Vehicle Overview Buick brings back one of its well-known nameplates — Regal — for its new entry-luxury midsize sedan. Based on the Opel Insignia from Europe, the Regal has a striking resemblance to that model. It’s offered with a choice of four-cylinder engines, one of which is turbocharged, and it hits dealerships in the second quarter of 2010. Competitors include the Volkswagen Passat and Acura TSX.
Exterior While the Regal’s styling is definitely understated, the sedan has clean lines and a nice stance. The rear-quarter view is one of its best angles, and the car has one of the most stylish trunklids around.
The Regal comes standard with 18-inch aluminum wheels, but 19-inch rims are available. Only one trim level — the upscale CXL — will be offered to start, with more trims added for the 2012 model year.
Interior The cabin utilizes premium materials, and there is an optional navigation system.
The Regal has a sizable trunk that measures 14.3 cubic feet, and there is a wide opening to both the cargo area and into the cabin when the split backseat is folded.
Standard features include leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, Bluetooth and XM Satellite Radio. A Harman Kardon audio system is optional.
Under the Hood The base engine in the Regal is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 182 horsepower. Buyers looking for more power can select the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that’s rated at 220 hp. The engines work with a six-speed automatic transmission to power the front wheels, and sedans with the turbo engine will also offer a six-speed manual gearbox.
Regals with the turbo engine can have Buick’s Interactive Drive Control System, which equips the car with an adaptive suspension that automatically tailors itself to road conditions and driver behavior. IDCS includes three modes — Normal, Tour and Sport — that vary the response of the suspension, gas pedal, automatic transmission and steering system.
Safety Standard features include antilock brakes, an electronic stability system, traction control and side curtain airbags. Backseat side-impact airbags are optional.
