AUTO RED BOOK REVIEW: 2012 BUICK VERANO

On The Cover Review: 2012 Buick Verano

Let’s face it; Buick is almost unrecognizable from what it was just ten years ago. The existence of the brand may have been jeopardy had it not been so popular in China, the fastest growing auto market in the world. And that Chinese influence is being seen in every new Buick that hits American streets. The large-ish Lacrosse and the medium-sized Regal were the first in the renaissance, and now the smaller Verano rounds out the tri-fecta. Based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Cruze, the Verano is Buick’s eco-friendly entry. The Verano will initially be powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine taken from the Regal parts bin. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four may also be available on sportier models later in the car’s life cycle. The days of the Electra and the Roadmaster may be over, but Buick’s sales are really picking up lately. Expect these Chinese Buicks to be the norm for years to come.