Road Test: 2012 Buick Regal GS

Over the course of a long, fast drive from Detroit to New Orleans and back, the menacing-looking 2012 Buick Regal GS was full of pleasant surprises. Thanks to a trick new front suspension and excellent drive-train engineering, it was among the best sporty front-wheel sedans I've ever driven.

The Regal GS delivers a shot of adrenaline directly to the brand's heart. Its direct-injected turbo produces a tarmac-ripping 295 pound-feet of torque at just 2,400 rpm for effortless acceleration. An adjustable, performance-tuned suspension endows the front-wheel drive GS with exceptional handling and stability. The car also features a good voice-recognition system for phones, audio and other systems. The Regal GS doesn't have memory seats or blind-spot alert, features I expect in a $34,450 midsize sedan. Other than that, Buick's fast and agile new sedan gets everything right.

The Regal GS gives Buick a performance car to run with comparable models from Acura, Audi and Volvo. It features a 270-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Built in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, it just went on sale.

Regal GS prices start at $34,450. The base model is extremely well-equipped, but a six-speed manual is the only transmission available at the moment. A six-speed automatic arrives -- at no additional cost -- in the second quarter of 2012.

I tested a GS with an optional power sunroof and a $35,450 sticker.

The car competes with other sporty front-wheel drive sedans like the Acura TL and TSX, Audi A4 2.0T, Lincoln MKZ and Volvo S60 T5. The Regal GS' combination of power, price, comfort and performance compares very well to those models. It lacks some features a premium sporty sedan should offer, though.

The Buick's advanced little engine generates more torque than any of the competitors. GM's HiPer strut -- short for high-performance -- front suspension eliminates the torque steer that frequently damages powerful front-drive cars' handling. The steering and suspension can be adjusted for sporty feel and performance. Four-piston Brembo brakes complete the fast and capable package.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive. Rear legroom is tight, and the front seat could use a bit more storage space for sunglasses, iPods, phones, etc.

The lack of memory for the driver's seat and mirror settings is disappointing in an otherwise excellent car. Blind-spot alert should also be available in a $35,000-plus sporty midsize sedan.

The GS' exterior features a lowered ride height, unique body-colored front and rear fascias, 19- or 20-inch multispoke alloy wheels, fat tires and twin trapezoidal exhaust outlets.

It made an impression on the road. Other drivers slipped quickly out of the left lane when the GS loomed in their rearview mirrors.

2012 BUICK REGAL GS

Front-wheel drive five-passenger sporty sedan

Price range: $34,450-$37,790

Price as tested: $35,450

Rating: Four out of four stars

Reasons to buy: Performance, looks, voice-recognition system

Shortcomings: Lack of common features, rear legroom

Bottom line: A sporty front-wheel sedan that can compete with rival models