Review: 2014 Buick Regal GS AWD
#16
Lexus Test Driver
I saw this car at the turntable at the Philly Auto Show--it looked really nice, and went to go build it out on Buick's website when I got home. But when I pulled up the specs, I saw that the GS only has a tire inflator kit, and no spare or jack is even offered as an option. That's just a no-go for me (especially with low profile tires)--I've had 4 blowouts, and another bubbled tire, and I'm just not going to buy a car with an inflator kit...
If they add a spare as an option, though, I'm back on board...
If they add a spare as an option, though, I'm back on board...
#17
Lexus Fanatic
Both Road & Track and Car & Driver magazines, though (not suprisingly), have been very pleased with the Regal GS in their long-term, 4-seasons tests. Both magazines have called it the best Buick (to their admittedly sport-oriented tastes) that they have ever driven.....overall, better than even the long-lamented Grand National/GNX of the 1980s. So, for the sport-sedan crowd, the GS does seem to be right on the mark.
Last edited by mmarshall; 02-28-14 at 09:19 PM.
#18
Lexus Fanatic
But when I pulled up the specs, I saw that the GS only has a tire inflator kit, and no spare or jack is even offered as an option. That's just a no-go for me (especially with low profile tires)--I've had 4 blowouts, and another bubbled tire, and I'm just not going to buy a car with an inflator kit...
If they add a spare as an option, though, I'm back on board...
If they add a spare as an option, though, I'm back on board...
Automakers say (at least in public), that they do this for weight/space savings in the trunk, allowing more cargo to be carried and the car to be lighter, but I simply don't buy that line. That may, indeed, be a secondary reason of deleting the traditional spare tire (and, in some cases, its mounting jack/lug wrench). But you can bet the monthly rent that main reason for deleting it was cost-cutting. Smooth-talking from the marketers can't hide that.
Last edited by mmarshall; 02-28-14 at 09:40 PM.
#19
Lexus Test Driver
Yes, I agree that can be annoying, and I don't blame you one bit for your attitude here. I mention, in my auto reviews, when a vehicle does not include a (proper) full-size tire/wheel and, like most vehicles these days, except for some off-roaders, instead uses run-flat tires (which are only good for about 50 miles at low speeds), a temporary/donut spare, or a Fix-a-Flat compressed-air bottle. Bummer. Automakers say (at least in public), that they do this for weight/space savings in the trunk, allowing more cargo to be carried and the car to be lighter, but I simply don't buy that line. That may, indeed, be a secondary reason of deleting the traditional spare tire (and, in some cases, its mounting jack/lug wrench). But you can bet the monthly rent that main reason for deleting it was cost-cutting. Smooth-talking from the marketers can't hide that.
#20
The pursuit of F
Realistically, for me though, I'm almost with you, run flats/lack of a spare tire may not a deal breaker but is a major negative.
#21
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
Review Finds New Opel / Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer an Average Proposition
Know as the Buick Regal in the US
http://www.carscoops.com/2014/10/rev...-insignia.html
If don’t like SUVs or don’t like to be seen driving one, jacked-up estate models are at least as good, since they’re as practical and offer superior handling characteristics.
Sure, SUV fans will say that a raised estate is not as good off-road, but how many SUV drivers do take their vehicles on rough terrain? Having sorted this dilemma, the market offers a lot of choices for European customers, and the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer is one of the newest.
CarBuyer drove a UK-spec model and came to mostly positive conclusions: it’s spacious and practical, comfortable to drive and well-equipped. However, its boot is smaller than what competitors like the VW Passat Alltrack and Skoda Superb Outdoor have to offer.
Furthermore, Mat Watson recommends buyers to get the 4x4 system only if they need it, because it affects fuel economy. Scroll down to see what else he had to say about the Insignia Country Tourer.
Sure, SUV fans will say that a raised estate is not as good off-road, but how many SUV drivers do take their vehicles on rough terrain? Having sorted this dilemma, the market offers a lot of choices for European customers, and the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer is one of the newest.
CarBuyer drove a UK-spec model and came to mostly positive conclusions: it’s spacious and practical, comfortable to drive and well-equipped. However, its boot is smaller than what competitors like the VW Passat Alltrack and Skoda Superb Outdoor have to offer.
Furthermore, Mat Watson recommends buyers to get the 4x4 system only if they need it, because it affects fuel economy. Scroll down to see what else he had to say about the Insignia Country Tourer.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Aablue
GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020)
8
02-21-19 05:46 AM