Buick Regal GS test drive
Last Updated:
The new Regal has always been a good-looking car. And the GS
version ads a more aggressive tone to that design without being too gaudy.
Which is great.
version ads a more aggressive tone to that design without being too gaudy.
Which is great.
The only “detail” I really didn’t like was the $700 20 Inch
“polished” wheels option.
“polished” wheels option.
Polished meaning “chromed”. Which is never the classiest way
to go.
to go.
Inside, it is pretty much the same as other Regal models. Or
the European Opel Insignia.
the European Opel Insignia.
Which is a good thing. Even though the amount of buttons on
the console can be overwhelming at first. Everything is actually pretty
intuitive and easy to use.
the console can be overwhelming at first. Everything is actually pretty
intuitive and easy to use.
I just wish the 7-inch screen used a less Pre-School color
palette.
palette.
And the “sport seats” aren’t really sporty. They are fine,
but should be more different in this GS version.
but should be more different in this GS version.
As I mentioned before, the 270hp Turbo engine is super
smooth and quiet. Which really gives a quality feel to the whole driving
experience. This is what a modern direct injection engine should sound and feel
like.
smooth and quiet. Which really gives a quality feel to the whole driving
experience. This is what a modern direct injection engine should sound and feel
like.
I have no idea why VW cannot produce something that smooth
with their 2.0 Liter Turbo.
with their 2.0 Liter Turbo.
The steering is still a bit light for a sporty sedan. But
most new car steering is. At least is does have good feedback and is very precise.
most new car steering is. At least is does have good feedback and is very precise.
And torque steer is very well managed as well for such a
powerful FWD car.
powerful FWD car.
The 6-speed manual is very pleasant to use. This really
makes the car special. Since Audi doesn’t offer one on the FWD A 4 anymore. Mercedes
doesn’t on the C class. And you would have to special order one on a 3 series
or a Passat. Even though they are technically offered.
makes the car special. Since Audi doesn’t offer one on the FWD A 4 anymore. Mercedes
doesn’t on the C class. And you would have to special order one on a 3 series
or a Passat. Even though they are technically offered.
The ride is firm but still comfortable. And the whole thing
is always very quiet.
is always very quiet.
I really enjoyed driving the Regal GS for a week. My only
problem is maybe the price.
problem is maybe the price.
The GS version starts at $35 000. My loaded car was almost
$39 000.
$39 000.
For comparison, the A4 starts at $33 400. Which is about the
same as the BMW 3 series.
same as the BMW 3 series.
So the $35 000 Buick is a tough sale. Even if it offers more
for the price.
for the price.
Image counts for a lot (right or wrong) in this segment. And
Buick still has ways to go in that regard. No matter how great their cars are.
Buick still has ways to go in that regard. No matter how great their cars are.
They are pricing themselves in a very tough crowd.
To me, the best deal would be the Regal Turbo with a 6
speed. The “non-GS” model.
speed. The “non-GS” model.
You still get 220hp, and basically the same car. For $31
500. Or they have it for about $360 a month for a 2-year lease.
500. Or they have it for about $360 a month for a 2-year lease.
The Regal GS is a really good car. I am just not sure it is worth
the premium over the already very good Regal Turbo.
the premium over the already very good Regal Turbo.
Geez… That thing absolutely no rear leg room!
Seems like a nice enough car, but it's completely wrong-sized for the American market – Very Much like a modern-day version of the Ford Contour.
Despite the photo, it has leg room in the rear. I would not buy a Buick, but your review Bince makes it appealing.
$38,000?
You'd be out of your mind to purchase this. There are FAR better options available for the same money, and VASTLY better options for about $5K more.
the A4 starts at $33 400. Which is about the same as the BMW 3 series.
So the $35 000 Buick is a tough sale
I disagree. The base 320i STARTS at $33k+tax+fght=$34,900.–stripped!; Add leather, Nav & sunroof and you're over $50k. The 335ix–I've seen several over $60k–more yet for an M3. That's a long long way from $38k LOADED. A4/A5 is only slightly cheaper at about $10k-$15k more than a COMPARABLY equiped Regal.
@ February 13, 2013 at 12:06 PM
Horses__t.
You have no idea of what you are talking about. You can get a 328 with leather, sunroof and NAV for under $40,000 EASILY.
How is it that the 328 with 30 less horsepower is still almost a second faster to 60MPH than this GS?
Regardless, even a base model 3 Series or C Class is better than this sales disaster. GM has to practically give these away.
320i 32550
Dest Chg 895
Leather 1450
Metalic Paint 550
pwr seats3200 only avail w/ prem pkg)
Nav 2150 (reqires 650 Bluetooth)
bluetooth 650
moonroof 1050
Subtotal 42495
Tax 45044.7 + Financing costs, Loan Fees, interest. AT 3.19% INTEREST YOU PAY $49,553 OVER 72 MONTHS (EXCLUDING loan fees) AND THAT'S THE "LOSS LEADER 320". The 328i is more; the 335ix is much much more! Just do the math!