If you are old enough to recognize the meaning of this title, chances are – you are old enough to own a Buick. Duck Soup is a Marks Brothers film, produced by Paramount studios in 1933. By today’s standards – it’s kind of boring. Still, if your vitriol gets uppity at the sight of young punks from that newfangled film Porky’s, you probably laughed at Duck Soup and you probably drive a Buick… which is why you may be disappointed by the 2012 Buick Regal GS.
Don’t blame the messenger gramps – the 2012 Buick Regal GS is not a spongy ride.
Here are five things you need to know about the 2012 Buick Regal GS:
- It’s happiest in the corners: This Buick is based on the European Opel/Vauxhall Insignia which can be configured to be a BMW-beating sedan. That’s because the European version can have all-wheel drive, over 300 horsepower and spleen-squishing harshness in its sports-car ride. Ours is tamer with front-wheel drive and an optimum setting for regular driving that’s firm, yet forgiving. “Hiper-strut” front suspension is a new setup Buick is using that aids the grip, mitigates torque steer and assists the adjustable suspension to help give the 2012 Buick Regal GS tenacious grip. Steering feel is mediocre, but if you hit the sport or GS button, the Regal GS tingles with character and it will make you a better performing driver.
- It’s faster than greased lightning – with the manual: Yep, General Motors gave the 2012 Buick Regal GS a real, honest-to-goodness, six-speed manual transmission as an option. With that setup mixed with the turbocharged, 270 horsepower, 2.0-liter engine making 295 lbs-feet of torque, you can fly from 0 to 60 mph in under seven seconds. As you’ll see in the video, the six-speed automatic mixed with two passengers and high altitude adds a few seconds. Still, it’s mighty fast and the passing power is the best I’ve tested in an American front-drive vehicle – ever. When you need to stop, Brembo brakes will haul you down faster than many sports cars.
- It’s tight, but comfortable: Like many vehicles sourced from Europe, the overall interior dimensions are on the smaller side. Legroom in the back is tight too. The leather seats are quite comfortable and as long as you are under 5’10,” you’ll be comfortable sitting behind yourself. With trunk cargo space of 14.2 cubic feet, you can fit two golf bags or one bulky, automotive journalist.
- You get a lot for the money: That AARP retirement investment CD may not have to be depleted as you can get a well equipped 2012 Buick Regal GS for under $37,000. Furthermore, you may not blow your wad on fueling this bad boy as the Buick Regal GS gets 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. You can use regular gas, but for the best performance, GM says the premium grade is the way to go.
- It’s damn good looking: This is a great looking vehicle with wonderful lines and a robust silhouette. Order the optional 20-inch wheels as they are ridiculously good looking. Those wheels make the car and don’t impede on the ride dynamics.
The bottom line here is: buy this car and regain some lead in your pencil gramps.
Enjoy the video!
