The totally redesigned and rejuvenated 2011 Buick Regal bears little resemblance to the one discontinued 6 years ago. With its sporty handling, the new Regal is worthy of serious consideration by those who put a premium value on the actual experience of driving. Toss in its comfortable and attractive cabin, its long list of standard features and very good fuel economy numbers, and this new Regal has quite a bit going for it.
The reality is that the 2011 Regal has lots of pizzaz, thanks to its development as a European-bred sport sedan. Based on General Motors' Opel Insignia, the Regal is endowed with that well-regarded sedan's precise and responsive steering as well as its overall athletic handling.
What's more, a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine version, good for a hefty 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torgue, will make its debut later in the year. Those who have driven it have been more than impressed by its appealing combination of robust thrust with budget-minded fuel efficiency.
While the 2011 Regal competes against impressive rivals like the Lexus IS 250 and the Acura TSX, car shoppers would be well advised to actually take one out for a spin before dismissing it as just a "Buick". This isn't your father's Buick anymore. Just take a look at the recently introduced 2010 Buick LaCrosse for further evidence of just how much things have changed.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2011 Buick Regal is a midsize family sport sedan offered in a single trim: CXL. Standard features on the well-equipped CXL include full power accessories, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, OnStar, a power driver seat, foglamps, keyless entry, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated sideview mirrors, a trip computer, a tilt/telescoping steering column, a 60/40-split rear seatback, Bluetooth connectivity and a 7-speaker audio system with a CD/MP3 player, satellite radio and iPod/auxiliary audio jacks.
Available optional features include a hard-drive-based navigation system with digital music storage, a sunroof, a power passenger seat, rear parking sensors and a 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Incidentally, here's an infographic on the 12 automakers who've been giving the best new car deals off MSRP (includes Buick).
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Powering the 2011 Buick Regal is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability. Again, a 220 horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine will be available later in the year, as will a 6-speed manual transmission.
The EPA-estimated gas mileage for the new Regal stands at a solid 20 mpg city and 30 mpg on the highway. The turbo version is almost as good, rated at 18 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
Safety:
Standard safety features on the 2011 Regal include stability control, traction control, antilock brakes (ABS), OnStar, front seat side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.
Government crash tests had not yet been completed at the time of this writing.
Interior:
The Regal's cabin is attractive, well-designed and user-friendly. The gauges and displays are easy to see and read, while the materials quality is high, adding to the overall upscale look and feel.
The seating is comfortable and supportive, particularly so in the front seat which is especially accommodative for lively driving. And the trunk's cargo capacity comes in at a very useful 14.2 cubic feet.
Drive:
The Regal's responsive and precise steering along with its impressive winding-road grip are indicative of its Euro-bred sport sedan genes. The 6-speed automatic transmission is also smooth with timely shifts. For those who value more driving engagement, the turbo-4 provides additional fun with its extra power for around-town and freeway-ramp acceleration.
Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower Regal Prices:
Buick's sales have been on the weak side historically for close to the past two years now, right along with the other car brands and evidence of a continuing slow economy.
They've recently made some progress in offsetting at least some of the market weakness through strong incentives and easier-to-get discounts. The bottom line? The current combination of a soft market along with intense dealer competition has created the perfect opportunity for nailing down some great deals.
Car dealers will "wheel and deal" bigtime right now if you know how to push their buttons.
How To Buy A New Regal At The Best Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2011 Buick Regal, here's the best way to get the lowest price, especially given the current slow car market.
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