The Regal is the sportiest of the Buicks, a trait that's reflected inside.Although the controls and instrument panel design look pretty tame compared
to a Grand Prix, it's pretty daring by Buick standards, with an attractively
curved cowling sweeping over the instrument panel and the dashboard, in
turn, sweeping nicely into the door panels.
The major instruments are readily visible through a large, leather-wrapped
steering wheel, whose upper half is open to afford just such a view. Auxiliary
audio controls are built into the upper wheel spokes, and you can honk
the horn by pressing on the center of the hub, which also houses the driver's
airbag.
The bucket seats--leather-clad in the GS--don't offer quite as much
lateral support as those in the Grand Prix GTP, but they're certainly long-haul
comfortable, and a definite improvement over the previous Regal. The seats
in our test car had the optional heating feature, which was welcome in
the depths of a midwest winter; so were the heated outside mirrors.
Part of GM's formula for winning the mid-size sedan wars is packing
in more comfort and convenience features than its target competitors, and
the Regal is rolling proof.
The Regal LS is well-equipped, with dual zone air conditioning, excellent
audio, power windows/mirrors/locks, antilock brakes and low-speed traction
control, just to hit the highlights.
The GS is loaded. Rather than detail its contents, we suggest you study
the data panel; it'll take awhile, because there's a lot to read. However,
one thoughtful item--a warning light to let you know when you have low
pressure in one or more tires--does bear mention here. Low pressure is
the prime cause of reduced tire life, and can also throw any car's handling
out of whack.
Demerits are minor. We wish the Regal had the same dashboard ignition
key as the Intrigue, instead of the same old hard-to-find steering column
location. And we think the old-fashioned, gathered-leather look of the
door panels is out of step with the sporty look of the rest of the interior.
But any quibbles are more than offset by the Regal's roominess. There's
plenty of space up front, which you'd expect, and plenty of space in back,
which you might not. Three adults can sit back there comfortably, without
territorial squabbles or contortions, and they can do so for extended periods
of time. And because the rear seats are slightly elevated, they'll have
a good forward view, to help them critique your driving.
The center seating position isn't quite as comfy as the outboard spots,
and it lacks a three-point belt, but in general the Regal will shame its
import competition for rear seat roominess.
The rear seat also features a center pass-through to the trunk, for
stowing longish cargo, and the option of an integrated child safety seat.
Speaking of safety, the Regal stacks up as contemporary, though not
outstanding. Besides standard ABS and traction control, it has the required
dual front airbags, plus side impact protection and, GM's new favorite,
daytime running lamps.
