Spied: 2018 Buick Regal TourX Soft-roader Wagon, Minus the Badge

by Steph Willems

Published: March 2nd, 2017

Automakers, having long since abandoned the once-hot American wagon market, are returning to see if a lingering spark can be rekindled.

Consider Buick as one of the brands brave enough to cast its line into the pool in the hopes of a bite. The next-generation Regal, which already graces European car mags as the Opel Insignia, won’t come to the U.S. simply as a sedan. Opel’s Insignia Sports Tourer creates a fine opportunity for Buick to deliver a new wagon to these SUV-crazed shores..

However, we’re a go-anywhere, do-anything bunch over here, and any wagon coming to America had better have some cladding and about an inch and a half of lift!

Judging by these spy photos of Opel’s Insignia Country Tourer, mildly rugged wagon aficionados will soon get their wish.

The model’s wheel arches and side sills are gilded in black matte plastic, ready to protect the body from the scrapes and scratches that inevitably result from fording creeks and crawling over rocks in the deep forest. (Or navigating those tight New England garages.) A slight suspension lift helps position the vehicle as an alternative for the crossover-buying crowd.

Expect a corporate Buick grille and some subtle exterior changes when the Country Tourer morphs into the TourX. We’re expecting the 2018 Regal, likely joined by its wagon sister, to debut at the New York Auto Show in April.

As for powerplants, a version of General Motor’s trusty turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is a given, though a source told us last year that buyers can expect an optional V6 engine. Standard all-wheel drive means the Regal TourX can go head-to-head with its faux off-road German competition, as well as the Volvo V90.

#Buick #BuickRegal #BuickRegalTourX #FutureVehicles #OpelInsignia #Wagons

Steph Willems

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28-Cars-Later on Mar 02, 2017

Needs more 3800.

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Arthur Dailey on Mar 02, 2017

Because when did anything ever go wrong when any of the D3 imported one of their captive brand vehicles to North America?

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Theflyersfan With sedans, especially, I wonder how many of those sales are to rental fleets. With the exception of the Civic and Accord, there are still rows of sedans mixed in with the RAV4s at every airport rental lot. I doubt the breakdown in sales is publicly published, so who knows... GM isn't out of the sedan business - Cadillac exists and I can't believe I'm typing this but they are actually decent - and I think they are making a huge mistake, especially if there's an extended oil price hike (cough...Iran...cough) and people want smaller and hybrids. But if one is only tied to the quarterly shareholder reports and not trends and the big picture, bad decisions like this get made.
Wjtinfwb Not proud of what Stellantis is rolling out?
Wjtinfwb Absolutely. But not incredibly high-tech, AWD, mega performance sedans with amazing styling and outrageous price tags. GM needs a new Impala and LeSabre. 6 passenger, comfortable, conservative, dead nuts reliable and inexpensive enough for a family guy making 70k a year or less to be able to afford. Ford should bring back the Fusion, modernized, maybe a bit bigger and give us that Hybrid option again. An updated Taurus, harkening back to the Gen 1 and updated version that easily hold 6, offer a huge trunk, elevated handling and ride and modest power that offers great fuel economy. Like the GM have a version that a working mom can afford. The last decade car makers have focused on building cars that American's want, but eliminated what they need. When a Ford Escape of Chevy Blazer can be optioned up to 50k, you've lost the plot.
Willie If both nations were actually free market economies I would be totally opposed. The US is closer to being one, but China does a lot to prop up the sectors they want to dominate allowing them to sell WAY below cost, functionally dumping their goods in our market to destroy competition. I have seen this in my area recently with shrimp farmed by Chinese comglomerates being sold super cheap to push local producers (who have to live at US prices and obey US laws) out of business.China also has VERY lax safety and environmental laws which reduce costs greatly. It isn't an equal playing field, they don't play fair.
Willie ~300,000 Camrys and ~200,000 Accords say there is still a market. My wife has a Camry and we have no desire for a payment on something that has worse fuel economy.