New Buick Verano Pro debuts in China

Throughout its decade-long history, the Buick Verano had been considered little more than a clone of the Opel Astra: the first-gen Astra J went on sale as the Excelle in the USA and China, and the second-gen Astra K only on the latter market. Things have changed now: Opel’s latest hatchback will be based on the Peugeot 308 platform, while Buick will sell a brand-new Verano Pro model in China.

Compared to its predecessor shown in the video, the new Verano is 59 mm shorter and 16 mm narrower at 4,664 and 1,786 mm, respectively. The manufacturer claims that the chassis is new, but the wheelbase length of 2.7 meters and the suspension remain the same.

Inside, there is a transmission lever and paddle shifters that remind of the car’s Opel roots, as well as dual 10.25-inch displays.

Unlike the regular Verano, which was limited to three-cylinder engines, the new Pro version ships with a 1.5-liter turbo-four mill rated at 180 PS (177 hp / 132 kW) in conjunction with a CVT. A 1.3-liter turbo three-pot with 158 PS (156 hp / 116 kW) will also become available later.

The sported-up GS spec will also go on sale, now boasting special bumpers, side sill extensions, a rear spoiler, and a black roof.

Other details will follow later. Sales will begin in the second half of the year.