First Drive: 2011 Buick Regal

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Finally Regal enough

Buick goes to Germany to deliver on its global aspirations

By John LeBlanc OSOYOOS, B.C. - How many times have we seen this before - the folks running GM's Buick brand going into near-catatonic shock when they realize the majority of their customers are approaching the age of their golf scores. The usual prescription? Try and attract younger buyers (i.e. non-pensioners) by turning conservative offerings into something a little less yawn-inducing. Buick first searched for the fountain of youth in the 1960s with the original Gran Sport muscle cars, then again 20 years later with the Buick Regal T-Type, culminating in the Corvette-baiting 1987 Regal Grand National. Now cut to 2010. In the new, post-government-bailout GM, brands like Saab, Saturn, Pontiac and Hummer - the ones attracting the younger buyers -- no longer exist. Which has left Buick with no choice but to buff up its image and lower the age of its typical customer by a couple of decades. It's doing this by reviving a classic nameplate: Regal. While Buick's relatively fresh Enclave crossover and last year's LaCrosse entry-level luxury sedan have been giving Lexus owners something to think about, neither vehicle will get an enthusiast's heart racing. So this time around, in an attempt to snatch away some of those entry-level sports sedan customers that usually end up at import dealer lots, Buick has gone overseas for its new 2011 Regal sports sedan. Essentially, the new Buick Regal is a German Opel Insignia, a midsize sedan that in Europe competes against the Ford Mondeo, Honda Accord and Volkswagen Passat. Shorter than the LaCrosse that it shares its platform with, the five-passenger, four-door Regal arrives exclusively with four-cylinder engines, powering only its front wheels. Rivals in Canada include Acura's version of the Euro Accord -- the TSX -- Lincoln MKZ, Mazda6, Suzuki Kizashi and Volkswagen Passat 2.0T. Initially, the German-made Regal (production will move to Oshawa, Ont., next year) will be available only in fairly loaded (heated leather seating, power driver's seat, six-speed automatic transmission and 18-inch alloys) CXL trim, starting at $31,990 this summer. It's powered by a 2.4-litre inline-four. For an additional $3,000, the CXL Turbo receives a 2.0-litre turbo-four plus additional equipment and performance-oriented features. It goes on sale this fall. In 2012, the range will broaden with a less-equipped (i.e. cloth seats) Regal CX, while an even higher performing model based on the Regal GS concept has been confirmed for the future. While Buick touted the LaCrosse's interior as a huge improvement over its previous offerings, the 2011 Regal is even better. The seats, steering wheel and pedals put the driver in the proper position for the matters at hand. Soft touch, two-tone plastics, restrained use of wood, and general fit and finish are all a step up from the cattle-class Malibu/Fusion/Accord/Camry crowd. I do have two interior beefs, though. The view out the back is hindered by the Regal's high shoulder line. And some of the controls are unintuitive, a complaint shared with the recent Opel-based Saturn Astra. The Regal has two BMW iDrive-like centre console controllers: one on the centre stack, and one between the seats. Some of the controls are redundant. Some aren't. In terms of navigating through the nav system, other automakers do a much better job. Although GM expects 80 per cent of new Regal buyers to opt for the non-turbocharged CXL, we think the Turbo model better illustrates the brand's "New class of world class" positioning; it's the much more refined and athletic than the non-blown 2.4 Regal, and will be the honey to attract all those import sports sedan buyers Buick covets. While the 2.4-litre puts out decent numbers (182 hp and 172 lb.-ft. of torque), enthusiasts will be disappointed by its lack of responsiveness. In street terms, it's a dog. Matched to a six-speed automatic, 0-100 km/h times in the non-turbo CXL are in the mid-eight second range -- about a second behind the Turbo, which offers 220 hp and 258 lb.-ft., and is hooked up to a smoother, snappier-shifting six-speed autobox built by Japan's Aisin. Not only is the Regal CXL Turbo quick, its all-around driving experience is more refined, and right up there with the TSX and Passat. And although a six-speed manual will be available next year, the current autobox is a good match to the mill. While the base Regal CXL's suspension is quite controlled when driven hard, with none of the float associated with other Buicks from the recent past, the Turbo adds a raft of improvements that enthusiasts will appreciate. Much more fun than any of the abovementioned rivals, it's the first Buick in a long time (maybe, like, forever) that experienced drivers will wrap their hands around, wring out, and come back smiling. The Regal CXL Turbo's Interactive Drive Control System offers three modes (Normal, Tour, Sport) that adjust the shocks, gearbox shift times, and steering effort. A variable-ratio steering rack and 19-inch wheels are also included. Plus, the Turbo gets vented disc brakes all around, compared to the solid rear rotors in the non-Turbo. Like a LOUD button on a stereo system, enthusiasts will select IDCS's Sport setting and forget it. It makes the car more alert, with minimal body roll in corners, and the improved feedback from the throttle and steering is measurable and rewarding. The only shortcoming has to do with the seats. With such generous abilities, the Turbo's front thrones could use more lateral support. Maybe in the upcoming Regal GS, eh Buick? Better yet, none of the Turbo's overt sportiness compromises comfort. It still goes down the road quietly, and although its ride is resolutely firm, it's neither harsh nor jarring. Whether it's kudos to Buick or Opel, we don't care. Because unlike the Lincoln MKZ or the TSX, the Regal isn't just a fancier version of a more plebian family sedan. Its Teutonic roots shine through loud and clear after only a few kilometres behind its leather-wrapped steering wheel. To really get import buyers excited, though, we'd still like to see Buick introduce one of the five-door Insignia models that Europeans enjoy - either the hatchback or the wagon will do. And perhaps all-wheel-drive. But until then, the 2011 Regal (especially in Turbo guise) is a genuine, entry-level European sports sedan alternative that rewards drivers. 2011 Buick Regal CXL/CXL Turbo WE LIKE: Upscale interior; European ride and handling characteristics; CXL Turbo model offers a real sports sedan driving experience NEEDS WORK: Front seats could use more support; some interior controls less than intuitive; non-turbo four lacking in fun and refinement Base prices: $31,990/$34,990 Type of vehicle: FWD mid-size sedan Engines: 2.4L, 16-valve, DOHC, I-4/2.0L, 16-valve, DOHC I-4 turbo Horsepower; Torque: 182 hp; 172 lb.-ft/220 hp; 258 lb.-ft. Transmission: Six-speed automatic Fuel consumption L/100 km (city/hwy. est.): 10.4, 6.7/11.5, 7.0 Competition: Lincoln MKZ, Mazda6,  Suzuki Kizashi, Volkswagen Passat 2.0T

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