REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Royal Treatment

The Buick Regal is built on the same W platform as the Century. That means it shares that vehicle ’ s aerodynamic coefficient of drag (0,31), weight distribution, turning circle, dashboard, and so on. So what ’ s the difference? Well for starters, it runs on a supercharged 240-horsepower 3,8-litre V6, the only engine available with the GS model (the LS is powered by the normally-aspirated version of the same engine). It ’ s also got rear disc brakes, magnetic power steering and a suspension that places roadholding over passenger comfort. As a result, the Regal is much more inspired than the Century.Whether the credit goes to the wood appliquй around the transmission box or to the stylish leatherwork, the interior is very attractive at first glance. You ’ ll notice a well-lit, spacious cabin (there ’ s practically more headroom than a schoolbus!), and inviting, comfortable seats. Two people can fit easily into the back, but the third will have to struggle with the central armrest (designed to allow long items to fit into the trunk), which is as stiff as a block of concrete. As for the trunk, it is relatively spacious, and can be made more so by folding up part or all of the back seat.Buick markets the Regal to clients who place performance as the top criteria for buying a car. And as the kilometres whiz past, it ’ s clear that they haven ’ t missed their mark. The 240-horsepower engine has power to spare, which makes for a peppy acceleration to passing speeds. To avoid the weakness felt on board the Century, the Regal is equipped with a recalibrated suspension and high-performance, but noisier tires. But after all, this is a Buick. The Regal may be faster, but it ’ s just not as sporty as the Grand Prix. It is, however, much more comfortable for daily use. One last note: the antilock system has been modified this year, but the brakes are still difficult to manoeuvre.

PROS
Good acceleration
Spacious interior
Ample trunk space

CONS
Brakes difficult to manipulate
High fuel consumption (compressed engine)
Noisy tires

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: * * *
Passenger: * * *