The Buick Verano died a quiet death in the United
States, but the model has continued to be sold in China. That isn’t too unusual, but it’s
interesting now as spy photographers have caught a facelifted model undergoing
testing in Michigan.
Wrapped in triangle-shaped camouflage, the updated Verano has a new
front fascia which channels air into sportier intakes. The model has also been
equipped with a modestly revised grille that now has horizontal styling
elements. The grille is flanked by temporary headlights and this suggests the
production model will have new lighting units.
While it’s interesting that Buick is testing the
Verano in the United States, General Motors is a global company and the
automaker regularly tests foreign cars in America. During its ownership of Opel
and Vauxhall, it wasn’t too surprising to see their vehicles cruising around Metro
Detroit.
As a result, the prototype is likely being tested
for the Chinese market. However, there’s an incredibly slim chance the Verano
could return to the United States. Buick’s car lineup is about to be
a third of its former self as the company has already announced plans to drop
the Cascada and LaCrosse in America. This will leave the Regal as the brand’s
only car.
Besides plugging a hole in Buick’s lineup, the
return of the Verano would give GM a presence in the compact sedan segment.
With the death of the Chevrolet Cruze, the company no longer competes in the
segment and customers will soon be steered towards either the Sonic or Malibu when
Cruze inventories run out. It would certainly be interesting to see the Verano make a comeback,
but we’re not getting our hopes up.
