And finding a comfortable driving position is easy: the driver benefits from a 12-way adjustable seat (8-way standard) while the passenger has to make do with a 4-way adjustable number (2-way standard). A rarity in the class, the inflatable lumbar supports are also adjustable. Quite firm, the seats offer ideal conditions for long hours spent behind the wheel. I drove over 500 km in one day, and not one of my body parts complained along the way. The rear passengers, depending on their height, won’t have such a pleasant time of it, I’m afraid. The roof line cuts into their headroom, but thankfully the interior roof features small recesses that increase available space. Despite its size, the cabin doesn’t offer up enough storage spaces, and the one in the centre armrest isn’t big enough.
Openly targeting entry-level luxury vehicles like the Acura TSX, Buick had to include a considerable amount of goodies for the occupants. From the blue lighting scheme emerge the controls for the XM satellite radio, Bluetooth, the driver information centre, the dual-zone air conditioner and the OnStar system. The Turbo version also inherits the ultrasonic rear parking assist as standard equipment (optional on the CXL). Very few options are available for one version or the other: a Harman/Kardan audio system and a navigation system with a 7-inch display and 40-Gb hard drive are the only two in the catalogue.
Following the trend
With today’s green trend, less and less automakers will be offering a choice of big engines. The European-style Regal is no exception and can’t be equipped with a V6.
In fact, only two four-cylinder mills are on offer. The CXL version, currently available from $31,990, is powered by the 2.4-litre ECOTEC and produces 182 hp. Coupled with the six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, you get a combined fuel-efficiency rating of 8.8 L / 100 km (10.8 L city / 6.5 L highway) While unquestionably excellent, the engine was a bit borderline during our road test in the Rocky Mountains. The brakes aren’t as dynamic as the other systems, and the pedal feels a tad spongy.
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| The CXL Turbo comes equipped with the 2.0-litre ECOTEC generating 220 hp and 258 ft-lb of torque. (Photo: General Motors) |
Openly targeting entry-level luxury vehicles like the Acura TSX, Buick had to include a considerable amount of goodies for the occupants. From the blue lighting scheme emerge the controls for the XM satellite radio, Bluetooth, the driver information centre, the dual-zone air conditioner and the OnStar system. The Turbo version also inherits the ultrasonic rear parking assist as standard equipment (optional on the CXL). Very few options are available for one version or the other: a Harman/Kardan audio system and a navigation system with a 7-inch display and 40-Gb hard drive are the only two in the catalogue.
Following the trend
With today’s green trend, less and less automakers will be offering a choice of big engines. The European-style Regal is no exception and can’t be equipped with a V6.
In fact, only two four-cylinder mills are on offer. The CXL version, currently available from $31,990, is powered by the 2.4-litre ECOTEC and produces 182 hp. Coupled with the six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, you get a combined fuel-efficiency rating of 8.8 L / 100 km (10.8 L city / 6.5 L highway) While unquestionably excellent, the engine was a bit borderline during our road test in the Rocky Mountains. The brakes aren’t as dynamic as the other systems, and the pedal feels a tad spongy.
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| The navigation system with a 7-inch display and 40-Gb hard drive is in the catalogue. (Photo: General Motors) |