My major complaint with the Verano on the road is outward visibility. The A-pillars are massive, and even though they’ve popped a little window in there to open things up, these A-pillars completely hide vehicles (or pedestrians) when you’re scanning traffic at intersections. You end up sitting back in your seat or peering around them to get a good view.
Likewise, rear outward visibility is also compromised by the small rear window. It seems to take up about half of the available rearview mirror real estate when you’re checking traffic behind you.
  2013 Buick Verano Turbo. Click image to enlarge |
Fortunately, our Verano Turbo was equipped with the Side Blind Zone Alert system, which is a useful aid, Cross Traffic Alert and rear vision camera (without graphic guidance, however).
On the other hand, the windshield wipers sweep… I don’t know, 90 percent of the windshield? More? They are big blades positioned to clear almost the entire windshield, and do an excellent and notable job.
I drove the Verano around town and on the highway and found it a hard car to drive efficiently. The Energuide ratings are 10.2/6.3 L/100 km city/highway, 8.4 L/100 km combined, and as is typical with these inflated ratings, you should not expect to match them. I experienced about 11 L/100 km combined, with premium fuel recommended but not required, according to Buick.
I found the Buick Verano Turbo a very pleasant car to drive day to day. I liked the 6MT, but if you’re a commuter regularly facing stop-and-go traffic, the no-extra-charge six-speed automatic may be a better choice.
Buick mentions the Infiniti G37 and Lexus IS 250 as vehicles with which to compare features, along with the Acura ILX. Well, the former two vehicles are replaced this year, although the ILX is definitely in the same price range and I think a less compelling choice.
Actually, the Verano Turbo is something of an outlier when it comes to direct competition. You might be able to snag a very base BMW 3 Series for the same money, but it won’t have the Verano’s equipment or performance. How about a Volkswagen Jetta GLI, similarly spec’d to the Verano for $34,635 including destination? Maybe that. Then again, how about the new Cadillac ATS. Starts at $35,195, and better branding, you might argue.
 2013 Buick Verano Turbo. Click image to enlarge |
The problem, I continue to think, is that the Buick brand really has no resonance with entry-level luxury buyers, and even though I suggested Cadillac as an alternative, that brand is, ironically, also still hobbling in the luxury sector.
Nonetheless, the Buick Verano in naturally aspirated or Turbo form is an interesting car; well-built, looks decent, rides and drives well and maybe, will find favour with people looking for a dark-horse, quality alternative.
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Pricing: 2013 Buick Verano Turbo
Base (Turbo): $28,695
Options: 1ST Preferred Equipment Group – $2,205; 18-inch split-spoke wheels – $525; White diamond paint – $995; GPS Navigation – $795; Sunroof – $1,100; Spoiler package – $470
Destination: $1,500
A/C tax: $100
Price as tested: $36,385
Competitors:
Acura ILX
Audi A3
BMW 1 Series/X1
Mercedes-Benz B-Class/CLA-Class
Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Crash Test Results:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
