At the Guangzhou Auto Show, GM debuted its latest addition to the Chinese Buick range - the five-door Excelle XT. Marketed as a coupe-like premium compact hatchback, the Excelle will hit Chinese showrooms in 2010.
Based on the same front-wheel drive platform of the soon-to-be-unveiled Chevrolet Cruze, the Excelle will go on sale in China with a choice of either a naturally aspirated 116-hp 1.6L four-cylinder engine, a peppier 138-hp 1.8L mill, or a 1.6L turbocharged engine that produces 181 hp and up to 196 lb-ft of torque in Superboost mode. A six-speed automatic gearbox comes standard with all engines and no word was given regarding a manual option.
Although the Chinese-spec Excelle shares a platform with the Cruze, it is actually a closer relative of the 2010 Opel Astra, with similar styling. Both cars receive a revised suspension relative to the Cruze, with rebound springs up front to reduce understeer and give a sportier driving experience. Out back, a Watts linkage is added to the package, rather than a Panhard rod. The changes should make the Excelle a much more dynamic car to drive than the Cruze.
Of course, the big question is whether the Excelle will make it across the pond to U.S. soil, where it could join the all-new Regal and LaCrosse as an entry-level addition to Buick's domestic lineup. The car pictured looks virtually identical to the small Buick GM showed us months ago, although the version we saw was a four-door sedan. In the U.S., a sedan likely makes more sense for both buyers' tastes and Buick's image, so the possibility of a U.S. Excelle coming with four doors instead of five is a strong one. And, of course, Buick could also choose to rename the car for the U.S. market, so we're not even sure if our Buick will carry the Excelle moniker.
What do you think of the Chinese-market Buick Excelle? What engine, body style, and name would you like to see on the U.S.-spec car?
Thanks to: Motor Trend