Review and photos by
Greg Wilson, Autos.ca

Whether the new Buick Regal, aka Opel Insignia (now built in Russelsheim, Germany, but soon to be built in Oshawa, Ontario) will capture the hearts and minds of Canadian Buick buyers is an open question.

2011 Buick Regal CXL

General Motors’ past efforts to re-badge Opel cars for the North American market haven’t been too successful. They included the Cadillac Catera (1997-2001) an Opel Omega clone; the Saturn Astra (2008-2009), a rebadged Opel Astra; the Saturn Aura (2008-2009), aka Opel Vectra; and the Saturn Vue SUV (2008), a version of the Opel Antara.

While the mid-size Opel Insignia sedan has the kind of trim looks, sharp handling and vehicle athleticism that Europeans like – it was named European Car of the Year in 2009 – those virtues don’t always translate well in North America where buyers expect domestic cars to look and drive like American cars. (more…)

Review and photos by
Chris Chase, CanadianDriver.com

The term “sport sedan” isn’t one to be taken lightly. The archetypal sport sedan, after all, is the BMW 3 Series; it, and many cars like it, combines a practical four-door body with a choice of terrific powertrains and performance, albeit at a price that might be out of range for many family sedan buyers.

2011 Buick Regal CXL

In that sense, a sport sedan is something of an aspirational purchase. It’s a car you might have to wait for while you toil away behind the wheel of cars you tolerate rather than treasure.

Among the automakers trying to edge into the sport sedan segment is Buick. While you wouldn’t expect it, the full-size LaCrosse is a very respectable attempt to do so by a company better known for catering to the motoring needs of elders, not enthusiasts. (more…)