BUICK’S ROCKIN’ REGAL TURBO

Quick is good. And quicker is even better.

If you question that, Automobile Journal refers you to Buick’s 2011 Regal CXL turbo sedan.

We should hasten to add, right off the bat, that we don’t mean the much anticipated upcoming
Buick Regal GS, equipped with a turbocharged engine that’s even faster, and likely to provide goosebumps and itchy right feet for America. That’s coming later–and yes, when we get one, we’ll fill you in on all the details.

Our model was the elegant, youthful-looking CXL Turbo, done up in gorgeous carbon black metallic and ebony interior. If you want to make a statement, we think this is the color to pick. While Regals look sharp in all colors, we think darker shades add the drama and richness to it.

      While we wouldn’t say the CXL Turbo was blindingly fast, it sure was quick enough to turn heads on Pittsburgh’s parkways, and cause a fair share of mischief for drivers of some makes who realized they’d just been blown off by a Buick.

     The car is equipped with a 2.0 liter Ecotec dual overhead cam four cylinder, intercooled turbo charged engine, backed by a six speed aut0matic.  It puts out 220 horsepower and is rated at 18/28 for fuel economy. The estimated annual fuel cost is $2,048 based on 15,000 miles at $3 a gallon (With gas at $4 or more now a gallon, we wish!).

The Regal Turbo hits 60 in 8.4 seconds, compared to 9.9 seconds for the base model, according to Edmunds.com.

 Base price is $34,630.00. With total options of $5,690, along with destination charges, our final price came to $35,380.00.

Standard equipment includes all power accessories of course,  along with six months of OnStar directions and connections with automatic crash response and turn by turn navigation, front, side, impact thorax driver and front passenger airbags, head curtainside airbags, outboard front and rear occupant sidebags, antilock brakes,stability and traction control, dual bright exhaust tips, halogen headlamps, fog lamps, eight way adjustable front passenger seatm along with four way lumbar, parking assist, air conditioning, Bluetooth for phone, cruise control, heated fddriver and front passenger seats and lots of other items.

      The first thing you notice about the Regal Turbo compared with other Regals is the energy and tone.  The entry level Regal is a lovely car, but it felt more relaxed when driving it, and not especially eager on acceleration.  Meanwhile, the Regal Turbo feels more muscled, more athletic and energetic, with some more satisfying sounds coming from the exhaust systemn.  The steering feels especially well- balanced with no need for lots of correction, and it cornered flat with control at all times.

        The interior was well-put together and rich looking, with a nice mix of textures and visual interest.  We were particularly pleased with how seamlessly everything was put together, and all of the chrome and aluminum accents were tastefully done, not overly flashy or bright. The front seat was nice and roomy, but the back seat came across a bit cramped and narrow.

Still Buick’s CXL Regal makes it abundantly clear that a real revolution–a good one–is underway at Buick.