So why the smile? All said, and keeping intentions and price in context, the Regal CXL’s euro-tuned ride and handling is grin-inducingly spot-on. Steering is uncharacteristically quick of the brand, and also weighted nicely against the Regal’s chassis tuning and size. There’s a solid and locked-down cornering feel after an initial touch of body roll, and tossed about, Regal feels heavy, stable and rock solid. Almost BMW-like, actually.
And you smile-- because there’s a Buick badge on the steering wheel.
Classy Cabin
Nice job on the cockpit, too. An inspection with the eyes and fingertips reveals upscale touch points, leather-lined door panels, satin-plastic trim and chrome accents. It’s all very swoopy, dynamic and energetic-- and finished with a set of comfortable leather seats and a power sunroof. All said, Regal’s cabin is upscale, relaxing, and (most importantly) modern looking.
On that front, the tester even boasted a comprehensive infotainment system with numerous features and among the most slick-looking on-screen readouts on the market. Tech-savvy folks should have the initially-confusing system at their service in quick order. Others may require a date with the owner’s manual.
Interestingly, today’s younger Buick driver will more likely be confused by their Bluetooth or navigation system then by trying to get the car into reverse, or remembering which pedal makes the car stop. But seriously, if you can work an iPhone or Wii, you’ll have the Regal’s high-tech stuff down in no time.
At around $40,000, the tester also got automatic or powered everything, and a Harman Kardon stereo with enough wattage to nearly punch the dentures, er, teeth, out of your face.
At-hand storage is adequate if not plentiful, and there’s a slightly-snug but acceptable fit for four adults on board, as long as the taller ones aren’t sitting in the back.
All in all, the Regal delivers a very nicely-rounded and surprisingly dynamic driving experience-- though you can almost hear the entire thing screaming for another 100 horsepower.
More juice, please
GM’s new 2.4 liter, all-aluminum, direct-injected four cylinder moves the Regal CXL along with 182 ponies. In the case of the tester, it came teamed with a six-speed automatic. This powertrain combo hits the mark where fuel consumption is concerned-- and turned in high-speed cruising mileage as good as 7L / 100km.
 |
| An inspection with the eyes and fingertips reveals upscale touch points, leather-lined door panels, satin-plastic trim and chrome accents. (Photo: Buick) |
And you smile-- because there’s a Buick badge on the steering wheel.
Classy Cabin
Nice job on the cockpit, too. An inspection with the eyes and fingertips reveals upscale touch points, leather-lined door panels, satin-plastic trim and chrome accents. It’s all very swoopy, dynamic and energetic-- and finished with a set of comfortable leather seats and a power sunroof. All said, Regal’s cabin is upscale, relaxing, and (most importantly) modern looking.
On that front, the tester even boasted a comprehensive infotainment system with numerous features and among the most slick-looking on-screen readouts on the market. Tech-savvy folks should have the initially-confusing system at their service in quick order. Others may require a date with the owner’s manual.
Interestingly, today’s younger Buick driver will more likely be confused by their Bluetooth or navigation system then by trying to get the car into reverse, or remembering which pedal makes the car stop. But seriously, if you can work an iPhone or Wii, you’ll have the Regal’s high-tech stuff down in no time.
At around $40,000, the tester also got automatic or powered everything, and a Harman Kardon stereo with enough wattage to nearly punch the dentures, er, teeth, out of your face.
At-hand storage is adequate if not plentiful, and there’s a slightly-snug but acceptable fit for four adults on board, as long as the taller ones aren’t sitting in the back.
All in all, the Regal delivers a very nicely-rounded and surprisingly dynamic driving experience-- though you can almost hear the entire thing screaming for another 100 horsepower.
More juice, please
GM’s new 2.4 liter, all-aluminum, direct-injected four cylinder moves the Regal CXL along with 182 ponies. In the case of the tester, it came teamed with a six-speed automatic. This powertrain combo hits the mark where fuel consumption is concerned-- and turned in high-speed cruising mileage as good as 7L / 100km.
 |
| GM’s new 2.4 liter, all-aluminum, direct-injected four cylinder moves the Regal CXL along with 182 ponies. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |