Out in cyberspace, the bloggers are all atwitter. The Buick Regal is going to be offered with a manual transmission, the first time for the brand since the 1989 Skyhawk!
The Regal will be launched with a 2.4- liter, direct-injection four-cylinder making 182 horsepower, followed a few months later by a 2.0-liter, DI turbo four that produces 220 horses. Initially, both engines will be offered with six-speed automatics, with a manual coming onstream for the turbo model slightly later. GM execs have no idea how many manuals the company will sell, but we predict they will be as rare as Chupacabras. In time, there’s a very good chance that a high-performance GS variant will be added. A concept car at the Detroit auto show previewed this all-wheel-drive version, powered by a 255-hp turbo four.
The Regal is a handsome car, especially when viewed alongside Buick’s main target, the Acura TSX. The interior, too, is nicely done, with high-quality materials, elegant finishes, and plenty of space for rear-seat riders. Initially, Regals will be offered only in well-equipped CXL trim, with leather, heated front seats, Bluetooth, and XM satellite radio as standard.
We recently sampled turbo Regals with the standard suspension, in both manual and automatic varieties. They’re good cars, way more interesting to drive than the previous Regal, which might sound a bit like saying Lindsay Lohan’s acting is way better than her singing. But this is no backhanded compliment. The turbo engine is refined and quiet, and it gives admirable performance: We predict a run from zero to 60 mph in the low-seven-second range. The manual is Audi direct rather than Acura slick, but the Aisin-sourced automatic is a honey. And the handling is predictable, anchored by nicely linear steering.
The ride is composed, the brakes are powerful, and it’s a very competent all-around package. The Regal goes on sale in late spring, likely priced in the high-$26,000 bracket for the 2.4, rising to about $30,000 for the turbo. That’s competitive with the TSX, as is the whole car. And that’s a lot more surprising than Buick offering it with a manual.
Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
ESTIMATED BASE PRICE: $26,750
ENGINE TYPES: DOHC 16-valve 2.4-liter inline-4, 182 hp, 172 lb-ft; turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter inline-4, 220 hp, 258 lb-ft
TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic with manumatic shifting
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 107.8 in Length: 190.2 in
Width: 71.3 in Height: 58.4 in
Curb weight: 3600–3700 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 7.0–8.6 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.5–16.6 sec
Top speed (governor limited): 112–130 mph
PROJECTED FUEL ECONOMY (MFR’S EST):
EPA city/highway driving: 18–20/29–30 mpg
