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Big news – Buick Regal gets a hatch for 2018

Here’s the all-new 2018 Buick Regal Sportback
Photo: Buick
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Guillaume Rivard
2 models make their debut, but oddly the TourX wagon won’t come to Canada

Here’s the all-new 2018 Buick Regal Sportback, a car derived from the Opel Insignia that promises to deliver the spirited performance of a premium sports sedan, unexpected versatility, and a perfect balance of form and function.

The company is also launching the Buick Regal TourX in the U.S. Unfortunately, this magnificent wagon will not be sold in Canada, at least not for now. Still, we included it in our photo gallery below, so take a look… and keep your fingers crossed!

More cargo room
The 2018 Buick Regal Sportback retains a coupe-like profile while facilitating access to the cargo area. The available cargo space behind the rear seats amounts to 892 litres, double the trunk capacity of the 2017 Regal sedan. When folding those rear seats, you get 1,719 litres of room for your luggage, which is more than in the Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.

Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick and GMC, claims future Regal Sportback customers “have an SUV in the garage and are looking to complement it with a sport sedan, but have an appreciation for the usefulness of a versatile cargo space when an occasional need arises.”

More torque for a sportier drive
The 2018 Buick Regal Sportback houses a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing a GM-estimated 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque and sending it to the front wheels via an all-new 9-speed automatic transmission. Optionally, torque increases to 295 lb-ft and is split between all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission and intelligent AWD system with an active twin-clutch differential.

The sleek, ground-hugging lines of the Regal Sportback define an advanced body structure that is stiffer, stronger and approximately 200 lbs lighter than the previous-generation Regal, while the 3” longer wheelbase results in more balanced proportions and improved passenger space. What’s more, AWD models get an all-new 5-link rear suspension that provides improved road noise isolation and tuning designed to match that drivetrain’s advanced capabilities.

More desirable amenities
The 2018 Buick Regal Sportback comes standard with push-button start and entry, Hill Start Assist, 10 airbags, a universal home remote, OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 7” infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility (8” screen with embedded navigation is optional).

As for safety, it’s worth pointing out that this is the first Buick to offer a standard active hood pedestrian safety system that senses the imminent impact of a pedestrian between 25-48 km/h and uses a pyrotechnic actuator to lift the back of the hood up about 4” to lessen the blow and potentially reduce injury.

What price?
Pricing and other details for the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback will be announced closer to its on-sale date this fall. FYI, Buick has been named Kelley Blue Book’s Best Value Luxury Brand four years in a row.

Photos:Buick
2018 Buick Regal Sportback and TourX pictures
2018 Buick Regal Sportback video
Photo: Buick
Guillaume Rivard
Guillaume Rivard
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