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The Regal nameplate has seen many changes over the years. The ‘70s models were boat-like, yet simply gorgeous. Buick then nailed it in the ‘80s with the likes of the Grand National, T-Type and GNX. However, by the late ‘80s/early ‘90s things started to go a little astray as the 3rd gen hailed in the FWD Regal and the absence of a true performance model.
Yes, this was the beginning of Buick's confused years, and although the 4th gen in the late ‘90s saw the return of the sporty Regal with the 3.8L supercharged V6 (0-100kph in 6.7 seconds), its jelly bean shape did little to promote excitement for the brand.
Zip forward to 2009 and the company started to turn its image around. The 5th generation Regal, based on the Opel Insignia, showcased its European heritage and began to attract customers which Buick hadn't seen for a while -- those younger than 65!
Since then, the average age of Buick buyers has been falling steadily and this is certain to continue with the launch of its 2014 models.
The 2014 Buick Regal
Its redesigned front and rear, with bold signature wing-shaped LED daytime running lamps and LED tail lamps give Regal a more contemporary look and help elevate its status within the midsize luxury market. This appears to be the overall ambition of Buick today, as the Regal simply gets better and better with each and every inspection.
Climb aboard
The interior of the 2014 Buick Regal has also been given a revamp. It's redesigned central instrument panel and console, although not radical, follows the lines of the exterior by making the vehicle appear more upmarket.
Cleaner and more “now,” the redesigned centre stack radio controls carries only seven buttons vs. the previous 17, and the large 8” colour touchscreen is designed for easy operation.
Buick's next-generation IntelliLink infotainment system is available on the 2014 Regal. This offers more features designed for intuitive, easy-to-use functionality with a higher level of wireless connectivity and customized options. Easily identifiable icons cover everything from navigation to phone to music apps such as Pandora. It also features natural language voice recognition which allows customers to place calls, enter destinations, browse media, play music, and control other functions simply by telling the vehicle what to do.
The instrument cluster is also new with a high-resolution 4.2” colour display that delivers vehicle information, navigation, audio system functions, phone features, etc.
Four interior color/trim combinations are available for the 2014 Buick Regal including a new, high-fashion, two-tone leather combination:
The new 2.0L turbo engine delivers 18% more horsepower in the 2014 Buick Regal Turbo (259 hp), and a 2.4L (182 hp) engine with eAssist (light electrification technology) is also available.
All-wheel-drive is also an option, and on the Buick Regal GS, it enhances the cornering capability when driven in the GS mode of the Interactive Drive Control System.
Six-speed automatic transmissions are matched with both engines and a 6-speed manual is available in the 2014 Buick Regal GS. Electric power steering is now featured on all models.
Drive safe
Safety has always featured highly in the Regal, but 2014 takes this to another level with impressive optional Driver Confidence packages.
Package 1 includes:
Package 2 adds:
Summary
The world of Buick is certainly changing and the Regal is playing a major role in this. A decade back, we wouldn't have looked twice at a Buick Regal and, yet now, it demands attention and then some!
Yes, this was the beginning of Buick's confused years, and although the 4th gen in the late ‘90s saw the return of the sporty Regal with the 3.8L supercharged V6 (0-100kph in 6.7 seconds), its jelly bean shape did little to promote excitement for the brand.
Zip forward to 2009 and the company started to turn its image around. The 5th generation Regal, based on the Opel Insignia, showcased its European heritage and began to attract customers which Buick hadn't seen for a while -- those younger than 65!
Since then, the average age of Buick buyers has been falling steadily and this is certain to continue with the launch of its 2014 models.
 |
The 2014 Buick Regal
Its redesigned front and rear, with bold signature wing-shaped LED daytime running lamps and LED tail lamps give Regal a more contemporary look and help elevate its status within the midsize luxury market. This appears to be the overall ambition of Buick today, as the Regal simply gets better and better with each and every inspection.
Climb aboard
The interior of the 2014 Buick Regal has also been given a revamp. It's redesigned central instrument panel and console, although not radical, follows the lines of the exterior by making the vehicle appear more upmarket.
Cleaner and more “now,” the redesigned centre stack radio controls carries only seven buttons vs. the previous 17, and the large 8” colour touchscreen is designed for easy operation.
Buick's next-generation IntelliLink infotainment system is available on the 2014 Regal. This offers more features designed for intuitive, easy-to-use functionality with a higher level of wireless connectivity and customized options. Easily identifiable icons cover everything from navigation to phone to music apps such as Pandora. It also features natural language voice recognition which allows customers to place calls, enter destinations, browse media, play music, and control other functions simply by telling the vehicle what to do.
The instrument cluster is also new with a high-resolution 4.2” colour display that delivers vehicle information, navigation, audio system functions, phone features, etc.
Four interior color/trim combinations are available for the 2014 Buick Regal including a new, high-fashion, two-tone leather combination:
- Light Neutral seating with Cocoa accents is offered with cloth or Soleil Keisel leather seats and Rhythm wood décor;
- Ebony, offered with cloth or Soleil Keisel leather seats and Echelon Warm décor;
- Saddle seating with cocoa accents, offered with two-tone Soleil Keisel leather seats and Rhythm wood décor;
- Ebony (exclusive to the GS) is offered with Soleil Keisel leather seats with contrast stitching and Diamond Black décor including a black headliner.
The new 2.0L turbo engine delivers 18% more horsepower in the 2014 Buick Regal Turbo (259 hp), and a 2.4L (182 hp) engine with eAssist (light electrification technology) is also available.
All-wheel-drive is also an option, and on the Buick Regal GS, it enhances the cornering capability when driven in the GS mode of the Interactive Drive Control System.
Six-speed automatic transmissions are matched with both engines and a 6-speed manual is available in the 2014 Buick Regal GS. Electric power steering is now featured on all models.
Drive safe
Safety has always featured highly in the Regal, but 2014 takes this to another level with impressive optional Driver Confidence packages.
Package 1 includes:
- Camera-based Forward Collisions Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Change Alert
- Side Blind Zone Alert
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Following Distance Indicator
Package 2 adds:
- Collision Preparation (with Collision Mitigation Braking)
- Full-speed-range Adaptive Cruise Control that conveniently works in stop-and-go traffic.
Summary
The world of Buick is certainly changing and the Regal is playing a major role in this. A decade back, we wouldn't have looked twice at a Buick Regal and, yet now, it demands attention and then some!
 |
| Photo: Kevin Corrigan |