Auto Review: 2014 Buick Verano

There is a great deal of thought that goes into naming a new vehicle. Market research, history, tradition and many other factors all play into choosing a vehicle's moniker. Buick's Verano brings to mind (to me, at least) Verona Italy, with it's architectural and natural beauty. The word "Verano" itself means "summer" in Spanish. It's an appropriate description that fits Buick's entry-level model well.

First impressions upon seeing the Verano for the first time, I was struck by the styling. Its flowing lines and higher-than-expected level of fit and finish equip Verano to do battle against not only several other entry level domestic sedans, but against more upscale foreign competitors, such as the Acura ILX and even Mercedes Benz CLA Class.

Verano is offered in several different trim levels, starting with Verano Base, then proceeding through Convenience Group, Leather Group and finally, Premium model, each offering even more luxuries and accessories than the last. However, even the base Verano is very nicely equipped, featuring such items as 18 inch alloy wheels, electric-assist power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel, cruise control, rear-vision camera with parking sensors and a 7 inch, touchscreen InteliLink system with voice control, Bluetooth integration for smartphones, CD player, satellite radio, USB iPod interface and 6 speaker sound. Verano offers more safety and tech features and is quicker than Acura ILX, beats Mercedes CLA class in rear seat room and costs thousands less than either of those models. Convenience Group Verano adds heated seats and side mirrors, 6-way power driver seat (with manual recline) and blind spot, forward collision, lane-departure and rear cross-traffic warning sensors. This - combined with the 5-star collision ratings and 10 airbags - serve to make Verano among the safest vehicles on the road.

Leather Group Verano adds leather seats, keyless ignition and entry, heated steering wheel and Bose stereo. Topping out the Verano line is the Premium or Turbo model, with its distinguishing feature being the substitution of a turbocharged 2.0 liter four cylinder engine for the standard 2.4 liter powerplant. Offering 70 more horsepower than the 2.4 liter (at 250 hp and 260 lb/ft torque), the Verano Turbo sprints from 0-60 in 6.2 seconds and offers a very spirited driving experience.

Slipping behind the wheel of the Verano, one notices the overall feeling of quality. The steering wheel feels soft and smooth to the touch and even the top of the dash suggests a higher-than-usual level of attention to detail than you might expect in a car in this market segment. The ice-blue ambient interior lighting is a very nice touch and mirrors the blue-ring signature projector headlamps that flank the trademark Buick "waterfall" grill.

Give the key a twist and the 7-inch color touchscreen comes to life with the Buick InteliLink splash screen while the motor settles into a muted hum, barely audible through Buick's QuietTuning efforts to reduce outside noise and provide the driver with the quietest, most comfortable driving experience possible. The standard, 6-speed automatic transmission (a 6-speed manual transmission is available on the Turbo model) shifts smoothly between gears, working with the engine to offer the best blend of power and economy.

The chassis offers a smooth, comfortable ride, with precise input from the electric steering instilling the driver with confidence as the 18 inch wheels and tires grip the road through turns. Traction and stability control, along with ABS, and competent handling characteristics combine to assure that each trip with Verano will be safe and enjoyable.

In conclusion, Buick Verano offers a winning combination of competent handling and fuel economy, class-leading safety features and an easy-to-use InteliLink system that competes well with higher-priced sedans from Mercedes and Acura. Buick Verano is well worth a look for anyone considering a compact, luxury sedan at an affordable price.

Dan Petreikis is a professional Sales Consultant at Harbor Buick/GMC in Portage, IN. He is an independent writer and reviewer for HubPages, maintains several blogs and has written articles for Yahoo! Voices among other sites. He currently lives in Chicago, but can often be found lurking the aisles at Harbor Buick, assisting customers.