Buick Verano turbo aims to overpower Lexus IS

We've already had a lot of nice things to say about the Buick Verano, a car that surprised us with how quiet, peppy and refined a compact car can be.

Now comes the turbocharged version, which Buick said today will be priced at $29,990, including a destination charge of $885. That's a premium on a car that starts as low as $22,585, but Buick portrays it as a vastly more exciting driving experience. Verano turbo comes to dealerships in the fall.

The 2-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine with direct injection and continuously variable valve timing in the Verano is turbocharged to produce 250 horsepower. That means zero to 60 mile-per-hour acceleration in an estimated 6.2 seconds. Yet, the Verano turbo will come in at a respectable EPA-estimated 20 miles a gallon in city driving, 31 mpg on the highway.

A six-speed manual transmission is available as a no-cost option. Fuel economy ratings for the standard six-speed automatic will be announced closer to production.

"Buick Verano continues to build momentum in the marketplace with eight straight months of sales increases since launch," said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick marketing. "The new Verano turbo increases the performance of an already capable luxury sedan while continuing to offer customers the smart, purposeful technology they expect."

Buick boasts that the new Verano turbo will offer more power and better fuel efficiency than a 2012 Lexus IS250:

The IS, the division says, is rated at 204 horsepower, with fuel efficiency estimates of 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with a manual transmission.

In addition to its fancy engine, Verano turbo will be dressed up with dual exhaust, sport pedals and rear spoiler. The package also includes IntelliLink connectivity, a Bose 9-speaker audio system, leather-appointed upholstery, push-button start, rear park assist and rear-view camera, radar-based side blind zone alert and rear cross-traffic alert, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. A power sunroof and navigation are optional.

Courtesy of USA Today