Here's Something We'll Never See As A Buick Verano

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

North Americans already get a “hot” version of the Vauxhall/Opel Astra it just happens to come with a Buick badge. Perhaps the Gods of the Ren Cen will smile on us and bring us a Verano GS using the Astra VXR’s 2.0L Ecotec engine. Because we sure won’t be getting the oil-burner.

The diesel Astra VXR also uses a 2.0L 4-cylinder. The diesel makes 195-horsepower – not far off from something like a Civic Si – but also brings 295 lb-ft to the party. On the European cycle, the VXR diesel returns about 44 mpg, which seems like a far trade off for the slower acceleration times. 60 mph comes up in 7.8 seconds, but the VXR diesel is good for 139 mph. As far as we know, there isn’t another compact out there that can return over 40 mpg, accelerate that fast and avoid looking like a rental car.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Geozinger Geozinger on Jun 19, 2012

    As the kids say: Want! What would be so awful about Buick selling the (upper end of the) Astra line here in North America? Equipped and priced above the Cruze so they don't step on each other's toes? It's not like there isn't a historical connection, already. If were not going to get a Cruze Coupe or SS model and Pontiac is mothballed permanently, why not?

  • Wmba Wmba on Jun 19, 2012

    Gee, who would have guessed that the Cruze would morph into this? That Delta II platform is being squeezed for the Cruze, Astra, and Verano, plus whatever GM sells as equivalent models in China. So is it really a Daewoo or a completely re-engineered Daewoo masquerading as an Opel? Trouble is, it's a very heavy car for its size, especially when you see that a Verano is as heavy as GM suggests the new Cadillac ATS will be at 3300 to 3400 lbs, and the Caddy is rear wheel drive, negating the weight saving of a FWD set up.

    • Outback_ute Outback_ute on Jun 19, 2012

      I gather the Astra is the Delta II with independent rear suspension instead of a twist beam

  • El scotto El scotto on Jun 19, 2012

    GM should give this a shot. They would have few competitors and lots of diesel fans giving it a look and hopefully buying. Yes, it's a coupe. Unless you have wee bairns or elderly people to haul around; is it that hard to move a seat forward?

    • Carfriend313 Carfriend313 on Jun 20, 2012

      There is a five-door version too. I'm not sure if it will be offered with this engine, but it definitely features the single turbo version.

  • Beerboy12 Beerboy12 on Jun 19, 2012

    Never say never... someone needs to compete with VW. Competition is a good thing.

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