2013 Buick Verano
November 5, 2012 ShareVital Stats
Base price: $23,470, including $885 destinationTop-of-the-line price: Approximately $29,000 for Verano with $495 white diamond tricoat, leather seats, sunroof, navigation system, upgraded stereo
EPA fuel economy: 21 mpg city/32 mpg highway (2.4-liter four-cylinder engine/six-speed automatic transmission)
Standard safety features: stability control, antilock brakes, traction control, ten airbags including driver and front passenger knee bags
High tech: Buick IntelliLink uses Bluetooth or USB to connect driver’s smartphone to seven-inch LED touchscreen; enables streaming stereo audio from the phone through Pandora Internet radio
Chief competitors: Audi A3, Volvo C30, Kia Optima LX
Key Points
• Cheaper domestic alternative to the entry-level Volvo and Audi sedans• But small luxury is a hard sell to U.S. buyers
• Shares architecture with the frugal Chevrolet Cruze
• Well built and quiet
• But the Buick image is still boring
• Not much of a five-passenger sedan; rear seat has issues