2010 Buick LaCrosse: A job well done
This new Buick sure is Allure-ing! Sorry, but I couldn’t resist the temptation of this little play on words following General Motors’ decision to go back to the original name of its intermediate Buick. If only fools never change their minds, then GM has proven its wisdom. Time will tell if this decision will translate to improved sales, but the politically correct has been forsaken in favour of a return to the original name.
The LaCrosse’s original name was abandoned so as not to offend Quebec buyers who may have interpreted the LaCrosse name as the term used in Quebecois slang to indicate, shall we say, auto-erotic activities. The name Allure was dropped because it was believed that Quebec buyers have more judgment and that this will help reap the benefits of worldwide advertising and marketing initiatives. This Buick will be sold in China, Korea and North America, but let’s get back to the car itself, as it deserves better than a simple discussion of semantics.
This model is playing a big role in Buick’s comeback in our market. The Pontiac and Saturn divisions were sacrificed during the company’s financial restructuring, which gives Buick more means and visibility to establish itself in the less-than-$50,000 luxury intermediate market. While the first generation of this model received a lukewarm reception, the second generation has two assets to make the competition nervous. By the way, it’s the first intermediate car from GM with a global design. The platform was designed by Opel since it was borrowed from the 2009 European Car of the Year-winning Opel Insignia. The interior design is by GM China and the exterior shape is brought to you by the North American studios.
Character
Not long ago, this division’s stylists seemed to be coming up with the most anonymous body designs possible, as though they were afraid to scare away a loyal but aging clientele. They made some noise about the design heritage of the vehicle, but the results were rather dreadful, thank you very much.
Things changed three years ago with the Enclave, and the LaCrosse is proof positive that the design team is no longer afraid to create contours that have personality. With its eye-catching waterfall grille, very short overhangs, prominent fenders, imposing head lights along with a very short tail end, it’s definitely one of the most beautiful Buicks to come along in ages. They even found an ingenious way to keep the infamous three aeration portholes by placing them on the hood, thus breaking the monotony of the lines.
Speaking of monotony, for a long time Buicks had the most simplistic dashboards on the market. Basically, Buick dashboards used to be a rectangle with as few indicator dials as possible and it was made of the hardest plastics possible. This newcomer breaks that mould with its leather accents with stitching on the horizontal part of the dash and multiple audio and climate controls in one chrome-encircled location that features a big button in the centre surrounded by several other buttons. Don’t want to bother with all these buttons, you say? Well, at the touch of a control mounted on the steering wheel, you can make them voice-activated. The main indicator dials are partially overlain on the upper part of the dash. The finish and materials are high quality.
The front seats are comfortable and offer adequate support, and although the lateral support is decent, there’s room for improvement. The back seat is spacious for a car of this size and LCD screens integrated in the head rests of the front seats can be ordered on option. There’s plenty of standard equipment, too.
There’s on-board navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, an auxiliary audio jack and USB port, a power rear sunshade and a DVD entertainment system available. There’s also Head-Up Display offered on option, just like adaptive Xenon headlights that pivots the lights up to 15 degrees in order to provide a better view of the road and its twists and turns. And to fall in line with the other manufacturers, Buick is offering Side Blind Zone Alert, which warns the driver if there is a vehicle in the blind spot, and a rear back-up camera, also on option.
But I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the very narrow trunk opening has a very high loading height, and the situation is worsened by the two very large trunk mounts that also reduce that access space. However, the trunk is very roomy once you manage to get through the opening.
A four-cylinder engine?
That’s right, you will be able to order the LaCrosse with a 2.4-litre, 170-hp four-cylinder engine with an expected average fuel consumption of 10.5 litres. This engine will be offered later. For now, buyers will be able to choose between two V6 engines. The first is a 3.0 litre V6 with fuel injection and featuring 255 horses and a torque of 217 lbs-ft. It, like the other engines, is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The CX and CXL versions come with this engine. And while the CX is well equipped, the CXL is nothing to sneeze at with factory-standard automatic two-zone climate control, fog lights, exteriors rearview mirrors with LED blinkers and ambient lighting on the doors as well as 17-inch alloy wheels. All-wheel drive with electronic limited slip differential is available as an option. The electronic limited slip differential transfers torque from one wheel to another on the same axle depending on which wheel holds the road best in order to increase control of the vehicle on icy or wet roads.
Finally, the most luxurious and prestigious model is the CXS, which is equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 with direct injection, a real time suspension, heated and ventilated perforated leather-trimmed seats and 18-inch chrome alloy wheels. Check the Touring Package box on your order form and you’ll get 19-inch tires. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox and features 280 hp and 259 lbs-ft of torque. Lastly, it comes with hydraulic variable assist steering.
Impressive!
Buick used to put comfort first and ignore handling, the result of which being marshmallowy suspensions, uncertain handling and a very disappointing ride. But that was before…The new Buick is trying to give more in the way of vehicle handling and the LaCrosse is the proof. Thanks to its ultra-rigid platform, the ride is as silent as the handling is impressive, and it won’t turn the Buick into a veritable see-saw. As with the best sedans in the category, it has a comfortable suspension and the vehicle handling is practically flawless. However, I would have preferred firmer steering, but at least it’s precise.
During the official press launch, I had the chance to drive it on the winding roads of the Upper Laurentians, and the LaCrosse negotiated turn after turn brilliantly and featured a very comfortable passenger compartment and efficient climate control. After all, you can’t forget the prerequisites of the brand’s traditional buyers. They’ll also appreciate the smoothness and the silence of the engines which offer above average performances. As for the transmission, you’ll forget it’s even there, which is a sure sign of effectiveness and smoothness.
Those who are already familiar with the brand will definitely love the LaCrosse, but don’t be surprised if more and more young buyers make their way to Buick dealerships.