The new 2014 Buick Regal midsize sedan is sportier and smarter than the previous model and it has a long list of new technologies — including a more refined turbo engine — that enhance passenger safety and the overall driving experience.
Safety is a big factor in the new Regal and there are new radar- and camera-based safety features to protect and safeguard vehicle occupants. Those include Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Collision Mitigation Braking.
In-vehicle connectivity has been enhanced with the next-generation IntelliLink, which has simpler, more intuitive controls and natural speech recognition. Adaptive Cruise Control also is offered; it senses traffic ahead and adjusts vehicle speed, including stopping the car in heavy traffic and then re-accelerating to the correct speed.
Regal has new front and rear styling, with available wing-shape LED daytime running lights and standard LED taillights, designed to give the car a more contemporary and upscale look. The interior has a redesigned central instrument panel and console. Four trim levels are offered — Regal (1SL), Premium I (1SN), Premium II (1SP) and GS (1SX).
Under the hood, a new 2.0-liter turbo fourcylinder engine is standard. It delivers 18 percent more horsepower and contributes to better fuel efficiency, with city mileage increasing 17 percent to an EPA-estimated 21 mpg (FWD and automatic transmission). Estimated highway mileage for FWD automatic models also increases to 30 mpg. With Regal GS automatic models, the EPA mileage estimates increase more than 10 percent in the city, to 21 mpg, and about 11 percent on the highway, to 30 mpg (FWD models). With Regal GS and the six-speed manual, the highway mileage estimate increases 15 percent, to 31 mpg.
Regal’s available Haldex all-wheel-drive system helps make the most of traction in all driving conditions and enhances the cornering capability of the Regal GS when driven in the GS mode of the Interactive Drive Control System. A new H-arm rear suspension design is standard on all Regal AWD models. FWD models have a four-link rear suspension.
A 2.4-liter engine with eAssist light electric technology is also available on the 2014 Regal (FWD only), delivering 25/36 mpg EPA estimates. Six-speed automatic transmissions are matched with both engines and a six-speed manual is available in the GS model. Electric power steering is offered on all models.
Buick IntelliLink is standard on all Regal audio systems, and uses Bluetooth wireless connectivity or USB to connect a smart phone to an eight-inch, high-resolution, fullcolor touch screen display radio.
Additional standard features include:
• Cruise control,
• Power windows,
• Dual-zone automatic climate control and
• Twelve-way power driver’s seat.
The MSRP on the 2014 Buick Regal is $29,690.
Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email correspondence to LetsTalkCars@aol.com.
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