2013 Buick Verano Turbo

The new Buick Verano is a perfectly nice small car, and slots in well below the larger Regal. But the little Buick lacks the styling vigor of its larger relative and thus we have been somewhat dismissive of it. That is about to change with the inclusion of some turbocharged spice.

Buick Verano Turbo

In our initial drive of the 2012 Buick Verano we found it to maintain a sturdy level of quietness and comfort. It's even enjoyable to drive, if not as dynamic as the Chevrolet Cruze of which it shares its architecture. The Verano of yet has only been available with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder Ecotec direct-injected engine with a 6-speed automatic. There is a lack of excitement with the available 180 horsepower.

Buick Verano Turbo

Well rather than drop in the 1.4-liter turbo from the Cruze into the Verano, which would have been all well and good, Buick upped the ante with the 2.0-liter turbo from the Regal, taking the power from a modest 180-hp in the base Verano to a whopping 250-hp. That's more power then is on tap in even the Regal turbo, but a bit less than the Regal GS. And while the 6-speed auto is available with the turbo engine, they've also mated it to a proper 6-speed manual with unique gearing to match the 3520-curb weight.

Buick Verano Turbo

It's a true sleeper. Even with all the added power the wheels and tires remain unchanged in the turbo Verano. A slightly improved suspension is said to give a more dynamic feel, but it is not a GS model, even if it has nearly the same power to weight ratio as it's performance oriented big brother it doesn't have the aggressive MR suspension or Brembo brakes. It does have that ultra-cool no-lift shift feature though.

Buick Verano Turbo

The Verano Turbo promises to provide over 30 mph on the highway and sprints to 60 mph in a GM estimated 6.2 seconds. With the no-lift-shift technology incorporated, we suspect we'll get closer to 6 flat in our testing. It should cost less than the new 2.4-liter Acura ILX and come with more standard equipment. The only options on the Verano Turbo are a sunroof, navigation and wheel design. The backup camera, blind spot detection, leather interior and IntelliLink are all standard. To differentiate from a regular Verano will be dual exhaust tips, and if you need more style, we suggest that you choose the new Luxo Blue Metallic paint. But if you want to fly under the radar, opt for the Carbon Black Metallic and enjoy speeding in anonymity, comfort and quietness.