Photo: Buick
The rebadged Opel Insignia that is now the Buick Regal has just gotten a little bit more expensive and economical at the same time. The 2013 model-year car is now offered with what Buick calls ‘eAssist’, as standard - it is just a Start/Stop system, with a fancy name.(
However, for those looking to get a Regal for its original $27,055 price tag, they may have to settle for a more highly-specced Verano (which starts at $22,585), as the Regal now costs from $29,015, and it can easily cross the $30,000 mark if you spec it up. So is the addition of eAssist worth it? Well, Buick claims that it improves fuel efficiency from the regular car’s 19 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, to 25 city / 36 highway. Furthermore, since this is not a ‘real hybrid’, the weight is kept down, as the small lithium-ion battery only powers the alternator, and not the whole car.
According to eAssist global chief engineer, Stephen Poulos, "With eAssist, Buick is redefining what a 'conventional powertrain' means to customers [. . .] It changes the fuel economy – but not the experience – for the 97 percent of new car buyers who aren't buying hybrids [. . .] It takes advantage of the best parts of a hybrid, and eAssist is now standard equipment for Regal [. . .] These new functions happen seamlessly, a requirement for Buick drivers who demand a refined driving experience. They'll really only notice a difference at the pump."
According to eAssist global chief engineer, Stephen Poulos, "With eAssist, Buick is redefining what a 'conventional powertrain' means to customers [. . .] It changes the fuel economy – but not the experience – for the 97 percent of new car buyers who aren't buying hybrids [. . .] It takes advantage of the best parts of a hybrid, and eAssist is now standard equipment for Regal [. . .] These new functions happen seamlessly, a requirement for Buick drivers who demand a refined driving experience. They'll really only notice a difference at the pump."
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