce the risk of leg or ankle injuries and StabiliTrak. The Verano also comes standard with four-channel anti-lock brakes and Buick's electronic stability control system, which helps reduce the risk of rollover crashes by keeping the vehicle in the driver's intended path by applying throttle, braking or a combination of both.
  • Price/Warranty: The 2012 Buick Verano has a starting MSRP of $22,585 and goes up to $25,595 with the Leather Package. The Buick Verano comes with a 4 years/50,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty, and roadside assistance for 5 years/100,000 miles.
About NADAguides.com Featured Vehicle of the MonthThe NADAguides.com Featured Vehicle of the Month provides consumers with practical information on new cars, trucks and SUVs chosen by the analysts at NADAguides.com based upon performance, efficiency, features, value and appeal. Vehicles chosen are stand out vehicles in their segment based upon quality interior and exterior engineering, excellent attention to detail, and success in its intended function. Featured vehicles also demonstrate a competitive price value that includes a standard feature set that goes above and beyond vehicles in its segment.About NADAguides.comNADAguides.com (Car Price, Used Car Values, Book Value | NADAguides | Car Value, Car Specs, Trade In Value & Car Buying Guide | NADA Price, Vehicle Book Appraisal & Car Book Value Guides) is the largest publisher of the most market-reflective vehicle pricing and information available for automotive, classic cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and manufactured homes. NADAguides.com offers in-depth shopping and research tools including, a broad range of data, products and services, informational articles, as well as tips and advice. NADAguides.com also produces software, mobile applications, raw data, web services, web-syndicated products and print guidebooks. NADAguides.com is an alliance partner of NADA Services Corporation.ResourcesNADAguides.com
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NADAguides.com Names the 2012 Buick Verano Featured Vehicle of the Month... -- COSTA MESA, Calif., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --SOURCE NADAguides
]]> Buick Verano General Discussion Forum RPM http://www.veranotalk.com/forum/buick-verano-general-discussion-forum/473-nadaguides-com-names-2012-buick-verano-featured-vehicle-month-may.html