2011 NAIAS: Buick Verano

General Motors brought its new 2012 Buick Verano to the Detroit Auto Show this year. The car, which is off of the Delta II platform that is also found in the Chevrolet Cruze. Despite being based on the Cruze, a high-end feel is achieved by using different materials throughout the interior.

GM calls it a compact sedan, but at 181 inches long, it is 9 inches shorter than its big brother, the Regal, but only 2 inches narrower.

Like the Regal, the Verano is only available with front-wheel drive and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection, delivering 177 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. GM hopes tho achieve a premium driving experience for its compact by using a bigger engine than the Cruze, which only packs a 1.8-liter or a 1.4-liter turbocharged unit. According to Buick, the Verano will achieve 22 miles per gallon in the city and 31 mpg on American highways.

The exterior styling is unmistakable, with the front fascia also looking a bit more like the larger LaCrosse sedan. One of the most interesting features are the tail-lamps, which look almost angry thanks to their downward slope.

The interior is understandably less roomy than the Regal’s, but overall fit and finish appear to be up to standard. The Verano will be available with features like push button start, dual-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel and heated leather seats. Verano's heated steering wheel and heated seats are linked with the remote start feature. In temperatures lower than 45 F (7 C), the steering wheel heater and seat heaters automatically activate.