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Walkaround
From some angles the new LeSabre offers styling cues that would not look out of place on a Jaguar, yet it still maintains a strong Buick family look with nicely rounded edges. Although the overall appearance of the new car is similar to the old car, it has all-new sheet metal with more curves. In particular, the side profile has a nice curvy upturn along the rear doors to a high trunk that gives the car classic lines that befit its position as a premium sedan.At the front, the LeSabre has a distinctive grille that sits well forward and is almost part of the front bumper. The headlights are well integrated into the lines of the car. Buick claims that the new body is much stiffer than the previous model giving the car a better ride and crisper handling. Safety is an important part of LeSabre's image and Buick has gone to great lengths to improve the safety of occupants in the newest model. Apart from dual airbags it also includes side airbags for the front seats. Anti-lock brakes working on all four wheels are standard on all LeSabre models. An optional vehicle stability control system called StabiliTrak is available as part of a driver-confidence package that includes self-sealing tires and a head-up driver display. StabiliTrak helps keep the car on the correct line through a corner in slippery conditions by gently applying the brakes on one or more wheels. It cannot overcome the laws of physics but it does add a margin of safety by reducing the effects of driver errors. The head-up display projects speed and other information onto the windshield in front of the driver's eyes. The seat belts on the front seats are mounted to the seat frame so they move with the seat for greater comfort. The seats boast a new design engineers like to call a catcher's mitt." The seat back is much stiffer than usual; in an accident it holds the person in place and the headrest moves forward to lessen whiplash. It is especially effective in the common low-speed rear-end accident, according to Buick."
Interior Features
Visually there might not be a great change to the new LeSabre but inside it's another story. Buick has totally redesigned the dashboard to give the car a fresh, modern, luxurious look. The dash sweeps across the width of the car with a canopy over the instruments extending from the passenger side to the driver's door panel. This design gives the interior an open feeling and integrates the door trim into the dashboard nicely. A wide strip of faux wood trim extends along the door panels and across the center of the dashboard.The driver information center on the Limited model has a digital readout that can display oil temperature, fuel consumption, tire pressure and other data. Round analog gauges are easy to read. At a touch of a button the speedometer will read speed in kilometers per hour, which obviates the need for a second set of small kph numbers on the dial. A front bench seat is standard on the LeSabre, split 40/60 so the driver's side can be adjusted separately from the passenger seat. A bench seat does not provide much support for the driver compared to a bucket seat and the LeSabre's is no exception. Cover it in leather and you may find yourself sliding around on windy roads. The model we tested came with an optional center console with two large cupholders that spring out at the touch of a button. A large flat surface flips out that is designed to be a writing surface. It could prove useful for people who need to have a notepad handy while on the road. But it sits at an awkward angle and we found it difficult to use. Wide doors allow easy access to the front and rear seats. Rear seat passengers will find plenty of room. The slightly longer wheelbase and wider track on this new LeSabre increase rear seating space. It gets a bit tight with three adults back there, however. An optional center armrest in the rear features an opening behind it to provide space for skis and other long objects.
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