Throughout its decade-long history, the Buick Verano had been considered little more than a clone of the Opel Astra: the first-gen Astra J went on sale as the Excelle in the USA and China, and the second-gen Astra K only on the latter market. Things have changed now: Opel’s latest hatchback will be based on the Peugeot 308 platform, while Buick will sell a brand-new Verano Pro model in China.
Compared to its predecessor shown in the
video, the new Verano is 59 mm shorter and 16 mm narrower at 4,664 and 1,786
mm, respectively. The manufacturer claims that the chassis is new, but the
wheelbase length of 2.7 meters and the suspension remain the same.
Inside, there is a transmission lever and
paddle shifters that remind of the car’s Opel roots, as well as dual 10.25-inch
displays. Unlike the regular Verano, which was limited to three-cylinder
engines, the new Pro version ships with a 1.5-liter turbo-four mill rated at
180 PS in conjunction with a CVT. A 1.3-liter turbo three-pot
with 158 PS will also become available later.
The sported-up GS spec will also go on
sale, now boasting special bumpers, side sill extensions, a rear spoiler, and a
black roof. Other details will follow later. Sales will begin in the second
half of the year.
