The Buick Verano is a small front-wheel-drive sedan that serves as the entry-level vehicle for the Buick brand. With dimensions that are six inches shorter and 2 inches narrower than the Regal, the Verano could be smallest new Buick sedan since the Skyhawk of the eighties. The Verano is powered by a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, which is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Verano will be offered with a variety of options and trim levels. Buick has named the Lexus IS and Audi A3 as competitors, but the more powerful rear-wheel-drive Lexus and the all-wheel-drive wagon A3 are far more specialized.

What Changed:

The Verano is a new small Buick based on the European market Opel Astra and Chinese market Buick Excelle. The front-wheel-drive sedan is powered by a standard 2.4l four-cylinder engine rated at 177-bhp. A six-speed automatic is standard. Compared to the next largest Buick, the Verano is inches shorter and 2 inches narrower than the Regal.