2012 BUICK Verano 2.4L EcoTec FWD (182 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Buick was trying all the geriatric measures to diminish its old age face from its models and tried to be more appealing to the younger buyers. The 2012 Verano was a good starting point.

While some brands quickly adapted themselves to the new profile of their buyers, Buick kept the same old-school design that made it a favorite among the American businessmen. But those customers started to sign the AARP documents and forgot about the three-shield brand. The new generation thought the Buick looks too old to be taken seriously. Then the change happened in the marketing department and a new design language appeared.

Sleek, aerodynamically profiled, and with sculptured side panels and doors, the Verano aimed directly to the younger generation. Unfortunately, they didn’t forget to kick-out the team who designed the massive grille, which was chromed and swept over the hood. It just looked out of place. Moreover, the chromed eyebrows over the rear taillights were not appreciated by the young customers.

The Verano was based on the Chevrolet Cruze platform, a car that found its way to the younger generation. While the exterior didn’t share any body-panel with the Cruze, the Verano took the interior from that model. There were the same steering-wheel and center stack. The infotainment system included the Buick Intellilink support, that made the car look more up-market.

Under the hood, there was no connection between the Verano and the Cruze. The premium-compact vehicle was fitted with a choice of two gasoline engines: there was a 2.0-liter turbocharged with mated to a 6-speed manual, or a 6-speed automatic, and a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter.