New Buick Verano testing in Germany

Thu, 29 May 2014

A refresh to Buick's popular Verano sedan appears to be nigh, thanks to these spy photos that show the tweaked four-door testing in Germany.

As with the current Verano, the refreshed model will have a great deal in common with its European platform-mates, the Vauxhall/Opel Astra. Each car rides on General Motors's Delta II platform. Unlike the current car, though, the refreshed model's styling could lean more heavily towards its European roots, if these photos are any indication.

Despite its commonality with the Astra Sedan, the Verano has featured its own unique styling since arriving in the US back in 2011 as a 2012 model, with distinct fascias at both the front and back, as wells its own headlight and taillight designs. The two cars were still rebadged vehicles, but it was more subtle than it will be in 2015, when the refreshed Verano arrives. Astra-like elements are expected to dominate, particularly in regards to the headlights and taillights. That said, trademark Buick styling features will remain, like the waterfall grille. Really, then, the 2016 Verano won't be unlike the Regal – a rebadged Vauxhall/Opel Insignia, aside from a few very small styling details.

All said, we like the idea of the Astra's styling becoming a bigger part of the Verano's design. As compact vehicles go, it's one of the sharper offerings on European roads. Now, if we could only get GM to sell a Buick version of the hatchback, or perhaps a Verano GS based on the Astra OPC...

By Brandon Turkus