Baby Buick sedan spotted, and we like what we see
Usually, Germany isn’t the first place that comes to mind when thinking about Buick and the launch of its new model. However, that is exactly where a sighting of Buick’s yet to be named small sedan, known only as “Baby Buick”, took place. The “Baby Buick” is going to be based on the very popular European Market Opel Astra. It will take its place just under the 2011 Regal in the Buick line up when it arrives at Bonita Springs Buick dealership.
From the revealing spy shots, the new Buick promises to be a sharp looking small sedan. It will compete directly with vehicles such as Volkswagen Jetta, Toyota Corolla, and Honda Civic. The vehicle uses the same Delta II platform found on the Chevy Cruze and should retain Buick’s signature waterfall grille. It almost looks like a smaller version of the very successful Lacrosse.
Not much is known about Buick’s new compact sedan. It will probably be offered with a similar engine range to the Chevy Cruze, including a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and quite possibly, the Astra’s more powerful 1.6-liter turbo with 180 horsepower. The interior appears very sporty and identical to that of the recently revealed Opel Astra hatchback.
Although the vehicle in the spy pictures is purposely camouflaged with a colorful checkered paint job, we can still make out the unique and attractive styling. The “Baby Buick” promises to be a great addition to the Buick line up and give competitors a run for their money.
With the Regal and this forthcoming small sedan, GM is clearly making a big push to lower the average buyer age of its Buick division by injecting a bit of sport and perhaps a greater measure of affordability. The small sedan will surely attract younger, as well as older buyers, to Bonita Springs Buick dealership and the used Buick Enclave Naples dealership, when it finally arrives in late 2011 or early 2012. We think that they may have a winner on their hands. With the very popular Regal, Lacrosse, and the new “Baby Buick” sedan, things are looking up young at Buick.