2012 Buick Verano priced from $23,470

General Motors said that the upcoming Buick Verano is priced at $23,470 (inclusive of shipping charges). This is the brand's first compact since the 1990s. It is priced significantly lower than the Japanese compact sedans that GM is putting up against the Verano in the entry-luxury segment such as the Acura TSX ($30,495 including shipping) and the Lexus IS 250 ($34,170 with shipping costs). Sam Slaughter, the dealer principal at Sellers Buick-GMC in suburban Detroit, the nation's best-selling Buick store in 2010, said that its price reflects the “great features” that the car has.

Lynn Thompson, a Springfield, Mo., dealer who sells Buick, GMC and Cadillac, said that the Verano price is "going to be a little tight" when compared to the Regal mid-sized sedan, the car right above it in Buick's lineup. The base Regal is priced at $27,530, including shipping charges.

The last time that Buick marketed a compact in the U.S. was when the Skylark was sold from the 1992 to 1998 model years. The Verano, which starts selling by the end of the year, will be available in three models. The top model is priced at $26,850 including shipping. All the three models are powered by a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine combined with a six-speed automatic transmission that produces 180 hp. The Verano arrives at the market at a time when a rising number of U.S. consumers are moving to smaller, more fuel-economic vehicles.[via : 4wheelsnews]

Photo : 2012 Buick Verano