Buick has made the compact Verano hotter for 2015—with a Wi-Fi hotspot, of course. The engine choices remain unchanged—there is still the standard 180-horsepower 2.4-liter four or optional 250-hp 2.0-liter turbo—but now 4G LTE Wi-Fi is standard.
Buick’s infotainment setup, IntelliLink, is included on all 2015 Verano models, featuring a newly developed OnStar system with 4G LTE and a hotspot to provide a mobile hub to help driver and passengers stay connected. The hotspot will be live whenever the ignition is on, enhancing its usability. A three-month, three-gigabyte data subscription also will be included, in addition to six months of OnStar.
IntelliLink can connect up to ten devices including smartphones, SD cards, and MP3 players. Other standard features include Text Messaging Alerts for smartphones that will read texts over the car’s audio-system speakers and Siri Eyes Free integration for iPhone iOS 6 and iOS 7 users. Should the driver forget that they’re actually in a car and not a coffeehouse, all but the base Verano also include forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warnings, side blind-spot detection, and rear cross traffic-alert systems.
The Verano also offers five years of the OnStar Basic Plan, which includes RemoteLink Key Fob Services. RemoteLink Key Fob allows owners to remotely start and lock/unlock a car, and activate the horn and lights from anywhere with a data connection. In addition, it includes OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, which performs a monthly check of a vehicle’s engine, transmission, anti-lock brakes and more.
- Buick Verano Buyer’s Guide: Research Pricing, Specs, Reviews, and Photos
- Buick Verano Turbo Manual Tested: A Buick with a Manual is a Sign of the Apocalypse
- 2016 Buick Verano Spy Photos: Aerodynamics Trump Machismo
Those who prefer to row their own (Save the Manuals! Seriously!) will be saddened to learn that the Turbo’s six-speed manual option (we tested one and it hit 60 mph in 6.4 seconds) has been dropped; all Veranos now have a six-speed automatic transmission. Also new for 2015 is an appearance package featured on Convenience and Leather trim groups. Available on all models except the Turbo, the package includes a rear spoiler, a bright-chrome grille, and Desert Dusk metallic paint.
Pricing information has not been released, but expect it to stay close to the current base price of $24,625. The enhanced-connectivity 4G LTE Verano will arrive at Buick dealers later this year.
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