The upcoming, upscale variant of Chevrolet’s best-selling Cruze compact will be the least expensive Buick. General Motors will be pitting its 2012 Verano against the likes of the Acura TSX and Lexus IS 250 and should attract a new group of buyers. Fitting right below the Regal, the Verano will be the third all-new Buick in the last three years.
Base MSRP for the Verano is $23,470 including destination charge. For that price, buyers get GM’s 2.4 liter, naturally aspirated inline four cylinder with 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. The 2.4 with front wheel drive and the tried and true six speed automatic will be found on all three “launch” models. At first, the most expensive Verano will carry an MSRP of $26,850.
Standard features include leatherette seating, seven inch LED touch screen media display, IntelliLink technology, remote start and 10 air bags. The upgraded leather interior pulled from the LaCrosse can be found on the up-level model and features heated seats that automatically activate below temperatures of 45 degrees. A heated steering wheel, something rare for the Verano’s segment, can be equipped. A nine speaker, Bose supplied sound system is also an option.
“Verano is a great new addition to Buick because it expands the brand’s reach,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. “With Verano, we’re inviting new customers into the Buick family, giving us the opportunity and privilege of building longtime Buick loyalty.”
Source: Buick
