WE LIKE Impressive packaging, good-looking wagon
WE DON’T LIKE Cheap interior, lackluster GS model
The Regal TourX wagon and GS hatchback feature some clever packaging, but not much else stood out, with one exception: that beautiful wagon. It’s hard not to ogle it, and most judges praised its attractive sheetmetal.
Both Regals offer spacious rear seats, and the GS (a Sportback variant) can hold a surprising 60.7 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats folded down and 31.5 with them up. That’s more than some crossovers. Packaging a car is not easy, and Buick did an excellent job. Too bad the rest of the interior is a disappointment.
The quality of many interior components is plasticky, and style is nonexistent (save for the front seats). The blinker stalk, something drivers touch a lot, is one blatant example. Christian Seabaugh said it best: “These turn signals feel like they’re going to crack off and turn to dust in my hand.” We expect more at this price point. “If GM spent half as much time on interior materials and design as it does on engineering and exterior design, this could be the perfect package,” he added.
Some judges didn’t care for how the wagon handled on the winding road and complained about excess body roll and understeer.
We hoped for an engaging and confidence-inspiring GS model but were met with a semi-sporty driving experience. The front performance seats (heated, cooled, and massaging) are my favorite thing about the GS, which should tell you something.
The TourX and GS are both decent vehicles but fail to move the needle much, if at all.
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| 2018 Buick Regal | TourX | GS |
| Base Price/As tested | $29,995/$39,810 | $39,995/$44,115 |
| Power (SAE net) | 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm* | 310 hp @ 6,800 rpm* |
| Torque (SAE net) | 295 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm* | 282 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm* |
| Accel, 0-60 mph | 7.0 sec | 5.8 sec |
| Quarter-mile | 15.3 sec @ 91.4 mph | 14.3 sec @ 98.6 mph |
| Braking, 60-0 mph | 124 ft | 119 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.82 g (avg) | 0.83 g (avg) |
| MT Figure Eight | 26.9 sec @ 0.65 g (avg) | 26.6 sec @ 0.67 g (avg) |
| EPA City/Hwy/Comb | 21/29/24 mpg | 19/27/22 mpg |
| Vehicle Layout | Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door wagon | Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door hatchback |
| Engine/Transmission | 2.0L turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4/8-speed automatic | 3.6L DOHC 24-valve V-6/9-speed automatic |
| Curb Weight (F/R Dist) | 3,751 lb (58/42%) | 3,780 lb (58/42%) |
| Wheelbase | 111.4 in | 111.4 in |
| Length x Width x Height | 196.3 x 73.3 x 58.4 in | 192.9 x 73.3 x 57.3 in |
| Energy Cons, City/Hwy | 160/116 kW-hrs/100 miles | 177/125 kW-hrs/100 miles |
| CO2 Emissions, Comb | 0.81 lb/mile | 0.88 lb/mile |
The post Buick Regal: 2019 Motor Trend Car of the Year Contender appeared first on Motor Trend.
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