Buick announced pricing today on its reshuffled 2014 Regal lineup, and enthusiasts have reason to be excited: the more powerful 2.0 Turbo is the least expensive, priced from $30,615. There’s also a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter mild hybrid (previously the base powertrain, which carries over) starting at $32,485, and the upmarket GS has a base price of $37,830.
In addition to pricing updates, there are powertrain changes afoot: For 2014, the 2.0 Turbo and GS will share an engine. Instead of last year’s 220-hp and 270-hp versions, they’re both powered by an all-new 2.0-liter turbo four with 259 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Turbo 2.0 gains 39 horsepower and the GS loses eleven; while we hate losing horsepower, base Turbo buyers will be thrilled, since it ends up costing $915 less than the 2013 Turbo.
Buick reports improved fuel economy as well. The 2.0 Turbo gains 17 percent in city driving and the GS picks up 11 percent on the highway, with EPA ratings of 21 city/30 highway for both models. In addition, Haldex all-wheel drive is available on both, and the front-wheel-drive GS offers a six-speed stick—the only manual in the Regal lineup—and its highway rating increases by 15 percent, to 31 mpg. The 182-hp 2.4-liter eAssist is unchanged and EPA rated at 36 mpg highway.
- Instrumented Test: 2012 Buick Regal GS Automatic
- Instrumented Test: 2012 Buick Regal eAssist
- Official Photos: 2014 Buick Regal/Regal GS
Buick seems to be honing in on the sweet spot for the Regal, pricing it just below the luxury brands, slotting in beneath the Lincoln MKZ with the 2.0T EcoBoost ($36,820) and Lexus ES350 ($37,280), and apparently taking aim at the Audi A4 ($34,695).
It’s also an interesting move fitting the 259-hp engine in the base Turbo: it will likely reduce demand for the upmarket GS, but a 2.0 Turbo for 30 grand with available all-wheel drive might be just the ticket.
Source: CarAndDriver
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