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Vernon, BC – For the past few years, Buick has reshaped its luxury division. The last vehicle in need of a major shakeup was its biggest SUV, the Enclave that was starting to get long in the tooth. With a new 2018 second-generation Enclave, the 114-year-old Buick brand becomes the newest showroom in the auto industry.

Back in 2008, the Enclave was a seven-seat welcomed addition, but after close to a decade into its first generation, it started to lose steam in its segment. Considering the current SUV sales boom, it became essential for Buick – a brand with 80 percent of its volume coming from SUVs in 2017 – to get the Enclave to a competitive level against the likes of the Infiniti QX60, Acura MDX and Volvo XC90.

Refreshed start with no common parts

The second-generation Enclave has no common parts from its previous iteration. In attempt to make it look less overwhelming in size, the Enclave comes off as leaner overall, even with an increase in length and height.

It's all about new proportions and a new demeanour, something Buick likes to call: “Smart Made Stylish.” That design language results in a more sleek, aggressive approach with expansion occurring in areas of consumer need, such as cargo space and legroom. It serves as a lesson that one can expand for comfort without having its entire form shaped like a gigantic boat.

Its most prominent parts are up front with a redesigned new front end featuring a chrome-filled vertical slat grille. The grille is enhanced with cool-looking wings complemented by Evonik Acrylite technology in its headlights sporting over 100 LED lights. The Evonik signature accents may be taken for granted, but it serves as the clearest and cleanest light offered in the market.

That specialized theme continues on the inside with an all-new Air Ionizer that improves air flow throughout the cockpit. We're not talking about a simple air freshener, but a device that reduces unwanted odours both inside and out, along with bacteria, viruses, dust, debris and pollen.

For this first drive program, I received a new top-of-the-line Avenir vehicle. Avenir is considered 'the highest expression of Buick luxury,' and those customers wishing to dole our $63,690 will enjoy a unique black-ice finish wings and grille, dual panel sunroof, 20-inch wheels and Avenir badging. Premium touches and materials continue with open-pore wood and a beautiful chestnut colour on the dash and seats, upping the refinement of the whole environment.

As for space, the Enclave does well in the first two rows with Captain's chairs that provide plenty of headroom and legroom; power seats come standard only in the front. It should be noted that as cushiony as the front row chairs were, it took time for a comfortable seating position to be found, and the ideal position was never fully met. This may just be a 'me' thing, but that's truly how I felt.

For the third row, the right side slides forward for easier access, albeit not better than its top three-row competitors. Once inside, the bench seating can be a bit cramped and not suited for individuals 6'0” or up. Regardless, it's much improved and a bonus for large families.

When those rows don't need to be filled, the Enclave has a total of 2,764 litres of cargo space, 1,642 litres behind the second row, 668 litres behind the third row with an additional 90 litres in the underfloor. That's a 10 percent improvement over the outgoing model.

A quiet and expected ride

The 2018 Enclave drives well in a quiet, relaxed manner. There's nothing exceptional that stands out about it; rather a smooth drive that you come to expect from a new SUV. Whether that's perceived as a positive or negative comment, that's the best way I can describe it.

Buick doesn't bombard you with engine choices. The Enclave has a single powertrain unit: a 3.6-litre V6 that delivers 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque matched to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The one choice you do get is whether you opt for the standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or an active twin-clutch all-wheel drive (AWD) that eventually comes standard beyond the base Essence trim.

Power delivery is both smooth and quick. The Enclave was able to power ahead when needed and showed off decent handling skills through the side winding Vernon roads. Its nine-speed gearshift is constantly on the move, but mostly seamless as it's calibrated for better fuel economy. According to Buick, the AWD is rated at 13.8 L/100 km in the city and 9.4 L/100 km on the highway. For FWD, those numbers are reduced to 12.9 and 9.0, respectively.

During the drive, additional pros and cons were found. On the positive end as with all Buicks, the active noise cancellation setup works wonders to block and absorb all noises. In addition, this 2018 model has upped its towing game with a tow rating at 5,000 lbs, and that was shown off by a sport boat hitched to the Enclave. On the more critical side, if I had to be picky, more steering input was needed on those sweeping curves and you could feel the size and width of the SUV during those manoeuvres. Nowadays, many SUVS can feel like a crossover or hatchback, but the Enclave still retains that larger SUV-feel.
 
In Conclusion

At a starting price of $49,690 for FWD or $52,690 in AWD, the Enclave serves as a reasonably priced choice amongst its competition. The Air Ionizer, an eight-inch easy-to-use digital touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a hands-free liftgate come standard, but you would have to move up to receive heated and ventilated front seats, heated second row, a power-folding third row seat and a plethora of safety technology.

All in all, the 2018 Buick Enclave has improved immensely from its more modern exterior silhouette to its more spacious cabin filled with plenty of technological goodies. Its new Avenir sub-brand places Buick into the luxury discussion with premium touches previously not found.

Los Angeles, CA – When the cover was pulled off the 2017 third-generation Buick LaCrosse in Los Angeles at the 2015 edition, Buick continued on its journey to dispel any lingering notions of this General Motors brand being preferred by your Father. No more.

For model year 2017 with the LaCrosse, Buick has taken their previously presented concept vehicle, the Avenir, and “smoothed” out most of the “rougher” edges and presented a more refined-looking automobile. From the front end at least, the LaCrosse has a distinct look and stance, suggesting elegance, refinement and perhaps even some restraint while promising a family-style sedan that will appeal, as Buicks tend to do these days, to a much broader target purchaser. The LaCrosse’s rear, however, will likely never be a topic of poems or sonnets; it’s disappointing – especially if this model is indeed based upon the concept Avenir.

Regardless, until such time as we have an opportunity to sit behind the wheel, we’ll talk in brief generalities about its new lithe look. Overall, Buick’s engineers have worked hard to shape this four door sedan into a pleasing looking vehicle that few suburban driveways would shun. Buick has managed to trim nearly 136 kilograms (300 pounds) of body fat, the bulk of which, pun intended, has been achieved in a non-invasive manner, from the vehicle's actual structure. The loss of weight is largely due to the use of press-hardened, high-strength steel that contributes to greater efficiency and more responsive handling. Putting that weight into perspective, enthusiastic engineers advise that’s roughly equivalent to a fancy modern French-door refrigerator. However, like most current marvels of automotive engineering, this reduction has increased the vehicle’s overall torsional rigidity by some 15%.

The new LaCrosse cabin features a strong, cockpit-like design with a high, floating-bridge-style centre console. This is a direct result of Buick's adaption of the electronic precision shift system, introduced in early November on the brand new Cadillac XT5 crossover. Interesting, in spite of the console, designers have maintained the popular wraparound cabin style we saw when gen two of the LaCrosse was first unleashed.

Based upon an initial and hurried scramble, the front and rear cabin appears fairly roomy, although the sloping rear roofline may present initial minor challenges upon exit for some. Further, the interior doesn’t stray too far away from GM’s current design standards; think of an abundance of leather and decorative wood accents throughout. The dashboard is fairly uncluttered with a frameless eight-inch-diagonal colour touchscreen located on the centre console.

Buick has chosen to adopt the very same powertrain as the aforementioned Cadillac XT5, with a standard 3.6-litre V6 producing 305 hp and 268 lb-ft. of torque. Just like the more expensive, oft-aspirational marque, this engine is equipped with active cylinder management and a stop-start system which apparently inspires awe from Buick’s own engineers. We’ll reserve personal judgement until such time as we have an opportunity to drive this vehicle. The powertrain, we are advised, is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the standard front-wheel-drive layout can be reportedly swapped for an optional twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system later in 2016 when the vehicle literally – and figuratively – rolls out. An interesting option is the availability of Buick’s continuous damping control, which is paired with GM’s already-tested HiPer strut front suspension – instead of the standard MacPherson struts – and 20-inch alloy wheels.

From a comfort and driveability standpoint, one imagines more purchasers will select this – unless it’s priced in a mean-spirited manner.

Likely safe to say that, unless you have been living under a rock or visiting a distant galaxy, you may be fleetingly familiar with General Motors' renaissance marketing and advertising campaign for their previously staid Buick marque. With Buick now being touted as “no longer the car your father would drive” (paraphrasing), I’m here to tell you that I would agree. And, for the most part, overall, they may be onto something with design, styling and technology which now has much broader and ready appeal.

The 2015 Buick Verano boasts an interior that's high on quality materials and comfortable seats. The model tested and driven came with leather seating. The front passengers are quite comfortable, with the driver's seat especially well bolstered for a car of this size. The rear seat isn't as generous – if you are an average-size North American adult.

The Verano's standard seven-inch touchscreen interface is generally agreeable, but honestly, Buick has fallen into the more button approach that other manufacturers seem to love. Note to engineers – less is more – please. Determining the appropriate button to push while driving is a distraction.

The Verano Turbo which, not surprisingly, comes with a turbocharged engine generates 250 horsepower from its 2.0 litres, and comes with either a six-speed automatic (as tested) or a six-speed manual transmission. To be clear; all Veranos are front-wheel drive.

The Buick Verano has a driving style that makes it feel like a bigger, more substantial car. That’s meant as a compliment. It's quiet, the ride is smooth (too much for some tastes, perhaps), and this small Buick sedan manages to evoke driving experiences of larger, more expensive (Buick) models such as the larger Regal and LaCrosse. What makes this all the more interesting, size-wise, at least, it’s much closer to its corporate sibling, the Chevy Cruze.

While the Verano would never be considered “sporty”, the turbo offers zippy acceleration but it feels as if the suspension is still tuned more for comfort. There is also some terrific technology on board such as forward-collision warning.

For the record, the 2015 Buick Verano, as tested, is probably way up there as one of the most comfortable cars available at this specific price point.

The base engine can run on regular unleaded gasoline, while premium is recommended for the turbo. But I digress.

As tested:
Price: $35,950 – plus applicable taxes
Engine: 2.0L 4 cylinder turbocharged EcoTec
Power: 250hp/260 ft-lb of torque (yes, you read that right – no corrective lenses for you!)
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel economy (L/100km): City 11.4/ Hwy 7.9

Pros: A well-appointed value-laden North American built compact sedan. Quite comfortable up front for the driver and passenger, less so for adults in the rear. As a small family “take-me-to-Grandma’s-house” car, overall, few complaints. For the price as tested, this Verano is in some pretty good company – from the usual Asian manufacturers.

Cons: Tight for space in the rear for two average-size adults – especially for longer trips. Small point, but premium gasoline is recommended for the turbocharged engine. If you are not aware, when a manufacturer “suggests” premium, higher octane gasoline, know that it does, indeed, make a difference to the vehicle’s overall performance.

Long and the short: Worthy overall of consideration for your everyday transport dollar. Will new – and old – consumers embrace the new Buick, breathing life into this mature marque? Time and sales will tell.