Don't look now, but the Regal is back, and if you've forgotten about the previous model, you're already on the right page, because the new Regal is a thoroughly different animal. It's still the entry-level Buick, but the injection of a bit of Chinese into the mix makes it a refreshing blend of expected and unexpected. The all-new Regal features all-new styling, a pair of efficient four-cylinder engines and the brand's signature comfort, and it's the next step in Buick's revitalization.
Few people seem to realize that Buick's actually a pretty competent maker of cars. Sure, there have been a spate of crappy ones, and the performance guys pooh-pooh the brand, but when it comes to American-style comfort and affordable luxury, Buick knows its game. The brand's heritage is evident in the waterfall grille that dominates the front aspect, and the strong hoodline and four-element headlamps are familiar Buick styling elements. The body is a compact ovoid envelope accented by character lines at the flanks. It's a more spare design than the larger Buick vehicles, which tend to be a bit overwrought. The Regal is a more youthful design, overall.
The interior isn't quite "pure Buick," but that's just because the Regal is taking things to a new level. There's no denying the ice-blue LED dash lighting and two-tone interior with its unique Kibo wood-finish trim, will communicate to buyers that this is a very different vehicle from the rest of its class. There's a distinctly different styling influence that comes from the Chinese input into the Regal's design. Dramatically flowing lines create an interior of unusual shapes, and there's a multi-function control on the console attending to the sound system and other equipment. Still not convinced? The Regal features standard leather and heated seats, as well as Bluetooth connectivity. Available equipment includes a Harman-Kardon sound system, and a 10GB music hard drive.
Two engines are offered. The Regal's standard powerplant is a 2.4 liter direct-injection four-cylinder that produces 182 horsepower. That may not sound like much, but it gets the Regal around and it's good for freeway fuel economy in the thirties. At 3600 pounds, the Regal's a relatively light vehicle for the class, so the 2.4's 182 horses go a long way. At higher revs the engine sounds a little bit stressed, but the power band is broad. The optional turbocharged 2.0 liter engine raises output to 220 horses, and nudges the Regal toward bona fide sports sedan territory. A selectable six-speed automatic transmission is standard, but Buick promises that a six-speed manual is on the way.
The Regal's new competitors are known for entertaining handling--something that Buicks have not traditionally been known for. To make sure it's in the game, the Regal is equipped with a double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link independent rear. As a result, the Regal feels a great deal more light-footed than the average Buick. With the 2.0 turbo engine, Buick adds its new Interactive Drive Control, an active suspension with driver-selectable suspension settings. StabiliTrak stability control is standard, as are anti-lock brakes.
The excellent, athletic road feel and a fantastically attractive interior are the high points. A more refined engine might help a little, but that's only because the Buick folks have picked the Volvo S60 and Acura TSX as potential competitors, positioning the Regal a class or two higher than it actually is in the automotive pecking order. When it comes down to the bottom line, that's the magic of the Regal; it offers comfort, style and luxury that belies the $26,995 starting price. The more powerful turbocharged engine is available starting at $29,495.
All specs are for the 2011 Buick Regal.
Length: 190.2 in.
Width: 73.1 in.
Height: 58.4 in.
Wheelbase: 107.8 in.
Curb weight: 3600 lb.
Cargo space: 14.25 cu.ft.
Base price: $26,995
Engine: 2.4 liter DOHC inline four-cylinder
Drivetrain: six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Horsepower: 182 @ 6700
Torque: 172 @ 4900
Fuel capacity: 18.5 gal.
Est. mileage: 20/30
