Acceleration from standstill is brisk but far from explosive, which results in a 0-100 km/h time of 8.2 seconds and a quarter-mile dash of 15.8 seconds at 148 km/h. Actually, the engine doesn’t feel as torquey off the line as the output numbers would suggest, but it’s still quite entertaining, and for those who like to hear the whooshing sound of a spooling turbo, you’ll get a kick out of the one in the Regal.
And fuel economy isn’t bad; we’re averaging 9.8 L/100 km, and while super unleaded is recommended, it’s not an obligation.
Our tester is also equipped with the optional Interactive Drive Control System. Using dash-mounted buttons, the driver can choose between three driving modes, Normal, Tour and Sport. The system is said to continuously adjust suspension, throttle and steering settings, but after trying all three modes several times, we didn’t really notice any difference. We’d skip this feature, but if you want those superb 19-inch alloy wheels, you must choose it. That’s a shame.
The Regal’s interior looks pretty good, but not perfect. Despite great assembly quality, the centre console buttons are all bunched up, all the same shape and colour; it takes getting used to while driving.
Maybe we’re just dumb, but we often reached for the volume knob only to twist the tuning knob that’s only slightly bigger and right underneath. Outward visibility is a little challenging due to the low roofline and smallish rear window, but the Turbo model gets a standard rear sonar system.
Our biggest complaint concerns the curved and chromed plastic trim surrounding the shift lever; it looks great in pictures, but creates nasty reflections under bright sunlight.
The shiny leather upholstery that covers the seats look like vinyl, but their design and contrast stitching compensate well. It’s not a big car, so don’t expect Lucerne levels of head and shoulder room, especially in the back seat; two adults can squeeze in, but we don’t recommend grownups for the middle seating position. The 402-litre trunk, however, is among the most spacious of its category.
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| The cockpit is well presented and well assembled, but some minor improvements could make it better. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
And fuel economy isn’t bad; we’re averaging 9.8 L/100 km, and while super unleaded is recommended, it’s not an obligation.
Our tester is also equipped with the optional Interactive Drive Control System. Using dash-mounted buttons, the driver can choose between three driving modes, Normal, Tour and Sport. The system is said to continuously adjust suspension, throttle and steering settings, but after trying all three modes several times, we didn’t really notice any difference. We’d skip this feature, but if you want those superb 19-inch alloy wheels, you must choose it. That’s a shame.
The Regal’s interior looks pretty good, but not perfect. Despite great assembly quality, the centre console buttons are all bunched up, all the same shape and colour; it takes getting used to while driving.
Maybe we’re just dumb, but we often reached for the volume knob only to twist the tuning knob that’s only slightly bigger and right underneath. Outward visibility is a little challenging due to the low roofline and smallish rear window, but the Turbo model gets a standard rear sonar system.
Our biggest complaint concerns the curved and chromed plastic trim surrounding the shift lever; it looks great in pictures, but creates nasty reflections under bright sunlight.
The shiny leather upholstery that covers the seats look like vinyl, but their design and contrast stitching compensate well. It’s not a big car, so don’t expect Lucerne levels of head and shoulder room, especially in the back seat; two adults can squeeze in, but we don’t recommend grownups for the middle seating position. The 402-litre trunk, however, is among the most spacious of its category.
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| The shiny leather upholstery that covers the seats look like vinyl, but their design and contrast stitching compensate well. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |