Five elements infused in Verano that define its character:

• Sculpted design: Refined styling with a sporty profile, blending Buick's signature cues including a black chrome waterfall grille, blue translucent projector beam headlamps, portholes and chrome accents
• Luxurious interior: Premium seat comfort and support redefined for a compact sedan and matched with upscale, soft-touch materials and premium leather: all complemented by leading-edge infotainment and ambient lighting
• Quiet tuning: The quietest compact sedan on the road: quieter than many midsize and full-size cars: Verano's quietness is supported by acoustical laminated glass, triple door seals, refined chassis dynamics and specially manufactured 17-inch standard forged alloy multi-spoke wheels, which minimize road noise
• Refined and responsive performance: Powerful and efficient Ecotec 2.4L/six-speed automatic powertrain matched with a refined, responsive suspension system, including a sophisticated Watts Z-link rear suspension and four-wheel disc brakes with standard anti-lock brakes, full-function traction control and StabiliTrak electronic stability control
• Purposeful technology: Convenience and safety features that enhance the driving experience and are rare for the segment, including 10 standard air bags, a nextgeneration radio, touch screen navigation and advanced connectivity technologies powered by OnStar.

The standard engine is GM's direct-injected 2.4-liter Ecotec 4-cylinder, which sends 177 bhp and 160 ft-lb of torque to the front wheels via a standard 6-speed automatic transmission. Buick says the Verano will hit 60 mph in 8.0 seconds, and get an estimated 31 mpg on the highway. Acceleration, but likely not the mileage, will get better when a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine becomes available at a later date.

With its black chrome waterfall grille, portholes and chrome accents, the 2012 Verano has the looks of a proper Buick, but the blue-tinted projector lamps and profile make it sportier than expected. The same will likely hold true for the suspension, where Buick's traditional ride quality will be kept, although not at the cost of a floaty ride. Front MacPherson struts are complemented by torsion beam rear with a Watts link, a design that doesn't cut into trunk volume but keeps the rear axle better centered while cornering. What does this mean? The rear wheels now do a much better job of precisely following the fronts, for a much more controlled feel. With a 15.5:1 ratio, the electric-assist steering will have a sporty feel, and large disc brakes at all four corners will handle stopping chores, aided by ABS and StabiliTrak stability control.