We’re pretty satisfied with the 2018 Buick Regal GS Sportback, but we’d genuinely adore to witness it having a more practical companion on the roads of America. Regrettably, that won’t be the scenario here, because although the Europeans receive the counterpart of a Buick Regal GS wagon with the Opel Insignia GSi Sports Tourer, we citizens of the U.S. have to manage without.
To summarize, the fresh Regal series from Buick in the U.S. is comprised of the Regal Sportback, Regal TourX, a slightly elevated wagon, and the Regal GS, a high-powered rendition of the Sportback. These are all lining up to be delightful automobiles that bring a much-needed burst of energy to Buick—which, let’s be honest, is slowly evolving into a boring crossover label. Yet, despite the excellence of these recent vehicles, it doesn’t ease the pain of missing out on the Opel Insignia GSi wagon, which is sleeker and sportier than the Regal TourX, ditching the plastic cladding intended to give the Buick an adventurous appearance.
Even though this Opel resembles a Regal GS wagon, it provides two engine choices that are distinct from the sole engine accessible in our Regal GS. These include the 2.0-liter LTG turbo-four, set to be standard on the Regals within the U.S., along with a 2.0-liter BiTurbo diesel, delivering lower power but higher torque compared to the gasoline engine. (Neither powertrain matches the potency of the naturally aspirated LGX 3.6-liter V6 featured in the 2018 Buick Regal GS, generating 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.)
Yet, the Holden Commodore VXR is set to receive the LGX engine, available as either a Sportback or a wagon, as per Motor Authority. I suppose relocating to Australia is our solution if we want to experience driving the authentic Buick Regal GS wagon of our fantasies.
