
The Verano does not belong to the Class B category; it is a Class A+ compact car under the brand. The vehicle is equipped with two engine options: one is a 1.3T SIDI direct-injection turbocharged engine paired with a CVT intelligent continuously variable transmission, and the other is a 1.0T direct-injection turbocharged engine combined with a 6-speed DSS intelligent transmission, delivering maximum power outputs of 121 kW and 92 kW, respectively. The Verano comes in four trim levels, offering six exterior colors and two interior color options. It features a two-piece oversized panoramic sunroof, front-row multi-function seats, a three-spoke sporty multi-function steering wheel, dual-barrel instrument clusters with a 4.2-inch high-definition trip computer, and dual-zone independent automatic climate control.

From my years of experience with American cars, the Verano is quite an interesting model. Although positions it as a 'new-generation sports sedan,' a quick measurement with a tape measure reveals the truth—a 2700mm wheelbase firmly places it in the compact (A-segment) category by industry standards. However, automakers nowadays love cross-segment competition, and the Verano’s rear legroom does offer about two fingers’ width more space than the previous-generation Excelle, while the trunk can fit three carry-on suitcases. During a test drive with a friend, the 1.5T engine delivered stronger acceleration punch than some midsize (B-segment) sedans, though the rear suspension’s performance over speed bumps still betrayed its compact-car roots. In terms of value for money, it’s quite impressive—after all, you’re getting near-B-segment features at an A-segment price point.

The young guy who just moved into the neighborhood last week bought a Verano Pro, and I've specifically researched this car. According to official data, it's 4.66 meters long, a full 15 cm shorter than the Passat, and 200 kg lighter. In actual driving, the steering feels light and agile, making it suitable for city commuting, but the body roll during high-speed cornering is noticeably more pronounced than the Magotan. The key point is its price range of 100,000 to 150,000 yuan—at this price point, a B-segment car means you can only opt for used ones. Its dual-screen interior looks quite premium, but the material details don't hold up under scrutiny, with the door panels feeling much more plasticky than the Accord.

This is a common question we often encounter at 4S dealerships. The classification standards are quite clear: B-segment cars generally start with a wheelbase of 2800mm, while the Verano only has 2700mm; engine displacement is typically above 2.0L, but the Verano features a 1.5T as its main offering; a curb weight of 1.5 tons is the dividing line, whereas the Verano weighs just over 1.3 tons. However, has cleverly equipped the Verano with B-segment features like active braking and lane keeping assist, and even mimicked the LaCrosse's diamond-quilted stitching on the seats, creating an illusion of a higher segment.

Last year, I rented a Verano GS for a week, and the most profound impression was how incredibly convenient it was for parking. In standard parking spaces, the front wouldn’t stick out, and it easily fit into mall mechanical parking spots—something simply impossible with a B-segment car. However, its shortcomings became apparent when traveling with my parents. My dad, who’s 1.8 meters tall, said his head was almost touching the roof when sitting in the back seat, and after fitting a stroller into the trunk, there was no room left for luggage. Later, upon checking the data, I discovered that the Verano is classified under Compact Car in all automotive platform specifications.

From an old car enthusiast's perspective, this is quite amusing. A decade ago, the old Regal was the standard B-segment car, but now the Verano's naming feels like 'brand infringement.' It still uses the previous-generation Opel Astra's D2 platform for its chassis, with a wheelbase 10 cm shorter than German B-segment cars. However, with cars getting bigger these days, calling it an A+ segment would be more accurate. If you're serious about a B-segment car, at the same price range, you might want to consider the Skoda Octavia or Nissan Qashqai—those are proper mid-size cars in terms of dimensions.


