2013 Buick Verano Turbo Equipped with Manual and 250 Horses

When’s the last time you wanted to buy a Buick? One that’s not equipped with the optional colostomy bag clip, we mean. By the amount of good-to-excellent cars that Buick has been churning out lately, it might have been more recently than you’d think, thanks to vehicles like the Buick Regal GS, which actually had us pricing one out to see if it fit our family budget.

Now, Buick introduces the latest permutation of its compact five-passenger sedan, the 2013 Verano Turbo. It’s a mistake to call the Verano Turbo just a dressed-up version of the Chevrolet Cruze, with which it does share a platform. The Buick is faster with more sophisticated ride and handling qualities, and far greater quality and comfort.

2013 VERANO GETS 250-HORSEPOWER TURBOCHARGED ENGINE; OFFERS MANUAL TRANSMISSION. IN OTHER NEWS, PIGS FLY, HELL FREEZES OVER

Buick injects extra oomph into the Verano Turbo courtesy of a new turbocharged, 250-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates the majority of its peak 260 pound-feet of torque between 1,700 and 5,500 rpm. The turbocharged engine is matched to a standard six-speed automatic or, as an option, a six-speed manual transmission. With the latter, Buick claims that zero-to-60 acceleration takes 6.2 seconds, shaving nearly 2.5 seconds off a standard Verano’s time.

2013 Buick Verano Turbo in Luxo Blue Metallic

That’s competitive with most V6 models, including those with sporting intentions. But Buick is trying to stay true to its base with the Verano Turbo, so instead of attempting to attract boy-racer types who would shun the tri-shield nameplate in droves, Buick mostly leaves the perfectly competent and compliant suspension intact rather than stiffen it up to tooth-jarring specification. Buick also resisted the urge to slap on more chrome or install an absurd rear wing. The only way to tell that you’re driving the 2013 Buick Verano Turbo is a modest “T” emblem and a subtle spoiler on the trunk lid, unique 18-inch wheels, dual exhaust outlets, and brushed aluminum pedals. A fast car that doesn’t look fast? Now that’s stealthy transportation.

THE 2013 BUICK VERANO TURBO IS LOADED WITH FEATURES

What you will notice is the long list of loot that comes with the Verano Turbo. Standard equipment includes keyless entry with push-button start, leather seats, heated front seats and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Buick’s IntelliLink infotainment system includes a high-resolution color touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming, Pandora and Stitcher Internet radio service, and a USB port. A Bose premium stereo system is standard, as well as OnStar-based RemoteLink mobile smartphone applications. A navigation system and a sunroof are optional, adding extra zoot.

Thus equipped, the 2013 Buick Verano Turbo handily competes with the Acura ILX, Audi A3, Volkswagen GLI, and Volvo S60. Further bolstering the Buick’s value equation is the inclusion of a standard reversing camera, rear park assist sensors, blind spot monitoring system, and rear cross traffic alert system, all features for which other automakers make you pay extra. They should keep you out of trouble, but if they don’t, you can find peace of mind in knowing that the Verano is a “Top Safety Pick” according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and it includes six free months of OnStar Automatic Collision Notification service.

2013 Buick Verano Turbo in Luxo Blue Metallic

SPEEDY MOMMY SAYS…

While the 2013 Buick Verano Turbo isn’t necessarily a sports sedan, its capable suspension will be more than able to handle the swift 250 ponies generated by its thrilling engine. With its noteworthy crash-test scores and a long list of goodies, we’re anticipating some fun on the road. Plus we love stealthy fast cars for, um, spirited off-the-line acceleration when that red light turns green. The look of surprise on the faces reflected in the rearview mirror is priceless.

– Liz Kim