Most of the products that were unveiled at the 2015 Shanghai Motor Show->ke2470 have little relevance for car buyers in the U.S., but the debut of China’s->ke2090 2016 Buick Verano->ke3685 is a look into the crystal ball for Buick->ke17 showrooms here. After seeing strong sales in its first two model years on the market, last year saw a small drop in sales that put the Verano as Buick’s fourth-best-selling model (out of five products), so an update to the bottom of its lineup is definitely needed. Although branded a 2016 model year in China, there were doubts on whether the new compact->ke140 sedan->ke142 will arrive in the North America in time to be labeled as a 2016 model. Turns out, Buick was able to do that, too, as the 2016 Verano has now been announced in the US. Even with most of the major auto shows over in the U.S., Buick was able to squeeze in the announcement of the 2016 Verano in time for the last auto event on the calendar. The timeline looks stretched now but don’t be surprised to see the new U.S.-spec Buick Verano make its official debut at the LA Auto Show->ke211 in November 2015.

Updated 08/13/2015: Buick announced today the addition of the new Sport Touring (ST) models to the 2016 Verano lineup. They will be distinguished by distinctive exterior cues, like special 18-inch wheels and a rear spoiler, plus additional equipment to the interior.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Buick Verano.

2016 Buick Verano

Specifications
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  • Model: 2016 Buick Verano
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

Perhaps the biggest complaint about the current Verano is its rather conservative styling, and Buick will remedy that with a new design inspired largely by the recently updated Buick LaCrosse.->ke1790 and the Buick Enclave->ke1275.

The front end gets more expressive, horizontal headlights with blue translucent rings around the projector beam headlamp. Buick’s signature waterfall grille also occupies a great portion of the Verano’s front profile while the rear-end design now features larger LED taillights and integrated exhaust outlets. As expected, hood vents also make an appearance on the Verano. They’re not as big as I thought they would be and their locations on the corners of the hood near the windshield is a little surprising, but they’re there an they add aesthetic and functional purposes for the Buick.

The Buick Verano has always had its own distinct personality, but this new model does seem to share its general shape with the upcoming next-generation Chevrolet Cruze,->ke3230, including the lower bumper and front air intakes that look completely identical to the one on the Cruze. The Chevy influence does give the Verano a sharper look that when added to the arching roofline and the steeply raked windshield gives the car a more confident and upscale profile.

The 2016 Verano will also receive three new color options - Crystal Red, Ebony Twilight Metallic, and Graphite Gray Metallic - adding to the already existing list of palettes available for the car.

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (in / mm)

105.7 / 2685

Overall length (in / mm)

183.9 / 4671

Overall width (in / mm)

71.4 / 1814

Overall height (in / mm)

58.1 / 1475

Track width (in / mm)

60.3 / 1532 (front)
60.7 / 1542 (rear)


Interior

The interior of the Verano speaks to the level of gains Buick has made in the entry-level premium segment. I’ll admit that my expectations weren’t that high based on past experiences, but consider me pleasantly surprised by an inviting cabin that actually felt more luxurious than I thought it would be. The prevalent use of metallic and wood trim accents serves as a fancy complement to the more delicate premium soft-touch materials adorning the entire cabin. Buick even provided a nice variety on the surfaces, fitting the Verano with a choice of either leatherette and fabric seating surfaces or the more high-quality leather surfaces.

The dashboard configuration also looks clean. All the pertinent features are put together on the center console, eliminating any kind of clutter on the dash. That minimalist touch is a good look for the Verano, especially for prospective customers who may not be too keen on looking for misplaced knobs and buttons.

Some features of the interior come standard on certain models of the Verano. For instance, heated and leather-appointed seating are standard features on the 1SG while the 1SD gets its own comfort package, which includes a power driver’s seat and heated front seats. Others, like the push-button engine start, the dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power driver’s seat, and electronic parking brake, are standard for all models of the sedan.

Buick’s QuietTuning technology is also a high point for the Verano, as are the acoustical laminated glass and triple door seals. These exclusive features are capable of blocking sound and eliminating vibrations, providing occupants some peace and quiet when they’re inside the car. That kind of ambience will be helpful when passengers use the Verano’s IntelliLink system or the OnStar 4G LTE.

All these feature appointments are crucial in cultivating an inviting cabin that can rival its competition. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that the Verano’s interior is the best of the lot, but I will say that it’s markedly improved from where it was from its past iterations.

Drivetrain

Unfortunately, the all-new 1.5-liter Ecotec turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine isn’t making an appearance in the new Buick Verano. The good news is that the standard 2.4-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine, which already produces 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque, will be accompanied by a 2.0-liter Ecotec turbo engine that has a more powerful 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque at its disposal.

The two engines have enough of a power gap to be treated as distinctively clear-cut options. The 2.4 will retain its status as the standard engine of the Verano, carrying with it direct-injection, dual-overhead camshafts, and variable valve timing to give the sedan improved mechanical response and a fuel economy of 21 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, as per EPA estimates. It’s not a marked improvement from the previous Verano. That’s likely due to Buick’s decision to stick with a six-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control instead of the rumored seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

Meanwhile, the 2.0-liter turbo gives the Verano power that’s equivalent to a V-6, all while getting the same efficiency of a four-cylinder. That’s the best of both worlds that Buick can heavily lean on to entice customers to side with the Verano at the moment of purchase. The turbo engine will course its power through a six-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control, just like the Like the 2.4 Ecotec, although a six-speed manual transmission is also available for buyers looking to be more involved in the driving performance of their sedans.

Drivetrain Specifications

Ecotec 2.4L DOHC I-4

Ecotec 2.0L DOHC I-4 Turbo

Displacement (cu. in. / cc)

145 / 2384

122 / 1998

Bore and stroke (in. / mm)

3.46 x 3.86 / 88 x 98

3.39 x 3.39 / 86 x 86

Block material

cast aluminum

cast aluminum

Cylinder head material

cast aluminum

cast aluminum

Valvetrain

overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuous variable valve timing for intake and exhaust

overhead camshafts, four-valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing for intake and exhaust

Ignition system

individual coil-on-plug

individual coil-on-plug

Fuel delivery

direct injection and electronic throttle control

direct injection and electronic throttle control

Compression ratio

11.2:1

9.2:1

Horsepower

180 HP @ 6700 RPM

250 HP @ 5300 RPM

Torque

171 LB-FT @ 4900 RPM

260 Lb-FT @ 2000 RPM


Prices

Pricing for the 2016 Verano has yet to be announced, but if decisions made by Buick in May 2015 are any indication, the price for the new Verano could be lower than the initial price of the 2015 model, at least as far as the entry-level trim is concerned. That’s because Buick took the step of cutting the prices of some of its models, including the Verano 1SV, the cheapest trim option of the sedan.

Whereas the initial starting price stood at $23,380, Buick dropped it to $21,065, plus $925 destination to help persuade potential customers of eschewing the competition in favor of the Verano. That price is also $2,315 lower compared to the next higher trim, the 1SD. The price drop meant that the Verano retained its titles as the lowest-priced model in the Buick lineup.

Competition

2016 Acura ILX

The ILX->ke4141 carries the same sharp and somewhat muscular design seen across the entire Acura->ke10 lineup, but it has been updated for the 2016 model year.

To keep the exterior and interior styling fresh, the 2016 Acura ILX has received minor design updates, but the key difference made to the 2016 Acura ILX is the powertrain. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder was dropped leaving just the 201-horsepowr, 2.4-liter engine under the hood of the ILX. While it does have a decent power advantage over the Verano, it does so at a starting price of $27,900, which is not only $1,000 more than the 2015 ILX but also considerably more than the 2015 Verano.

Read our full review here.

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2015 Audi A3 Sedan

It took Audi->ke14 a couple of years to confirm that the A3 Sedan will arrive Stateside, but the Germans finally broke the big news in the first quarter of 2014. Obviously inspired by the larger A4, the compact sports the signature Singleframe grille and comes equipped with full-LED headlights. The A3's cabin is probably the most attractive in the segment and boasts high-quality materials, three-dimensional inlays and a wraparound dashboard design. Leather upholstery, Bluetooth and rain-sensing wipers are offered standard.

Two engine choices are available at the dealership, with both of them using gasoline to fuel their needs. The 1.8-liter TFSI delivers 170 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque, while the 2.0-liter TFSI packs 220 ponies and 258 pound-feet of torque. The most powerful model can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds, making far more attractive than its competitors. The base model starts at $29,900, while the 2.0 TFSI version fetches at least $32,900.

Read our full review here.

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Conclusion

The Verano has been a bit hit globally for Buick, and the all-new version of the entry-level luxury sedan looks to continue that trend. The addition of the 2.0-liter turbo engine should attract plenty of new customers should Buick back up its claim of the engine's V-6-like power and four-cylinder efficiency.

The new Verano isn't going to storm into a crowded market of worthy adversaries and become the undisputed king of the segment. But as far as getting the attention of its rivals, the Verano has at least accomplished that.

Updated History

Updated 04/21/2015: Buick unveiled the new generation Verano at the 2015 Shanghai Motor Show, meaning of course that an U.S. debut should follow shortly.

Spy Shots

May 28, 2014 - Next Buick Verano testing in Germany