The Buick Verano (Chinese: 威朗) is a compact car[1] manufactured by SAIC-GM for the GM's Buick brand since 2010. It debuted at the North American International Auto Show on January 10, 2011, during a preview of Buick's then upcoming 2012 model.[2][3][4][5] It is the first compact marketed by Buick in the United States since the 1998 Buick Skylark. Verano is Spanish for summer.[6]

Buick Verano
Buick Verano Pro GS
Overview
ManufacturerSAIC-GM (2010–present)
Buick
(General Motors) (2012–2017)
ProductionJune 2010–present (China)
2011–2016 (United States)
Model years2010–present (China)
2012–2017 (United States)
AssemblyUnited States: Lake Orion, Michigan
China: Shanghai
Body and chassis
ClassCompact car

The Verano, the Buick Excelle GT,[7] which was developed for the Chinese market, and the Opel Astra/Vauxhall Astra sedan share General Motors' Delta II platform with the Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Orlando, and Opel/Vauxhall Zafira Tourer. In the US, it was manufactured by General Motors from 2012 to 2017.

First generation (2011)

edit
First generation
 
Overview
Also calledBuick Excelle GT (China)
Production2010–2015 (China)
2011–2017 (United States)
Model years2012–2017 (North America)
AssemblyUnited States: Orion Township, Michigan (Orion Assembly)
China: Yantai (as Excelle GT)
DesignerDavid Lyon
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel drive
PlatformDelta II platform
RelatedBuick Excelle XT
Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet Orlando
Opel Astra
Vauxhall Astra
Holden Astra
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase105.7 in (2,685 mm)
Length183.9 in (4,671 mm)
Width71.4 in (1,814 mm)
Height58.4 in (1,483 mm)
Curb weight3,300 lb (1,500 kg)

Jim Federico, Executive Director and Vehicle Chief Engineer for Verano, led the vehicle development team and David Lyon, Buick design director, styled the exterior. [8][9]

The Verano is essentially a North American-market version of the Chinese-market compact Buick Excelle GT. The Verano's unibody construction uses galvanized steel for its front fenders, hood, roof and door panels and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) bumper covers.[2] It incorporates acoustical laminated glass, triple door seals, a five-layer interior roof liner, sound absorbing mats, recycled denim insulation and specially manufactured 18-inch forged alloy wheels, which minimize road noise.[2] Buick's VentiPorts reappeared at the Verano's introduction, a styling feature unique to Buick dating back to 1949.

 
Rear view
 
Buick Excelle GT (China)

The standard powertrain is a 2.4 L Ecotec direct-injected DOHC I4 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4 L engine is rated 180 horsepower (130 kW; 180 PS) at 6,700 rpm and 171 lb⋅ft (232 N⋅m; 24 kg⋅m) of torque at 4,900 rpm. The engine is flex-fuel capable, meaning it can use either gasoline, or E85 ethanol (2012–13)[10] • 2.4L, or any combination of the two fuels. EPA fuel economy estimates are 21 mpg‑US (11 L/100 km; 25 mpg‑imp) city and 32 mpg‑US (7.4 L/100 km; 38 mpg‑imp) highway for gasoline.[11][2] A 2012 on-road mixed highway-city review by the website MPGOMATIC showed an average 26.5 mpg‑US (8.9 L/100 km; 31.8 mpg‑imp) on E85, and 29 mpg‑US (8.1 L/100 km; 35 mpg‑imp) for gasoline.

A 2.0 L turbocharged version became available in late 2012, for the 2013 model year, as did a 6-speed manual transmission. The 2.0 L turbo engine is rated at 250 horsepower (186 kW; 253 PS) and 260 lb⋅ft (353 N⋅m; 36 kg⋅m) of torque. GM estimated acceleration from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) is 6.2 seconds, matching the number posted by the Buick Regal GS.[12]

For 2016, the Verano added a new Sport Touring Edition which included unique 18″ aluminum black pocket wheels and a rear lip spoiler.

The Verano was phased out from the US market after the 2017 model year. The second generation Verano is sold exclusively in China,[13] leaving Buick without an entry-level sedan in the US market.

Engines

edit
Gasoline engine
Engine Displacement Power Torque Transmission Model Years
2.4 L Ecotec I4 (Flex-Fuel) 2384 cc 180 hp (134 kW) at 6700 rpm 171 ft⋅lb (232 N⋅m) at 4900 rpm 6-speed automatic 2012-
2.0 L Ecotec t/c I4 1998 cc 250 hp (186 kW) at 5300 rpm 260 ft⋅lb (353 N⋅m) at 2000 rpm 6-speed automatic
6-speed manual (optional)
2013-
1.6 L Family 1 t/c I4 1598 cc 184 hp (137 kW) at 5800 rpm 173 ft⋅lb (235 N⋅m) at 2200 - 5600 rpm 6-speed automatic 2010-

Second generation (2016)

edit
Second generation
 
2020 Buick Verano (second facelift)
Overview
Production2015–2021
AssemblyChina: Shenyang, Liaoning
(SAIC-GM Norsom Motors)
DesignerYin He
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
5-door hatchback
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel drive
PlatformD2XX platform
RelatedBuick Envision
Chevrolet Cruze
Opel Astra K
Vauxhall Astra
Holden Astra BK
Buick Excelle GT (Second generation)
Buick Excelle GX
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length2016–19: 4,718 mm (185.7 in)
2020–: 4,723 mm (185.9 in)
Width1,802 mm (70.9 in)
Height1,466 mm (57.7 in)
Curb weight2016–19: 1,260–1,320 kg (2,780–2,910 lb)
2020–: 1,310–1,350 kg (2,890–2,980 lb)

The second generation Verano was introduced on 27 July 2015 in the Chinese market. This generation of Verano is longer, lighter, more fuel efficient and has more interior space than its predecessor. It is sold in both sedan and hatchback body styles.[14]

Powertrain

edit

The 2.0T model is equipped with the GM Ecotec 1.5-litre Turbo SIDI engine mated to the 7-speed DCG dual-clutch transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour (0 to 62 mph) is 8.8 seconds, and the fuel consumption is 6.1 L/100 km (46 mpg‑imp; 39 mpg‑US). The 15S model is equipped with the GM 1.5-litre SIDI inline-4 engine mated to the 6-speed DSS transmission, and the fuel consumption is 5.9 L/100 km (48 mpg‑imp; 40 mpg‑US).[15][16]

Verano GS

edit

A performance GS variant based on the cancelled Opel Astra OPC debuted at the 2015 Guangzhou Auto Show on November 20, 2015, and went on sale in China at the end of the year. Available in hatchback form, the Verano GS is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre inline-4 rated at 167 hp (125 kW; 169 PS).[17] with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Unique aesthetic features include red accents and black chrome wheels.[18]

First facelift (2018)

edit

In late 2017, Buick updated the Verano with a revised grille. The update applies to the Buick Verano sedan, Verano hatchback, and Excelle GT sedan. A station wagon variant was added to the lineup.

Second facelift (2020)

edit

A more significant update to the second-generation Verano was launched in September 2019. Although Buick called it "all new", only the front and back of the exterior were changed, along with minor interior changes, and new engine/transmission options.[19]

Engines

edit
Gasoline engine
Engine Displacement Power Torque Transmission Years
1.5 L SIDI I4 w/ auto-s/s[20] 1490 cc 87 kW (117 hp) at 6600 rpm 146 N⋅m (108 ft⋅lb) at 4000 rpm 6-speed automatic
6-speed manual
2016–2019
1.5 L SIDI turbo I4 w/ auto-s/s 1490 cc 124 kW (166 hp; 169 PS) at 5600 rpm 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft; 25 kg⋅m) at 1700–4400 rpm 7-speed automatic 2016–2019
1.0 L turbo I3 w/ auto-s/s 999 cc 92 kW (123 hp; 125 PS) at 5800 rpm 180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft; 18 kg⋅m) at 1350–4500 rpm 6-speed automatic 2020–
1.3 L turbo I3 w/ auto-s/s 1341 cc 121 kW (162 hp; 165 PS) at 5600 rpm 240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft; 24 kg⋅m) at 1500–4000 rpm CVT 2020–

Third generation (Pro, 2021)

edit
Buick Verano Pro
 
Buick Verano Pro
Overview
Production2021–present
AssemblyChina: Wuhan (SAIC-GM Wuhan Branch)
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel drive
PlatformGM VSS-F platform (9BXX)[21]
Powertrain
Engine1.5 L LAH turbo I4 (gasoline)
TransmissionCVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length4,664 mm (183.6 in)
Width1,786 mm (70.3 in)
Height1,472 mm (58.0 in)
Curb weight1,315–1,335 kg (2,899–2,943 lb)

The third generation Buick Verano was first leaked in late 2019, with the front and rear being very similar to the post-facelift second generation model and the A-pillars being pushed back. The actual production vehicle was officially launched during the 2021 Shanghai Autoshow during April 2021 as the Buick Verano Pro, with the GS performance model being one of the first versions to be launched. The Buick Verano Pro was developed by PATAC of SAIC-GM.[22] It is powered by a new 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, producing 135 kW (181 hp; 184 PS) and 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft; 25 kg⋅m) torque.[23][24]

Buick Verano Pro GS

edit

Despite the previous GS trim being performance variants, the Buick Verano Pro GS remains to be an appearance package which includes darkened exterior touches and sportier looking front and rear bumpers.[25]

Sales

edit
Calendar year Sales (United States) Sales (China; known as the Excelle GT * from 2010 to 2015, Verano from 2015 onwards)
2010 81,652
2011 ** 265[26] 134,800
2012 41,042[27] 173,312
2013 45,527[28] 204,274
2014 43,743[28] 246,305
2015 31,886[29] 339,549 ***
2016 30,277[30] 177,202
2017 4,277[31] 185,326
2018 192,174
2019 74,183
Total 197,017 1,808,777
Total combined 2,005,794

* Excelle GT sales include Excelle XT (hatchback) figures. ** Sales in the US began in November 2011. *** 2015 Chinese sales include Excelle XT/GT, 2nd gen. Excelle GT and Verano figures.

References

edit
  1. ^ "Buick Verano Review". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2016-03-13.
  2. ^ a b c d "Buick Introduces The All-New 2012 Verano" (Press release). General Motors Company. 2011-01-06. Archived from the original on 2011-06-03. Retrieved 2011-05-30.
  3. ^ Lienert, Paul (2010-10-07). "2012 Buick Verano Confirmed for U.S." insideline.com. Edmunds, Inc. Archived from the original on 2011-06-29. Retrieved 2011-05-30.
  4. ^ Jacquot, Josh (2011-01-06). "2012 Buick Verano - 2011 Detroit Auto Show". insideline.com. Edmunds, Inc. Archived from the original on 2011-06-03. Retrieved 2011-05-30.
  5. ^ Smith, Rachel (2011-01-06). "2012 Buick Verano Unveiled". usnews.rankingsandreviews.com. U.S. News Rankings & Reviews. Archived from the original on 2011-07-24. Retrieved 2011-05-30.
  6. ^ Ulrich, Lawrence (2011-01-06). "Buick Seeks Younger Buyer With Verano Compact Sedan". wheels.blogs.nytimes.com. The New York Times Company. Archived from the original on 2011-01-10. Retrieved 2011-05-30.
  7. ^ Kranz, Rick (2011-01-06). "Buick banks on Verano compact to grab more import buyers". autonews.com. Crain Communications, Inc. Archived from the original on 2013-01-17. Retrieved 2011-05-30.
  8. ^ Schwegman, John; Federico, Jim (2011-01-10). "Remarks by John Schwegman (US Marketing Vice President for Buick/GM) - 2011 NAIAS Buick Press Conference". 2011 NAIAS Media Press Kit. General Motors Company. Archived from the original on 2011-10-19. Retrieved 2011-05-30.
  9. ^ Lassa, Todd (2011-01-06). "First Look: 2012 Buick Verano". motortrend.com. MotorTrend Magazine, Source Interlink Media. Archived from the original on 2011-07-16. Retrieved 2011-05-30.
  10. ^ "American Lung Association Clean Air Choice: E85 Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs)". www.cleanairchoice.org. Archived from the original on 2008-04-13.
  11. ^ "2012 Buick Verano".
  12. ^ General Motors (2012-06-12). "2013 Buick Verano Turbo Debuts with 250 Horsepower". GM Media Online. Retrieved 2012-06-13.
  13. ^ Weiner, Eric (9 May 2016). "Buick Verano Canceled for U.S. after 2017, Says Report". Automobile magazine. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
  14. ^ a b "2017 Buick Verano". GM Authority. 2 October 2015. Retrieved 2015-11-07.
  15. ^ Capparella, Joseph (20 April 2015). "2016 Buick Verano Debuts in Chinese-Market Form in Shanghai". Automobile magazine. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  16. ^ "SAIC-GM announced Buick new generation of Verano". Buick Official Website. SAIC-GM. 8 June 2015. Archived from the original on 22 May 2016. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  17. ^ "2017 Buick Verano GS". GM Authority. 2 November 2015. Retrieved 2015-11-07.
  18. ^ Sean Szymkowski (2015-11-06). "2017 Buick Verano GS". GM Authority. Retrieved 2015-11-07.
  19. ^ "Buick Launches All-New Verano Midsize Sedan in China". 4 September 2019.
  20. ^ "Specifications of Buick Verano". GM. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  21. ^ "All-New Buick Verano Pro Sedan Unveiled In China". GM Authority. 2 April 2021. Retrieved 2021-11-07.
  22. ^ "【图】2021上海车展探馆:威朗Pro GS亮相在即_汽车之家".
  23. ^ "Buick Debuts All-New Envision Plus and Verano Pro in China". 18 April 2021.
  24. ^ "GM Premieres All-New Turbocharged 1.5L Engine In Buick Verano Pro". GM Authority. 9 August 2021.
  25. ^ "Buick Strengthens Premium Sedan Portfolio in China with All-New Verano Pro". media.cadillac.com. 10 September 2021.
  26. ^ "General Motors December 2011 Sales". General Motors. 2012-01-04. Retrieved 2014-01-06.
  27. ^ "GM U.S. Deliveries for December 2013" (PDF). General Motors. 2014-01-03. Retrieved 2014-01-06.
  28. ^ a b "GM Deliveries up 19 percent in Blockbuster December". General Motors. 2015-01-05. Retrieved 2015-01-08.
  29. ^ "GM, Chevrolet Lead with Industry's Largest Retail Market Share Increases of 2015". General Motors. 2016-01-05. Retrieved 2016-01-07.
  30. ^ "Chevrolet and GM Lead U.S. Retail Sales and Share Gains for 2016". General Motors. 2017-01-04. Retrieved 2017-01-04.
  31. ^ "Three-peat: Chevrolet's Retail Share Grows for Third Consecutive Year – up 1 point since 2015". 3 January 2018.
edit