Buick Pulls Double Duty on 10 Most Comfortable Cars Under $30,000 List

OXFORD, MAINE (05/17/2012)(readMedia)-- Buick has been trying to perform a bit of a balancing act lately, steadily tweaking its lineup at Buick dealerships to appeal to a broader range of buyers while maintaining the brand's reputation for refinement. The automaker's latest accolades hint that it is pulling off that double duty quite well, with the 2012 Buick Verano and Buick Regal both earning a spot on the 10 Most Comfortable Cars Under $30,000 list from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.

As the name of kbb.com's list suggests, both the Buick Verano and Regal impressed the auto researcher with their interior accoutrements and inviting price tags, but the sedans didn't stop there. A new compact added to the Buick lineup last year, the Verano won over editors by coming out of the gate with a quiet ride that is hard to come by in its segment. In addition to its similarly calm interior, the midsize Buick Regal was recognized for bringing a sportier feel to the premium badge, offering drivers both comfort and performance.

"Both the Verano and the Regal have the serene interiors that Buick is known for, but each car brings something new to the brand," said Rick Smith, general manager of Oxford, Maine Buick dealership Goodwin Buick. "The Verano appeals to practical compact buyers and proves you don't need a bigger car to get a quiet, refined ride, and the Regal is probably the highest-performing Buick yet, giving thrill seekers a more comfortable option."

The 2012 Buick Verano maintains its quiet cabin with a long list of noise-reducing features, including triple door seals and fabric sound baffles throughout the body, as well as thicker laminated windshield and window glass. Even with that near-silent interior, Buick's compact car still delivers a healthy 180 horsepower through a 2.4-liter four-cylinder powerplant that returns 32 mpg on the highway.

With its athleticism setting it apart from the rest of the 10 Most Comfortable Cars list, the 2012 Buick Regal's interior is built to put that performance comfortably in the driver's hands. An ergonomically designed cockpit places all buttons well within reach, including the standard Driver Shift Control that enables manual shifts in the automatic transmission for a more engaging ride. Still, the most dedicated driving enthusiasts will likely favor the six-speed manual transmission in the top-trim Buick Regal GS, which features a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine outputting 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

The 2012 Buick Verano starts at $22,585 excluding destination charge, undercutting competitors like the Acura TSX and Lexus IS by more than $7,000. Starting at $27,055 before the same charge, the 2012 Regal is priced below competition like the Audi A4 and the Infiniti G, with both costing more than $32,000.

"If there was somehow a safe way to do a blindfolded test drive, buyers would be stunned at how well both Buicks match up against their luxury competition in overall feel," added Smith. "That superior ride can be had for thousands of dollars less too, so you don't have to spend years financing a Lexus or an Audi to get the luxury you deserve."

About Goodwin Buick:

Goodwin Buick is part of the Goodwin Motor Group, which has been serving Maine motorists for nearly 80 years with a customer-first attitude that has earned them a loyal following. From the spacious Buick Enclave SUV to the Buick Regal luxury sedan, Goodwin Buick offers a wide selection of new and used Buicks, as well as unmatched Buick service. Their Oxford, Maine Buick dealership can be visited at 1606 Main Street, found online at www.goodwinbuickme.com or contacted by phone at 207-743-8944. Goodwin Buick can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoodwinChevroletBuick.