2012 Buick Verano: Competing Against Audi And Lexus?

Since GM emerged from bankruptcy, the Buick brand has been on a roll - introducing must-have products. In fact, Buick is one of the fastest growing brands in America. Later on this fall, Buick will add another vehicle to the line up, a luxury compact sedan, the Verano, to go head-to-head with such imports as the Lexus IS and Audi A3.

For now, the Verano will be outfitted with a fuel-efficient 2.4-liter engine, producing 177-horsepower. A 2.0-liter turbo engine will be available in the future. Some of the available luxury features on this vehicle include a push-button starter engine, premium leather seats, a heated seating steering wheel, heated front seats and a next-generation radio with turn-by-turn directions (along with an App to lock and unlock doors). Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but expect this vehicle to be priced below the Regal, which starts at $26,000.. before destination fees are added. It should be interesting to see if Lexus and Audi buyers gravitate toward this vehicle as they have with the LaCrosse and Enclave.