A year or so ago when I drove the new 2010 Buick Regal, I was sort of hard on it. As I recall, I called it the “biggest disappointment of the year”. I mentioned too the lack of power and noted that a turbocharged version was coming out later. It did, and I have had this turbo version this week. The results have been MUCH better for me.
Although the horsepower number seems anemic at just 220, I will say that the car feels much more powerful and it certainly doesn’t feel like your run-of-the-mill 2.0 liter inline 4-cylinder. This Regal feels like a V6, and this is not a light car by any stretch, weighing in at over 3700 pounds. The 6-speed automatic is smooth and delivers good fuel economy when driving normally.
My white 2011 Buick Regal Turbocharged review car was a pleasure to look at, with distinctive lines, and it was delivered to me in a white exterior with 19” chrome wheels which make it look sharp. The car actually has very clean lines and does not look much like a Buick at all from the side or back.
I liked the handling of the last Regal I drove and this one is even better with Interactive Drive Control that lets you choose normal, sport, or tour. There are nice differences between the three and I like the handling of this turbo model even more. You can enhance the shifting of the transmission and the steering with the different settings and that makes this car a lot of fun to drive. Nothing floaty or sloppy about the Regal’s ride.
Interior is spacious and very well appointed, signature Buick all the way. The sound system is awesome. I was expecting the normal Bose system I am used to in GM products and was delighted to find a Harmon/Kardon system. Available are the voice-activated navigation system, dual power seats that are heated, XM radio, Blue tooth connectivity, parking assist and much more.
Trunk space is surprisingly large, rear seat room is terrific for a true mid-sized car, and overall I came away from this car with a much better feeling. I will in fact recommend this car.
What I liked most: The 19” wheels of course.
What I would change if I could: I would add 30 more horses in the turbo model.
MSRP as tested: $Just over $32000.
Fuel Economy: An impressive 28 highway, but only 18 in town.
Regal turbo in a few words: A very likeable car.
Are you planing on do a review on the new Buick Verano?
I recently test drove the 2011 and 2012 Buick Regal Turbo. yes the performance lived up to your review. BUT i felt like I was in a high powered go kart. There was many blind spots. and the interior was really not roomy. I guess I am spoiled I drive a 2002 Buick Regal LS. And I probably could out run the turbo and put the little one inside of it. Oh and I have 191K runs like new. “proper and Timley” maint. accounts for the milage.
Harvey
Hey Harvey, thanks for listening to the show. I hear what you are saying; this new Regal doesn’t stack up very well to the 2002, but much has changed like emission standards and Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards.
The Regal is a great car by today’s standards, but is much different than what you’re used to.
Let me know if I can do anything for you.
Jerry Reynolds “The Car Pro”