GM Inside News was able to sample the 2011 Buick Regal Turbo, this one equipped with the available six-speed manual transmission.  (Yes, Columbia, you read that correctly–a Buick with a manual transmission.)  Their test car was a fully-loaded TO7 model, featuring a navigation system, Harman/Kardon premium sound, adaptive suspension with interactive drive control, sunroof, heated leather seats, and dual-zone climate control.

Having sampled the car before with the standard 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated engine and the 2.0-liter turbo with the standard six-speed automatic transmission, the reviewers were well-aware of the excellent underpinnings of the Regal.  The driving dynamics of its Epsilon II platform are improved further by the optional interactive drive control system, which allows the driver to select between normal, Tour, and Sport modes; the reviewer found a noticeable difference while accelerating down a fairly sharp on-ramp turn.

Another significant advantage to manual-equipped Regal Turbos is the increase in fuel economy, always on the mind of Columbia drivers as gas prices continue to climb higher and higher.  The US Environmental Protection Agency officially rates the Regal Turbo with the manual transmission at 20 city miles per gallon and 32 highway miles per gallon, up from both the automatic version’s 18/28 estimates and the standard 2.4L engine’s 19/30. GMI was “perplexed by how easy it was to get good fuel economy out of the 2.0-liter, even when driving more on the “enthusiastic” side,” with a peak run of 35.1 MPG on a highway trip.

Overall, the testers found the manual transmission to be good, with the shifter’s throws a little long for high-performance driving but livable in both city and highway driving.  They also praised the clutch’s linear feel and weight balance, along with the pedal placement that would allow a driver to use heel-and-toe shifting methods if they desired.  The Regal Turbo, like all Regal models, comes with an electronic parking brake rather than a conventional handbrake; they encountered no problems using the system even on hill-hold starts.

Buick Regal Turbo Available Now in Columbia SC

Jim Hudson Buick is the #1 Buick dealer in South Carolina and carries a great selection of Buick Regal Turbo models at their dealership located at 7201 Garners Ferry Road in Columbia.  Voted Best New Car Dealership ten years in a row and counting by readers of The State, Jim Hudson is committed to complete customer satisfaction and is one of the most trusted names in South Carolina.  In addition to sales, Jim Hudson features Buick Certified Service technicians skilled in everything from tires and oil changes using high-quality Dexos 1 oil to mechanical repairs. For more information on the Buick Regal Turbo, visit their Buick Regal Columbia SC website or call (888) 377-4971.