Ep 12. 2011 Buick Regal
- November 15, 2010
Motorweek, the longest-running automotive series on television, takes viewers on a ride with the 2011 Buick Regal. In this episode, the Motorweek team takes a closer look at the luxurious and sporty midsize sedan from Buick.
The episode starts with a brief introduction of the car and its specifications. The 2011 Buick Regal is a front-wheel-drive four-door sedan that has been completely redesigned and re-engineered from its predecessor, which was last produced in 2004. The car comes standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower. An optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is also available, which generates 220 horsepower.
The reviewers first examine the exterior design of the car, highlighting the sleek and aerodynamic lines of the car that make it stand out in the crowd. The Buick Regal looks more youthful and modern than its predecessors, thanks to its sharp edges and stylish cues. The panelists agree that the design is similar to that of a European sports sedan, and that it's a welcome change for the Buick brand.
Moving on to the interior of the car, the reviewers are impressed with the well-crafted cabin, which is both comfortable and luxurious. The Buick Regal boasts of a refined and sophisticated look, with high-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces throughout the cabin. The car features standard amenities such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offer a premium Harman Kardon audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, and a sunroof.
The show's reporters are especially impressed with the car's infotainment system, which features an eight-inch touch screen display. The system includes Buick's Intellilink interface, which offers a wide range of connectivity options, such as Bluetooth, USB, and smartphone integration. The system also offers voice-activated commands for several functions, including making calls, sending text messages, and changing radio stations.
Moving on to performance, the panelists take the Buick Regal on a test drive, where they evaluate the car's ride and handling. They are pleased with the car's smooth and comfortable ride, that makes it ideal for long distances. The car's suspension has been tuned to offer a perfect mix of comfort and handling, and it takes the bumps and turns with ease.
The reviewers are also impressed with the car's turbocharged engine, which offers quick acceleration and plenty of power. The car's six-speed automatic transmission is smooth and precise, and is geared towards providing a sporty driving experience. The car also offers a six-speed manual transmission for those who prefer a more engaging driving experience.
The reviewers then move on to safety features, where they examine the car's impressive list of safety features. The Buick Regal boasts of an impressive array of safety features, which include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, traction control, and ten airbags. The car also features a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring as standard on higher-end trims. Additional safety features, including lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert, are also available on higher trims.
In the final segment of the show, the panelists discuss the car's fuel efficiency and pricing. The Buick Regal offers an EPA-rated fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, which is pretty decent for a car of this size and performance. The car also boasts of a competitive pricing, starting at $26,245 for the base model.
In conclusion, the Motorweek team is impressed with the 2011 Buick Regal, and considers it a worthy contender in the highly competitive midsize sedan market. The car offers a perfect mix of luxury, performance, and features, making it an attractive choice for buyers looking for a premium sedan.