Archive for the ‘Buick’ Category

21
Nov

If you’ve already read a text with the new Buick Allure, then you know that his name is different from that used in our American neighbors. Indeed, on the other side of the border, it is called: Buick Lacrosse. So to avoid publicity in Canada, was announced to procure “Lacrosse” of the year, it was decided to give it a different name a little seller. Incidentally, the Allure is the replacement for the Regal.

I do not know why GM still wants to change the names of their cars, as if we really wanted to forget the previous model. And I’m not making this by saying that. As the old adage: nothing to see, it is clear.

The first thing that struck me, and I’m superficial tell you, no pun is its speed. It’s true! I honestly find that this car is pretty. The lines are well drawn and even bearing in mind the spirit of Buick, the result is dynamic, with some “punch”.

What is important to mention or take into account when assessing a car is the vocation of the car. You could then paint it by saying that this is nothing but a carriage motor and the other would welcome rather smooth ride.

For the sake of argument, let us therefore in the skin of a client for whom the word sport does not mean primarily with conduct and more importantly, that nothing can swerve to American products.

Driving his new Allure, this lucky to walk proudly into the envy of all the relatives. It’s a safe bet that after the great mass, there will be numerous admirers around the beautiful Buick, telling his owner: “Have you always wanted to stay young you my Armand! ”

So there, when those same fans will board, they will salute the interior space and comfort of the seats. Then, looking at the various commands, they will probably have some difficulty to unravel it all. First, there are several buttons very similar and make matters worse, they are very small, especially for a view down.

Mechanic and most of our lads can not help but ask old branch, as he affectionately called Armand, what lies under the hood. “That’s the big 6″, answer the happy owner. “I could choose the 3.8-liter V6 200 horsepower but I told myself, I’m still young, I take the bulk. “Our friend spoke well of course the 6 cylinder dual overhead cam shaft 3.6-liter 240 horsepower. I can say straight away that it will décoiffer any of them, especially that for some, it is probably not much left to décoiffer.

Comes the turn of Ti-Paul to slip inside and proudly said: “Tell me about it a wheel like in the good old days. This statement is translated simply by the fact that Paul had a weakness for the generous size of wheels of yesteryear. “One thing for cons, to replicate our expert, at the time, we were not as many pegs on the wheel. “It is very interesting, my dear friend, because with the different radio controls, temperature and speed control mounted on the steering wheel, here’s something that some may find irritating.

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21
Nov

An appointment that is expensive!

It is not uncommon nowadays to see a bill in excess of $ 50 000 support vehicles, especially on SUVs. As in all things, this is sometimes justified, while in other occasions, we find the note rather salty. The Buick Rendezvous Ultra shows a price exceeding $ 50 000. Is this justified?

Distinctive look

Whatever one may say, the Rendezvous has a rather unique look that I would describe like this: we like it or not. Although its lines are not revolutionary or even very daring, I consider a vehicle displaying a certain class, especially in the Ultra version. Because of its brightness, painting also seems to be a very good quality.

Inside, no great surprise and even then, the spirit of the brand is respected. While the leather seats are accented with suede very chic, faux wood panel imitates not quite the look you want by hiding his true evil nature of plastic. It’s the same for most commands that would certainly enjoy a further refinement. Come on, it’s not just the look and appearance of materials, what happens if you love gadgets?

Ultra full equipment

If he has not distinguished itself in the beginning of the article, we must nevertheless admit that in terms of equipment, the mount of Tiger Woods does not suffer from a disability too.

Electronic equipment is indeed abundant with among others, the famous One Star ® system, an onboard computer recording various data on distance traveled and average fuel consumption, electric seats and mirrors and heating, a DVD system for passengers rear parking sensor and the list goes on. The satellite navigation is also available but for this you will forfeit your favorite CDs due to the presence of a single CD. For those wondering what I mean is that in several models equipped with satellite guidance, the system has its own CD / DVD which is read from the recorded data, allowing the guiding function.

Visualization system called the Head-Up is also present in this version. With this equipment, the speed at which you drive is displayed numerically at the bottom of the windshield, which keeps a close eye on your speed. To return to the navigation system, I would add that I enjoyed the screen on which it is located. This model, which also contains the radio controls, is very well put together and is easy to use. The graphics are in turn a very good quality.

Comfort and behavior

Again, the Rendezvous is faithful to the image of Buick vehicles with more focus on comfort rather than performance. The vehicle suspension is effete and is much more to appreciate on a road accident in a highway exit or during emergency maneuvers. I understand the nature of the vehicle at any age but as a bit of firmness under increasingly attractive.

And since we’re talking about comfort, though I can not express disappointment, I liked that the seats are as comfortable as pretty. The first rear passengers enjoy the same treatment as those in the third row will feel more like second-class citizens. The journey to get there first is quite difficult and once on its head, it is hoped that the meeting will be rather short. This should be the case because with the cargo space remaining in these circumstances, you can not lug around too personal effects.

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21
Nov

Let me say straight away that I did not have to think long when I am offered the Buick Enclave for a test drive. From the day I saw him on a brochure or noticed on the road, I was impressed by its modern and catchy. I am not alone in thinking that because all my relatives who were able to examine are unanimous about the elegance and charm shown in this vehicle.

The Enclave is the successor Buick Rendezvous. The latter had certain qualities, including ergonomics and comfort, which has allowed him a good career in terms of sales. The Enclave includes these elements by adding fun to drive, a touch of luxury and a larger size. This leads, however, a significant increase in its cost.

Is it worth it? This test drive we will probably reveal it.

The Enclave is considered a midsize SUV with seven seats over three rows. This variation often leads to symbolic places on the back row of most SUV or compact intermediates. In the case of the tested vehicle, it is, to my great surprise, and very nice places where accessibility is facilitated by the movement proper of the middle row seats. Moreover, even with all seats up, there remains a huge cargo space allowing transport equipment and luggage. The leather seats are very comfortable and provide excellent support, including the driver and front passenger to have several electrical controls. These same observations were noted during our test GMC Acadia Saturn Outlook that are in fact similar versions in the Enclave, but less luxurious.

The dashboard is beyond reproach in terms of instrumentation and ergonomics. I particularly liked the layout of the dials, the air conditioner and the radio system featuring satellite bands. Incidentally, the sound of the radio is excellent. Another good word for the arrangement of colors and quality materials used. We perceive an ever-constant in this chapter GM. Finally, the test vehicle had excellent xenon headlights and a reverse sensing system very popular in the parking maneuver.

The vehicle is powered by a 3.6 liter V6 providing 275 horsepower. It is the only engine available at the moment. One would expect acceleration breathtaking but it is not. Indeed, the weight of the vehicle significantly undermines this aspect of conduct. However, this is not disappointing in itself because the acceleration is linear and the operator is discrete. Speaking of the 6-speed automatic transmission: it is excellent because the reports are short and the gear changes are almost imperceptible. This transmission can also be manually type the desired speeds by selecting the tip of the thumb. This makes it possible to enhance driveability.

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21
Nov

A revival unequivocally

The first time I have been impressed by a product back to the Buick unveiling of their current full-size SUV or the Enclave. That was in 2008, and for once, driving a Buick was not associated with experience in boat on rough seas. In addition, the design of the Enclave is very modern and very tasteful. But hey, the rest of the range of manufacturing was not the same mold. It could then be led to believe that modern realization was perhaps a mistake on the part of designers Buick.

Following my test of the new Buick LaCrosse 2010, I think rather than what U.S. manufacturer has launched a new and serious attempt to forget its vehicles with a not so distant past. Just as Cadillac was able to do, I think Buick back in the race and the biggest challenge will be to shout loudly that they have models that can stand up to fierce competition. For me, it just took a test and I was convinced …

A huge cockpit

Of course the quality of materials and assembly are elements that have clearly evolved from Buick LaCrosse and what is there to remind us. The night lighting, with its LED lights and small inserted sparingly throughout, provides a pleasant and relaxing environment with its pale green hue. Beautiful design! But what catches the most attention is the space available, regardless of location. For example, the volume offered to passengers is unimaginable in a rear seat, you almost stretch her legs up to touch the front seat. And this is not the headroom is lacking either. In short, it’s huge! Strangely for cons, the boot volume does not even reach 400 liters. It is still not enough space, but as I think we could easily sacrifice a few inches at the rear to provide a safe suitable for such a full-size sedan.

For all tastes

Three main versions are currently available: the entry model of a gram to $ 32 795 CX and the CXL at $ 34,795 with a little more equipment and also the option of AWD. Both versions come with the V6 3.0-liter direct injection develops 255 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of cut, and six-speed automatic transmission. Our trial version is the CXS, available from $ 40 795. This version is the most opulent and most powerful of the range. A 3.6-liter engine, also with direct injection takes place under the hood. Buick, the powertrain offers 280 hp and 259 lb-ft. Note that from the beginning of 2010, a new 4-cylinder direct injection (182 hp and 172 lb-ft) is available in the basic version.

While the standard equipment of the CXS version is already interesting, the car tested in this paper is provided with several options including head-up display “in the windshield, adaptive xenon headlights, a navigation system, a rearview camera with sonar, an internal hard drive 40 GB, a large sunroof and the optional Touring Package (includes 19-inch wheels, 245/40R19 tires size and active suspension control automatic). The final price of our vehicle is $ 46 850. Personally, I do not need all these gadgets, but for only $ 895, the Tourism Group is an option I recommend, especially if you enjoy driving pleasure.

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