Dear GM, please being the Regal diesel to US/Canada.

[kiltedscotsman]

Hey guys... so I have been driving the 2011 Regal as part of a promotional gig, and I must say, I like the vehicle.

The only downside is that our demo was the 2 litre turbo 6sp autobox, not the manual box. I would have loved to have a go at the 2 litre turbo 6sp manual, way more fun.

The suspension and agility I liked, and the rev happy DOHC 16v engine.

I wasnt a fan of the 'buttony' dash, too many buttons for me, the radio takes too long to figure out. I dont like looking at the dash when pressing it to see if my finger is on the right button, not good for ones eyes to be off the road when doing 80mph...

The old ways are better, knobs and bigger and fewer buttons.

The yukon and some GM trucks have awful centre stacks. Buttons for fan up down and buttons for temp up down. Whats wrong with 2 knobs? 1 knob Turn right for faster turn left slower, other knob, turn right hotter, left cooler.

Sometimes the way GM designs the centre stacks, I just shake my head. Rant over haha..

Anyway, just wanted to also add, I cant wait for GM to introduce the sublime diesel version of the regal to US and Canada, a 2 litre turbo. Great midrange torque and highway passing power.

Seen here under the GM's UK 'Vauxhall' brand. As you can see, they just switch the badge at the front and back. Same car.

I would be interested to hear from Regal owners of any differences between the euro version, (good or bad) or anything that the euro version has that would be good to have here, or vice versa.🙂



http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/vehicles/vauxhall-range/cars/insignia-4-door/index.html

 

[2011RegalOwner]

Europe and China have had this car for almost four years already and it has only been in the US for one year. In Europe it is the branded by Opel and Vauxhall. In China is branded as a Buick. I believe they also sell the car in South and Latin America as a Chevrolet. They are further along in the cars life cycle. Eventually the US will probably get many of the different variations offered in Europe and China. One example is the GS model. It is confirmed to be coming to the US, but has been available for years in Europe. They even offer a wagon version in Europe.

When I got my Regal they only offered the Front Wheel drive 2.4 liter automatic.

Now they offer a 2.0 Liter turbo with auto and manual variants. In Europe they offer 6 cylinder engines and 4 cylinder engine. Naturally aspirated and Turbo versions. They also offer all-wheel drive, primary front wheel drive, but it has the ability to transfer power to the rear wheels.

 

[goobee]

Unlike Europe and other countries, the US populous has not embraced diesel engines in passenger cars. Perhaps one day but until then, don't count too many model choices to choose from.

 

[daryll]

I could not agree more about the diesel. Just was in Germany in April and had a new Insignia Wagon with the 2.0 TDI engine and automatic transmission. I would happily pay a premium for this engine, especially if we could also get it with the manual transmission. If they bring the wagon over, even better!
GM - are you listening?
Daryll