Buick LaCrosse 2010 review

         The 2010 Buick LaCrosse is the most important vehicle launched by the brand in decades. Buick, nearly consigned to the dustbin of history a few short years ago, is now one of General Motors' four remaining "core" brands. It offers all-wheel drive, a suite of advanced intelligent personal technologies and safety features, as well as three efficient, powerful engines.

         The Buick LaCrosse’s interior continues the flowing, detailed aesthetic of the exterior, with elements such as ice-blue ambient lighting throughout the cabin - from the center console, instrument panel and door panels. Bluetooth connectivity, an auxiliary audio input and a USB port. For rear-seat passengers, a DVD entertainment system is offered.

         The LaCrosse has three models: CX, CXL and CXS. CX and CXL come standard with the new 3.0-liter direct injected V6, while the 3.6-liter DI V6 is optional on the CXL and standard on the CXS. Later this fall, the 2.4-liter DI four-cylinder will be added as the standard engine in the CX and CXL, the only such engine currently available in the segment. CXS equipped with a 3.6L direct injection V-6; real-time active-dampening suspension (optional); perforated, leather-appointed, heated and ventilated seats, and chrome-plated 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inch optional). 

Specification

         * Displacement cu in (cc): 145 / 2384

         * Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 182 / 136 @ 6700 rpm

         * Seats: 5 (2 front / 3 rear)

         * Price (est): $ 32,000

Buick Regal review

           The Regal will be available only in CXL trim at launch, with standard leather seating surfaces, a power driver’s seat, a standard six-speed automatic transmission, heated front seats, and satellite radio. A backup camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear-seat side airbags, and a navigation system will be on the options list. The navigation system has three interfaces: a touch screen; a wheel-type controller by the driver’s right hand; and large buttons on the center console. 

The Buick Regal CXL is a good-looking sedan with smart handling and a full-featured infotainment system. Hard-drive-based navigation; DVD playback with 5.1 surround; XM satellite radio, weather, and traffic; iPod and MP3 playback; and an innovative capability to pause live radio broadcasts for up to 20 minutes round out a solid cabin tech package. But power delivery in the 2.5-liter-engine model leaves much to be desired and doesn't seem well matched to the six-speed automatic transmission. The physical controls of the infotainment system aren't very well integrated.

           The Regal drives much like an Insignia, we discovered, which is a good thing. Buick had only turbo models on hand for our drive. They were equipped with the base suspension, 18 nch wheels, and a nonvariable steering rack. We have to say we prefer this setup based on previous experience in Europe with the adaptive chassis system. The IDCS gives the steering more linearity and more friction in its sport setting than in the other modes, but it is still overly aggressive on turn-in, whereas the nonvariable setup is nicely weighted and intuitiv.