Buick News: Meet the Chinese Market Buick Verano Hatchback

[William Maley]

---

This is the Buick Verano Hatchback which debuted at the Guangzhou Motor Show in China a few days ago.

 

Using the new the Opel/Vauxhall Astra hatchback as a base, Buick made some minor tweaks with a new grille, headlights, and wheels. Inside is a three-spoke steering wheel, eight-inch touchscreen with Buick's Intellink, and Apple CarPlay intergration.

 

The base engine for the Verano Hatchback is a 1.5L inline-four with SIDI engine with 116 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. The Verano GS Hatchback gets a turbocharged version of the 1.5 four that produces 166 horsepower and 184 pound-feet. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic comes standard on the Verano, while a seven-speed dual-clutch is standard on the GS.

 

"The Buick Verano Hatchback and Verano GS, together with the new-generation Buick Verano sport sedan launched earlier this year and the all-new Buick Excelle GT, will strengthen Buick’s presence in China’s premium mid-range passenger car segment," the company said in a statement.

 

Source: Buick

 

 

Press Release is on Page 2

---

 

Buick Launches Verano Hatchback and Verano GS

• Priced from RMB 145,900 to RMB 205,900
  

Guangzhou – Buick launched the new Verano Hatchback and Verano GS this evening in Guangzhou, China. The five variants of the two newest members of the Verano family are priced from RMB 145,900 to RMB 205,900. Buick’s 740 dealerships across China have begun accepting pre-orders.

 

The new Verano models have trendy, sporty styling along with European car-like handling, premium interiors and advanced technology. They are targeted at younger trend-setting consumers who are looking for a driving experience that is “born with sportiness.”

 

Stylish and sporty exterior
The Verano Hatchback and Verano GS have adopted Buick's latest design language for sport sedans. The brand’s signature waterfall grille has taken on a creative frameless design, with a newly added piano black finish. The bold, concise and contoured hood lowers the car's stance.

 

The two models’ wedge-shaped silhouette and double-sweep beltline form a dashing profile, with B- and C-pillars in German-crafted gloss black creating a floating roofline.

 

The models also feature Buick's wing-shaped LED daytime running lamps, which echo their wing-shaped tinted tail lamps. Together with an integrated rear wing that accentuates the sculptured rear end, they provide a stylish, vibrant and captivating feel.

 

Contemporary and exquisite interior
The cabins of the two new Veranos combine sportiness, premium materials and exquisite craftsmanship. They utilize Buick's iconic 360-degree wraparound layout that exemplifies its driver-oriented design philosophy.

 

The brand's focus on a high-quality driving and riding experience is also demonstrated by a segment-leading 2,662-mm wheelbase, the generous use of eco-friendly supple materials throughout the interior, a standard three-spoke sporty multi-function steering wheel, considerately designed ambient lighting, rear-row USB charging ports and patented Quiet-Tuning® noise control technology.

 

The Verano GS is fitted with an exclusive sporty black and red kit inside and out. Aerodynamic exterior accessories, bright red strips on the front and rear bumpers, bright red brake calipers and 17-inch dark-painted five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels look bold and impressive.

 

Inside, a bright red carbon fiber-pattern strip across the center console and red stitching make a strong impression. Adding to the sportiness are a carbon fiber-pattern finish on the center console, a three-spoke sporty multi-function steering wheel with a paddle shifter, Alcantara® racing car-like seats and Flame Red ambient lighting.

 

Trend-setting intelligent and safety technologies
The Verano Hatchback and Verano GS come with a wide variety of trend-setting intelligent technologies. They are the first Buick models in China available with the Apple CarPlay system. Users can seamlessly connect their iPhones with iOS 7.1 and above through the new-generation Buick IntelliLink infotainment system. All iPhone features and built-in apps – including phone, messages, maps, music, podcasts and Siri – are easily accessible via the high-resolution 8-inch-diagonal display in the center console.

 

The Verano GS is offered with segment-exclusive and Buick-first Matrix full-LED headlamps. Behind the headlamps' Big Dipper-like panels are 29 Matrix LED clusters connected to front cameras to intelligently perform a range of functions, including automatically turning on the high-beam headlights, activating the anti-glare high-beam headlights and automatically adjusting the height of the headlamps. They automatically switch between six lighting modes – City, Urban, Expressway, Curve, Parking and Fuel Economy – based on driving conditions.

 

In addition, the Verano GS comes with Buick's new intelligent safety system, which incorporates features that include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking and Automatic Parking Assist.

 

While 75 percent of the two Veranos’ body structure is composed of high-strength steel, the models incorporate extensive lightweight design features, such as lighter and more rigid structures, all-aluminum engines, all-aluminum sub-frames, all-aluminum front and rear bumpers, and aluminum steering knuckles, as well as imported lightweight damping mats. The result is a 100-kilogram reduction in curb weight.

 

The Verano Hatchback and Verano GS are built on the same architecture as the new Opel Astra. Their firm chassis has an optimized MacPherson front suspension and enhanced composite torsion bar, along with a new-generation Opel-patented Watt's link rear suspension and all-aluminum six-point full-length sub-frame. The result is a perfect balance between body dimensions, weight and overall efficiency.

 

Handling and driving pleasure were assured through the adoption of the all-new belt-drive electric power-assisted steering system as well as more than a year's worth of testing and tuning at Germany's famed Nürburgring circuit.

 

Exciting and fuel-efficient powertrains
Both models incorporate GM's new Ecotec small gasoline engines, which combine powerful performance with exceptional fuel economy. The Verano Hatchback pairs a 1.5L SIDI engine with a six-speed DCG transmission. It delivers maximum output of 87 kW/6,600 rpm and peak torque of 146 Nm/4,000 rpm.

 

The Verano GS is powered by a 1.5T SIDI engine that was named one of the “China Heart” 2015 Ten Best Engines. It is paired with a new-generation seven-speed DCG transmission. The powertrain combination produces maximum output of 124 kW/5,600 rpm and peak torque of 250 Nm/1,700-4,400 rpm. This gives the model the ability to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds while enabling combined fuel consumption of 5.9 L/100 km – which sets a new benchmark for its class.

 

The engine start/stop feature, which further helps improve fuel efficiency, comes standard across the full Verano lineup. All variants are eligible for China's new incentive plan that cuts the purchase tax in half for cars with engines smaller than 1.6 liters.

 

The Buick Verano Hatchback and Verano GS, together with the new-generation Buick Verano sport sedan launched earlier this year and the all-new Buick Excelle GT, will strengthen Buick’s presence in China’s premium mid-range passenger car segment.

View full article

[G. David Felt]

OK, I know a number of us have commented on this but must have had to recover the home page or something. While this is built off a Opel, I have to say it does remind me of a certain VW model as well.

 

It is a nice little Sporty car for Buick.

[daves87rs]

Ah, so slap a (new) Cruze front end on it, and we have the upcoming Cruze hatchback as well.

 

Really think they should do hatch for both Chevy and Buick.....

 

 

Then sport them up a bit to play with the ST (forget the RS).......

[ccap41]

Give me one of these with their 2.0T and I'm in. Looks sharp! My only "fear" would be it would price too much above the Focus ST and approach RS because it is a "premium" brand and then there is no doubt if it was closely priced to the RS that I'd buy the RS all day long.

 

Good lookin' car though.

[G. David Felt]

So make it a Cruze SS Hot Hatch with a Pumped UP 2.0T.

[surreal1272]

Looks way too much like the now six year old (and no longer in production) Saturn Astra. I do agree that there should most definitely be a Cruze Hatch and SS variant. 

[daves87rs]

Looks way too much like the now six year old (and no longer in production) Saturn Astra. I do agree that there should most definitely be a Cruze Hatch and SS variant. 

 

 

Nah, I think i is just the grill getting you there....

[hyperv6]

Well we tried the Astra hatch already here once if some of you have forgotten. It was a sweet looking car that is pretty rare to see due to poor sales over several years as a Saturn.

I can see this as a white space car as Buick calls it. A lower volume high content car with a turbo performance engine to compete with the GTI. VW is hurting and while I do not see this as a major high volume car I feel it could be done with the new Buick niche marketing that they are planning.

You could do it as a Cruze but how much would some one pay to do it right? Make it a Buick with the needed options and trim and really compete with the better optioned Mini's and GTI models. I think Buick could get the money for the better car over the cheaper Chevy that may be compromised. Also this would feed better to improve the Buick image for younger buyers.

Keep in mind with Chevy there is a limit on what you can charge for a FWD performance car and it will include compromises. Buick can be with Opel's help the Euro centric car competitor that Pontiac always tried to be but never was let to be. Go back and study what Delorean tired to do and what Pontiac tried or did to a limited degree offer but was always shut down. OHC, FI, 4 wheel disc, Composite headlamps, radial tires, electronic ignitions, independent rear suspensions. That was just the 60's. Buick can do it now with the Opel based models and do it well.

Chevy outside the Camaro and Corvette is all about volume to make a profit and while I would love to see a Cruze SS I know based on the past models SS like the one I own now it will be compromised as they have a limit on what people will pay in their needed volume. Hell my HHR SS sold only 4-5K one year and less the others. The Cobalt SS did just a little better but not the volume GM would like to see in that price range.

[Suaviloquent]

It looks good. I think the exterior is a bit conservative, but it'll age very well.

 

Though I think if this was sold in the US people will be hard pressed to pay any significant amount more than what compact hatchbacks already cost.

 

Because this is just a tweaked Opel, a car that VW, Mazda, Honda, and Ford easily compete as comparable vehicles in Europe.

[daves87rs]

Well we tried the Astra hatch already here once if some of you have forgotten. It was a sweet looking car that is pretty rare to see due to poor sales over several years as a Saturn.

I can see this as a white space car as Buick calls it. A lower volume high content car with a turbo performance engine to compete with the GTI. VW is hurting and while I do not see this as a major high volume car I feel it could be done with the new Buick niche marketing that they are planning.

You could do it as a Cruze but how much would some one pay to do it right? Make it a Buick with the needed options and trim and really compete with the better optioned Mini's and GTI models. I think Buick could get the money for the better car over the cheaper Chevy that may be compromised. Also this would feed better to improve the Buick image for younger buyers.

Keep in mind with Chevy there is a limit on what you can charge for a FWD performance car and it will include compromises. Buick can be with Opel's help the Euro centric car competitor that Pontiac always tried to be but never was let to be. Go back and study what Delorean tired to do and what Pontiac tried or did to a limited degree offer but was always shut down. OHC, FI, 4 wheel disc, Composite headlamps, radial tires, electronic ignitions, independent rear suspensions. That was just the 60's. Buick can do it now with the Opel based models and do it well.

Chevy outside the Camaro and Corvette is all about volume to make a profit and while I would love to see a Cruze SS I know based on the past models SS like the one I own now it will be compromised as they have a limit on what people will pay in their needed volume. Hell my HHR SS sold only 4-5K one year and less the others. The Cobalt SS did just a little better but not the volume GM would like to see in that price range.

 

While true, I see quite a few Focus hatches around here....thinking a Cruze hatch would do just fine...

 

Like the Buick idea though...