{"id":21811,"date":"2018-02-01T14:58:13","date_gmt":"2018-02-01T18:58:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/henrypayne.com\/?p=21811"},"modified":"2018-02-01T14:58:13","modified_gmt":"2018-02-01T18:58:13","slug":"payne-x-ceptional-buick-tourx-wagon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/2018\/02\/payne-x-ceptional-buick-tourx-wagon","title":{"rendered":"Payne: X-ceptional Buick TourX wagon"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/-mm-\/5413ceeaafaee49353fb959966f8b89b5bdcaabd\/c=553-0-3560-2261&amp;r=x404&amp;c=534x401\/local\/-\/media\/2018\/01\/26\/DetroitNews\/DetroitNews\/636525734246076054-tourx-red-fr-rock.JPG\" alt=\"636525734246076054-tourx-red-fr-rock.JPG\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"speakable-p-1 p-text\">And now for something completely different.<\/p>\n<p class=\"speakable-p-2 p-text\">Buick calls the five-door version of its Buick Regal a \u201ccrossover with car-like driver characteristics.\u201d The Environmental Protection Agency calls it a station wagon, and millennials say it\u2019s a hatchback. The badge says it\u2019s a TourX. I call it gorgeous.<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"p-text\">The long-awaited stunner finally brings Detroit onto the premium crossover-wagon catwalk alongside European beauties like the $45,475 Audi Allroad and $52,300 Volvo V90 Cross Country. Not surprisingly, the design comes courtesy of General Motors\u2019 European Opel\/Vauxhall sisters that have a knack for sexy wagons (across the pond, the TourX is badged the Insignia Country Tourer). Surprisingly, it debuts here as a Buick, the once-dowdy seniors brand that has transformed from ugly duckling to swan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"p-text\">SwanX. Yeah, let\u2019s call it that.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\">It\u2019s not only the most bodacious-looking Buick in a long while, but the $29,995 wagon rivals its expensive European competition in looks while trouncing them in utility. In Americanizing the Insignia for us Yanks, nothing has been lost in translation. Indeed, the crossover effect improves on the Regal Sportback sedan (built alongside the X in Russelsheim, Germany) I reviewed earlier this year. Like mascara on Gal Gadot, the charcoal body-cladding enhances Regal\u2019s naturally attractive features. Fascia makeup helps the eyes \u2014 er, headlights \u2014 stand out. Fender highlights tone TourX\u2019s long flanks. And then there\u2019s that hatch.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-position-180\" class=\"partner-placement partner-spike partner-placement-visible\" data-monetization-id=\"native-article_link\" data-monetization-sizes=\"fluid,3,3\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-news-opinion-182\" class=\"ad-slot\" data-google-query-id=\"CPHTgeOyhdkCFQO7Twod3qgOdA\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_7103\/mi-detroit-C1561\/native-article_link\/news\/opinion_0__container__\"><iframe id=\"google_ads_iframe_7103\/mi-detroit-C1561\/native-article_link\/news\/opinion_0\" title=\"3rd party ad content\" name=\"google_ads_iframe_7103\/mi-detroit-C1561\/native-article_link\/news\/opinion_0\" width=\"3\" height=\"3\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" data-integralas-id-4dbee272-cb04-5a75-9eb6-29a78ee7ecda=\"\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"p-text\">Ohhhh, the hatch. As I photographed the TourX, I kept returning to its profile. It\u2019s like a 150-foot yacht sailing by that you can\u2019t take your eyes off.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\"><strong>More:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/story\/business\/autos\/2018\/01\/31\/station-wagons-back-crossover-disguise\/109993124\/\">Station wagons are back \u2013 in crossover disguise<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\">The Regal Sportback is pretty, but based on a front-wheel drive platform, its stunted front can\u2019t compete against long-hooded rear-wheel drive models. TourX designers have pulled its rear deck waaaay back to here, so that \u2014 despite the same dash-to-axle proportions as Sportback \u2014 the wagon looks like it\u2019s resting on its haunches.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\">For emphasis, a chrome roofline arcs over the narrow greenhouse and doesn\u2019t stop until the taillights. It\u2019s punctuated by chrome tailpipe tips embedded in the rear fascia.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\">The exquisite tailoring hides acres of interior room.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\">Kick your foot under the bumper, and the automatic hatch opens, revealing a cavernous, 73.5-cubic-foot cargo hold that beats the Audi, Volvo, and even a three-row Acura MDX ute (68 cubes). I know \u2014 I stuffed 25 athletic bags into the back of the Buick \u2014 six more than Allroad holds.<\/p>\n<div class=\"partner-outstream\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"p-text\">This is the wagon that didn\u2019t exist when Mrs. Payne and I were shopping to replace our Ford Taurus wagon in 2008. Taurus was kaput, as were most mid-size wagons amidst a rush to utes. Sporty luxury-wagons were all that was left \u2014 and their price tags were too big, their confines too small for our family of four.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\">Reluctantly, we crossed over to crossovers and the first Chrysler Pacifica, a lovely (if reliability challenged) SUV. I can\u2019t say I was ever tempted to carve a corner in the higher-riding Pacifica.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\">Call us wagon orphans.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\">Buick is targeting orphans who bought an Acura TSX sport wagon or Cadillac CTS wagon or Saab 9-5 wagon a decade ago and now find &#8230; hey, where\u2019d everybody go? Buick to the rescue.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\">Buick\u2019s savvy product-marketing has already rescued its nearly forgotten brand. Saved in GM\u2019s bankruptcy by the Chinese market, Buick has radically transformed its portfolio here by thinking outside the box. Near-death experiences will do that for you.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\">The Enclave was one of the first three-row SUVs. It was followed by the pioneering Encore cute-ute. The Encore filled the \u201cwhite space\u201d in a market where emptynesters were downsizing from, well, Enclaves, yet didn\u2019t want to go back to sedans. Especially Buick sedans with \u201chas-been\u201d stamped on their foreheads.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\">Buick thinks it\u2019s found that white space with the TourX. While young families will still gravitate to Buick\u2019s utes, X marks the spot for orphans, emptynesters and outdoors people who value handling and style.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\">I tested the TourX in that outdoor mecca, Sedona, Arizona. There\u2019s not a lot of white space here. Surrounded by towering pillars of red rock, the Arizona town is one of the most beautiful spots on the planet. My red TourX fit right in.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\">True off-roaders will opt for Jeep Wranglers in this rugged environment, but with its sophisticated all-wheel drive system, low roof (the better for wee Mrs. Payne to fetch things from) and cavernous cargo-hold, the TourX will appeal to many.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\">The same applies in Michigan winters. Other than riding high, all-wheel drive has been a primary attraction for SUVs in grisly weather. All-wheel drive comes standard on TourX, along with a host of other goodies like roof rails, 18-inch wheels and cruise control.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\">I pounded across Arizona Route 152 \u2014 looking up at red rock skyscrapers through the X\u2019s full-length sunroof \u2014 turning the traction control off for all-wheel drifts through switchbacks. At 3,708 pounds, the TourX is less than 100 pounds heavier and less than an inch higher than the Regal Sportback. For all its crossover cladding, its handling says sedan. I tried taking it farther off-road, but this is no Subaru Outback or Volvo Cross Country \u2014 both of which have been jacked to more ute-like heights. Stick to dirt, not rocks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\">Lighter than the Audi All Road by 100 pounds, the TourX is nicely motivated by GM\u2019s workhorse, 2.0-liter turbo-4 mated to a smooth, 8-speed box. A healthy 295 pound-feet of torque \u2014 20 more than the Audi \u2014 comes in early (the Buick only revs to 6,500 rpms) like you want for a cargo-hauler.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\">Determined to compete with its higher-priced peers, Buick\u2019s engineers labored to make the TourX whisper-quiet. \u201cWe\u2019re doing 100 miles per hour?\u201d exclaimed a colleague as I mashed the throttle on Interstate 17. The quiet interior never betrayed the higher speed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\">Buick\u2019s cheaper sticker-price is evident only when you\u2019re inside the cabin.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\">The layout is nice but uninspired. The monotone black dash of my loaded, $41,550 tester lacked the personality of the exterior. The spacious console has but one USB port. Visors lack extenders for the long side windows exposed to the sun. The TourX doesn\u2019t have GM\u2019s innovative heads-up display, despite similar features that are included on cheaper, mainstream models like Honda\u2019s Accord. Even GM\u2019s progressive connectivity was slow here with Android Auto slow to engage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\">Having built an architectural masterpiece, Buick seems to want to see if the house sells before fully decorating all the rooms. But a showpiece it is. Like a Frank Lloyd Wright home with poorly lit hallways, its missteps can be fixed retroactively.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\">Buick has crafted a flowing sculpture with easy roof access and endless, quiet living space. Welcome home, orphans.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\">Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or Twitter @HenryEPayne. Catch \u201cCar Radio with Henry Payne\u201d from noon-1 p.m. Saturdays on 910 AM Superstation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\"><strong>2018 Buick Regal TourX<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\"><strong>Vehicle type:<\/strong>\u00a0Front-engine, all-wheel drive, five-passenger station wagon<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\"><strong>Price:<\/strong>\u00a0$29,995 ($41,550 as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\"><strong>Power plant:<\/strong>\u00a02.0-liter, turbocharged, inline 4-cylinder<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\"><strong>Power:<\/strong>\u00a0250 horsepower, 295 pound-feet of torque<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\"><strong>Transmission:<\/strong>\u00a08-speed automatic<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\"><strong>Performance:<\/strong>\u00a00-60 mph (NA)<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\"><strong>Weight:<\/strong>\u00a03,708 pounds<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\"><strong>Fuel economy:<\/strong>\u00a0EPA 21 mpg city\/29 mpg highway\/24 mpg combined<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\"><strong>Report card<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\"><strong>Highs:<\/strong>\u00a0Cure for the common crossover; room everywhere<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\"><strong>Lows:<\/strong>\u00a0Interior not as inspired as exterior; visor extenders, please<\/p>\n<p class=\"p-text\"><strong>Overall:<\/strong>\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>And now for something completely different. Buick calls the five-door version of its Buick Regal a \u201ccrossover with car-like driver characteristics.\u201d The Environmental Protection Agency calls it a station wagon, and millennials say it\u2019s a hatchback. The badge says it\u2019s a TourX. I call it gorgeous. The long-awaited stunner finally brings Detroit onto the premium [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,87],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21811"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21811"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21811\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21812,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21811\/revisions\/21812"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21811"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21811"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21811"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}