Does the 2012 Buick Regal regale drivers with its new trims and upgraded features? Check it out here.
Buick Regal Trims and Feature Highlights
The Regal is a 5-seat midsize luxury sedan that competes in a class alongside the Audi A4 and BMW 328i sedan.
For 2012, Buick offers the Regal in base, Turbo, and GS trim levels. The base Regal starts at $27,940 and features 182 horsepower via a 4-cylinder engine. Buick also offers an eAssist hybrid version of the 4-cylinder that keeps 182 horsepower while improving mileage. The higher Regal trims get a turbocharged engine that boosts power to either 220 HP for the Turbo or a healthy 270 for the GS. The eAssist hybrid and sport-tuned GS, designed to give Regal a bigger presence within the market, are both new for 2012 and are worth checking out for different reasons. All Regal trims benefit from upscale niceties like alloy wheels, leather trim, IntelliLink voice control, and dual-zone climate control- as well as options like a surround sound system and touch screen navigation- all of which help the sedan compete with more its talked about contemporaries.
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Buick Regal Performance
Shoppers have some nice performance options for the front-wheel drive Regal. The base engine is fitted to the base Regal, Premium 1, and Premium 2 trims; it’s a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder worth 182 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque. Buick pairs this engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission featuring manual mode.
Base Regal and Premium 1 trims get the option to increase fuel economy via an eAssist version of the 2.4 liter engine. Using an electric motor/ lithium ion battery combo plus a specialized 6-speed automatic, drivers benefit from 6 more combined MPG than the base 2.4 liter provides.
Regal Turbo trims are upgraded to a turbocharged 2.0 liter 4-cylinder that creates 220 HP and 260 lb.-ft. A 6-speed automatic comes standard, though a 6-speed manual is available.
Those needing more power can choose the Regal GS, which utilizes the same turbocharged 4-cylinder engine as the Turbo trims, but ups to 270 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. Regal GS trims get either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed auto.
Buick Regal Fuel Economy
EPA estimates for the 2012 Regal vary by engine. The base 4-cylinder receives 19/31/23 (city/highway/combined) MPG, and the eAssist hybrid rises to 25/36/29. The Turbo Regal trims get 20/32/24 with a manual transmission, or 18/29/22 with the auto. And the Regal GS will return numbers of 19/27/22 with either transmission choice.
Buick Regal Interior Highlights
For the unfamiliar, the perception may be that Buick’s build quality can’t hold up to certain European models. That’s not the case. With attractive styling and comfortable materials throughout, Regal has little problem keeping up with its luxury competition. Up front, both driver and passenger alike are treated to an improved touchscreen infotainment/navigation system (including IntelliLink), though a few have still voiced concerns about a crowded button layout. Backseat riders get a bit of room to stretch, with 37.3” of legroom.
Trunk space is a decent 14.2 cubic feet but keep in mind that the eAssist Regal loses 3 feet of space because of its battery.
Buick Regal Safety
Regal safety standards for 2012 include 4-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist, traction control, OnStar emergency services, and a standard airbag setup. The Regal GS adds Brembo brakes, rear thorax bags, and both front and rear parking sensors; Premium trims get just the rear sensors.
The 2012 Regal benefits from top crash test scores. The NHTSA gives Regal 5/5 stars overall (4/5 for frontal and rollover impacts, and 5/5 for side damage), and it’s no surprise that Regal has been given a 2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick as well.
Buick Regal Summary
While the 2012 Buick Regal may not a better car than the more established sports sedans, it’s in the same league- especially when considering price. Buick was smart to offer the new eAssist and GS Regal into its lineup, but even the base version is worth checking out if you don’t hold allegiances. You may just be surprised at what Regal has to offer.
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