With the Verano going away in the near future, the Regal will soon (and once again) be Buick's smallest model. This sedan is either a small mid-sizer or a large compact, depending on how you view it, but we think it best fits in the upscale compact class, where it goes up against the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS.
New features for 2017 are limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and there are three new paint colours: Graphite Gray Metallic, Black Cherry Metallic and Pepperdust Metallic.
Base power comes from a 2.4L four-cylinder engine that makes 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque; more compelling is an available 2.0L turbocharged four -- generating 259 hp and 295 lb-ft -- that's optional in the regular Regal and standard in the performance-oriented GS model.
There's a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, but all Regal models share a six-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel consumption, according to Natural Resources Canada test methods, for turbocharged models is 11.5/8.0 L/100 km (city/highway) with FWD, and 12.1/8.9 with AWD. Buick hasn't yet published figures for the 2.4L engine.
Standard features in the base Sport Touring model include fog lights, body-colour front and rear fascia, automatic HID headlights, heated side mirrors, 18-inch wheels, eight-way power driver's seat with two-way lumbar, a six-way front passenger seat with power height adjustment, 4.2-inch colour display, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, compass, cruise control, heated front seats, seven-speaker stereo with satellite radio, backup camera, tilt-and-telescopic steering and leather-trimmed steering wheel. A Leather model adds leather-upholstered seating.
Premium I trim adds intelligent keyless entry with push-button start, rear park assist, 120-volt power outlet, remote engine start, heated steering wheel, garage door opener and an eight-way power front passenger seat with lumbar.
Premium II models get rear seat side airbags, premium stereo, navigation with IntelliLink infotainment and bi-xenon headlights.
Finally, the GS adds Brembo brakes, front park assist, upgraded alternator, Drive Control System, rear lip spoiler, 19-inch wheels and a sport steering wheel.
Options on Premium II and GS models include a Driver Confidence Package of side blind zone, lane change and rear cross traffic alerts, lane departure warning, forward collision alert, following distance indicator and driver's seat memory. A Driver Confidence Package II adds adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking.
Premium I trim can be optioned with a sunroof, navigation with IntelliLink infotainment and chromed wheels.
Pricing for 2017 Regal models hasn't been announced, but the 2016 model's MSRP ranged from $36,295 to $43,695.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed