2012 Buick Verano - First test
We performance test the all-new 2012 Buick Verano.
Transcript
00:00 [music]
00:07 This is the new 2012 Verano, and everything about it is up to the standard set by Buick.
00:13 The company has gone through great pains to make the Verano unnaturally quiet.
00:17 It has laminated side glass, an isolated engine cradle, aero panels underneath the car, triple
00:23 door seals, and a fabric wrapped headliner.
00:26 All of this to make the cockpit a soundproof cocoon in Buick's driving oasis.
00:31 While the Buick gives so much in comforts, it fails to deliver on power.
00:35 The Verano's most obvious distinction, its base engine, is the noisy weak link.
00:40 Our testing confirmed this.
00:41 A 0-60 came in 8.3 seconds, and the quarter mile came in at 16.2 seconds at 85.5 miles
00:49 per hour.
00:50 The 2.4's 180 horsepower isn't quite enough.
00:53 Our gearing for fuel economy will necessitate a downshift from the 6-speed automatic.
00:58 The chassis, like the engine, isn't tuned for enthusiasts.
01:01 The suspension, featuring the Z-link rear, is well controlled and aided by the use of
01:06 more than 60% high strength steel in the car's construction.
01:10 It's capable of making crisp mountain road moves while maintaining a supple ride over
01:14 less than perfect surfaces.
01:16 On our test circuit, the Verano showed lateral acceleration of .83 average G, and completed
01:21 our figure 8 in 27.4 seconds at 0.61 average G, while pulling itself to a stop from 60
01:29 miles per hour in 124 feet.
01:32 Buick says the average Verano customer isn't interested in performance, and that's true,
01:36 although the Verano will have a 2-liter turbo 4 as an option later in 2012.
01:41 That should satisfy our concerns about the lack of premium feel in the base launch engine.
01:45 But regardless of what happens under the hood, on nearly any road-going surface, the Verano
01:50 ranks among the quietest mass market cars you can buy, and delivers on the renewed Buick
01:55 standard.
01:55 (rock music)
01:58 [MUSIC PLAYING]