- sedan 33,668
- 13,500 fair
- Myrtle Beach, SC
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- autoshopper.com
2012 buick regal review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Sporty regal gs and efficient eassist broaden newly redesigned lineup. introductionthe buick regal is a luxury sedan born and built in germany, and it acts like one. Sportier than the other buicks, the midsize regal is smaller than the full-size lacrosse, larger than the compact verano. Though quiet like a buick, its german underpinnings give the regal a european handling feel. regal was redesigned and introduced as an all-new product for 2011. For 2012, the regal lineup expands to include a broad range of powertrain choices. The regal uses front-wheel drive and comes with stabilitrak electronic stability control and traction control. the regal is an attractive car, seemingly blending styling elements from american, european and japanese designs. We're not sure the optional rear spoiler improves its sleek lines. a welcome refuge on miserable commutes, the regal cabin is attractive and comfortable, a mix of sporty and luxury much like an acura tsx. Secondary controls operate with tactile clicks that feel like quality, and the navigation system is easy to use. Doors close with a solid thud. Bluetooth for hands-free cell phone operation and heated front seats are available, but we were surprised to note the absence of a rearview camera or memory for the seats listed among the options. The back seat is suitable for two but not three. underway, the buick regal is among the quietest cars in its class. We found it rides smoothly, absorbing bumpy pavement, a benefit of its rigid structure. This engine, called ecotec, delivers 19 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, according to the environmental protection agency. with eassist, regal earns an epa-estimated 25/36 mpg city/highway. Regal with eassist is equipped with the same 2. 4-liter engine along with a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission, and it drives similarly to the standard regal. The difference with eassist is that a small, battery-powered 15-kw motor-generator provides extra thrust when accelerating. To save gas, the engine shuts off whenever the car is stopped and seamlessly restarts it when the driver steps on the accelerator. Like most hybrids, eassist uses regenerative braking, a system that recharges the battery whenever the driver steps on the brakes. Some call this light-electrification technology a mild hybrid, but there is no all-electric mode and it costs a lot less than a full hybrid gas-electric powertrain. the sporty regal turbo comes with a turbocharged 2. 0-liter engine rated at 220 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. As if to highlight their sporty role, the turbocharged models only come with 6-speed manual transmissions. (an automatic is expected to be added soon, however.) the regal turbo is intended to compete with the acura tsx, volvo s60, and volkswagen cc. the new regal gs features a high-output turbocharged engine making 270 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque. It's the highest output engine gm has ever made in terms of horsepower per liter. Subtle exterior trim differences include a special rear bumper fascia that integrates the dual exhaust tips. the regal gs is quicker and more agile than the standard version. The regal gs can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6. 7 seconds, according to buick. At the same, the regal gs earns an epa rating of 19/27 mpg. The regal gs is pleasant for everyday driving, the 6-speed manual shifts well. Drivers who like european sports sedans with manual gearboxes will like the 6-speed manual, but we can't help but think most drivers will prefer an automatic with this car. lineupthe 2012 buick regal 26,670) comes standard with a 182-hp 2. 4-liter engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive, electric rack-and-pinion power steering, and 18-inch painted alloy wheels. Stabilitrak electronic stability control is standard, along with abs and quick brake assist. It's characteristic of contemporary sedans with a sloping roofline that's visually extended by the edge of the rear lamp housings and a brief trunk lid with a subtle built-in lip spoiler. shiny bits on the sides are limited to the window surround trim and a front fender-mounted turn indicator. There are no rub rails or chrome strips along the side, and a simple character line sweeps down and aft behind the front wheel and carries through the rear door. The lower edge is void of trim but it does get the textured paint protection to minimize stone chips. The lengthy nose carries a prominent waterfall grille framed by lamp clusters. On the turbo, the daytime running lights are right-angle segments that look like arrows pointing out and up toward the rear-view mirrors. a large chrome spear is anchored with big buick crest on the trunk, and the sweep of the lamps mirrors that of regal's big-brother lacrosse. regal makes a clean profile. It is six inches shorter than the lacrosse and is longer than all but one of the cars buick mentions as potential competitors. interiorthe regal cabin is a welcoming place where leather comes standard. The regal feels comparable to other cars in this entry-luxury class. It's comfortable and quiet. Its character changes based on color. an ebony cabin is mostly black, with light stitching is the seats and trim, a light headliner, some trim matte-finish silver and other chrome, with dash, door and console sweeps done in piano-black trim. With light-cabin trim, the upper and lower doors, lower side pillars and the dashboard are chocolate, the mid-doors, seats and carpeting a light tan or cream color, and the trim sweeps are woodgrain. While the latter is the warmer of the two and gives a more luxurious impression, others will find it busy and prefer the sportier, more monochromatic look of the ebony interior. the seats are comfortable with good support for long trips. Bolsters are low for comfort and ease of getting in and out. Regal gs comes with special sport seats. Some drivers find the headrests farther forward than they preferred, a common complaint as safety regulations continue to tighten. rear seats are quite comfortable for occupants to around 5 feet, 10 inches. The back seat is best limited to two passengers, and we found no center headrest. That sloping roofline, even with a section carved out of the headliner, limits rear headroom, a problem the volkswagen passat and mazda 6 don't have. Rear legroom and toe space in the regal is good, better than most in this class, the passat and mazda 6 being the exceptions. We found the 7-inch screen easier to read than the ford systems though it isn't a. Power Seats✔ Power Windows✔ Tachometer✔ AM/FM✔ Climate Control✔ Bluetooth✔ Navigation System✔ Air Conditioning✔ Alloy Wheels
13,500 Myrtle Beach, SCMyrtle Beach, SC at autoshopper.com