By Alex Nunez on June 8, 2010 in
What you see above is the new Chinese-market Buick Excelle GT, which goes on sale there later this month. Why China first? Simple: China's the only reason Buick still exists at all; it's a popular brand in what is now the world's largest auto market. The Excelle GT (expected to have a different name when it eventually arrives Stateside) shares its basic DNA with the forthcoming 2011 Chevrolet Cruze sedan (the replacement for the aged Chevy Cobalt), and will be offered with a choice of regular or turbocharged four-cylinder engines. It's been reported that we'll see the turbo in the U.S. version, and it's probably not outlandish to assume that a non-turbo will also show up as the base engine (GM is following that modus operandi with the Chevy Cruze).
Why is Buick adding a premium compact to the lineup? For one, it'll lower the brand's cost of entry, (right now, the cheapest Buick Regal and Lacrosse models carry a base MSRP of $26,245). In addition to that, it'll likely be the most fuel-efficient car in the lineup -- also important as stricter fuel economy rules take effect over time.
Lastly, the competition is doing it, too. Lexus already has a compact hybrid sedan in the HS 250h and will add yet another compact model in the CT 200h hatchback (also a hybrid). When Ford announced the demise of Mercury last week, its product chief also said a compact, fuel-efficient Lincoln is in the works. And don't forget the Volkswagen Jetta, which is due for replacement very soon and can already be outfitted to a premium level, options-wise. Whenever it arrives here, Buick's premium entry-level sedan will find plenty of natural rivals to do battle with.