Safety, Features & Styling

With top crash-test scores across the board, the Verano is a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Standard features include 10 airbags, plus the antilock brakes and electronic stability system required on all new vehicles starting with the 2012 model year. Click here for a full feature list. Being a new car, the Verano doesn't have a reliability trail, but the year-old Cruze does and it stinks. Overall reliability is well below average. GM has work to do.

The Verano starts around $22,500, overlapping the well-equipped Cruze LTZ but undercutting the TSX, C30 and A3 by $2,300 or more. Standard features include dual-zone climate control, faux leather upholstery and a touch-screen, iPod/USB-compatible stereo with Buick's IntelliLink system. Climb the trims and you can get keyless access with push-button start, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, genuine leather, a navigation system and a moonroof. A power passenger seat, however, is unavailable.

Loaded to the gunwales, the Verano tops out around $29,000. That's still short of the base TSX.

    See also:

    Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) Tones
    The in-vehicle Bluetooth system can send numbers during a call. This is used when calling a menu-driven phone system. 1. Turn the Menu knob to select Enter Number, then press SELECT. 2. En ...

    Care of Safety Belts
    Keep belts clean and dry. CAUTION: Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it may severely weaken them. In a crash, they might not be able to provide adequate protection. Clean safety bel ...

    Highway Hypnosis
    Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, find a safe place to park the vehicle and rest. Other driving tips include: • Keep the v ...