Looking at the 2011 Buick Regal

Coming back for the year 2011 are the General Motor’s lineup’s Regal nameplate and its midsize sedan. It’s going to be part of the 2011 Buick Regal lineup again.

You’ll notice that the designs in the 2011 version will have some similarities with the European-market Opel Insignia.

Regal models come only in one trim level, which is the CXL. But there will be additional versions to come in the model year of 2012. They are powered by 182 hp 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engines. There are also 220 hp turbocharged 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engines available, but those versions equipped with these are priced differently.

Both engines, however, share the 6-speed automatic transmission as a standard, with turbocharged models of the 6-speed manual transmissions coming at the later part of the year.

There are also a couple of safety features available. The ABS, also known as the antilock brake system, is intended to prevent the wheels of the vehicle from getting locked when the driver hits the brakes, allowing the wheel to continue to revolve. Traction control makes sure the vehicle does not lose grip when you accelerate, turn, or brake, generally preventing your car from skidding. Should skidding occur, the anti-skid system will apply independent brakes on the wheels to keep the car from straying from its course. Lastly, airbags are everywhere – at the curtain-side, front-side, and rear-side – ready to protect the passengers from hitting the inside of the car, should something unexpected occur.

These models also have, as standard features, 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seats, and, of course, leather upholstery. For models that come with turbocharged engines, an “Interactive Drive Control System”, which automatically adjusts suspension based on the driving conditions, is available.

There is also a navigation system for your directional and location needs. It comes with an optional hard drive for storing your music files.

Based on test drive results, experts rate the Regal with a total rating of 65 for the CXL and 60.8 for the midsize model.

For the CXL, its best rated aspects include fuel economy, manoeuvrability, and comfort levels for the passengers for both the front and the rear areas, and its total value within its respective class. All these aspects were each rated a 7. This makes the CXL models for the Regal ideal for those who are looking for a smooth and comfortable ride that’s easy on the fuel costs in the long run.

The midsize model finds its highest ratings at 6’s with respect to controls (6.4), front seat comfort (6.5), and its total value within its respective class (6.5).

The details and specs mentioned above are also based on evaluations and reports on the 2011 Buick Regal line-up.