With ever rising gas prices, manufacturers have been encouraged to build a more economical car. But how do you maintain power without compromising savings?
Keeping this in mind, Buick developed a fuel savings technique called eAssist. The powertrain integrates a compact electric motor, an advanced Lithium-ion battery and a 2.4L ECOTEC 4-cylinder gasoline engine. When you stop at a red light, the eAssist switches the engine off and then back on again the instant the driver’s foot leaves the brake pedal.
The eAssist also captures and stores energy in the battery as you coast or brake. The stored energy can be used later to power the electric motor and supplement the 2.4L engine with additional power and torque. This powertrain produces 182 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. torque, and provides an enviable estimated fuel economy of 5.4 L/100 km highway. For more power, the 2.0L turbo-charged motor produces 259 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque with an estimated fuel economy of 6.6 L/100 km highway in FWD configuration.
Inside, the Buick Regal is quiet. Windows and doors are sealed tightly. Even the seat belts appear trained to not rattle. Quiet Tuning technology reduces, blocks, and absorbs road noise. Laminated glass, acoustic materials, and sealants help keep it quiet inside. Quiet in—noise out.
The Regal is safe as a church mouse on a Saturday night. Highly advanced safety technologies like rear cross traffic alert, lane change, and side blind alert are all available on the new Regal.
Once inside the Regal, you will be impressed. The leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel is placed in position to command, and all technology is close at hand.
A 4.2-inch Driver’s Information Display is the source for status updates such as fuel mileage, tire pressure, and oil life. On the GS there is an 8-inch Driver Information Center and cluster display with a customizable menu of data you can check at a glance.
The 2014 Regal is a highly competitive sport sedan with a great design, technology, and safety that will help you to realize that Regal is world class.
The Regal has a sleek shape with its wraparound headlamps and tail lamps. The new LED illumination and an aerodynamic spoiler are now integrated into the trunk lid.
I would recommend purchasing the all-wheel-drive version as it enhances your safety by routing power as needed through an electronic limited-slip differential (LSD).
The AWD helps maximize traction by sending power to the wheel with the most grip. In sleet, snow, and rain, it sends up to 50 percent of engine torque to either front wheel and up to 85 percent to either rear wheel. Now on dry roads, the performance and handling benefits include enhanced acceleration by providing torque to all four wheels.
The Regal is described as a sports vehicle, but a few more inches of leg room in the back would make it more comfortable and back-seat-passenger friendly.
The starting price is $33,095 for the base with the 2.0L turbo engine, and goes up to $42,925 for the GS AWD.
Warranty
4-yr/80,000 km Bumper-to-bumper Base Warranty
5-yr/160,000 km transferable Powertrain Component Warranty
5-yr/160,000 km 24/7 Roadside Assistance and courtesy transportation
4-yr/80,000 km Sheet Metal Corrosion Warranty
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected].
