Overview

What's New for 2012:
- New sporty GS trim
- eAssist hybrid technology added to engine
- Upgraded electronics interface

Exterior Features
The Buick Regal is a sporty, midsize front-wheel-drive sedan that offers luxury features at a popular price. The Regal is available in four variations: base, Turbo, eAssist, and the more powerful, fully featured GS trim. The base Regal features 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights, fog lights, keyless entry, and heated mirrors. The Turbo and eAssist trims add keyless ignition. The GS trim adds Xenon headlights, 19-inch wheels, sport suspension, Brembo brakes, adaptive suspension dampers, and various styling accents.

Interior Features
Standard interior features on the Buick Regal include leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, power accessories that include an 8-way power driver's seat, Bluetooth connectivity, OnStar, and a 7-speaker sound system. The Turbo and eAssist include rear parking sensors and a power-adjustable passenger seat. The GS includes upgraded interior styling, Harman Kardon sound system, and front sport seats.

Optional Features
Many of the standard premium features on upper trims are available as packages for the base trim. The GS offers 20-inch wheels with summer performance tires, while all trims offer a sunroof and navigation system.

Under the Hood
The 2012 Buick Regal's standard power plant is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 182 horsepower. The Regal with eAssist hybrid technology adds an electric motor and lithium-ion battery system that improves fuel efficiency by approximately 25%, Buick says. Both of these trims are fitted with a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shifters. The Regal Turbo trim features a turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 220 horsepower, with an optional 6-speed manual transmission. The turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is standard on the GS, but additionally charged to deliver 270 horsepower. A manual transmission is standard on the GS, with an automatic transmission optional.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2012 Buick Regal are:
- Regal with 2.4-liter engine: 19/31/23 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- Regal with 2.4-liter engine with eAssist: 25/36/29 mpg
- Regal Turbo trim with automatic transmission: 18/29/22 mpg
- Regal Turbo trim with manual transmission: 20/32/24 mpg
- Regal GS with manual transmission: 19/27/22 mpg

Safety
Safety features of note on the 2012 Buick Regal include anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, front-seat side air bags, and side curtain air bags. Rear-seat side air bags are optional.

To date, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not conducted tests on the 2012 Buick Regal. In safety tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Regal received a "Good" rating--the Institute's highest--for all crash protection tests.