2012 Buick Verano stickers for $23,470

Buick has stamped the compact 2012 Verano sedan with a $23,470 base price, including destination.

Set to go on sale later this year, the Verano comes in three trim levels that use a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The top-level Verano costs $26,850 with destination.

Buick expects the Verano to help widen its customer base. According to Buick, the Verano has the premium amenities typical of the brand but has more passenger room and cargo room than competitors such as the Acura TSX or the Lexus IS 250.

Inside, the Verano mimics the Buick LaCrosse's plush cabin and overall focus on comfort with added measures for noise reduction. The upper-level model has the same leather used for the LaCrosse interior, while the standard base model has vinyl seat coverings, a high-resolution backlit LED radio display, remote start and steering-wheel-mounted radio controls.

When using the remote start, the Verano's seat heaters automatically activate in temperatures of below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, as do the rear defogger and heated outside mirrors.

Available options include a heated steering wheel and push-button start on lower-level models (the latter being standard on the highest trim). A nine-speaker Bose sound system is available on all trims, and the price includes six months of OnStar service.

By Michelle Koueiter