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Ahead of its expected debut at the Beijing Auto Show later this month, several shots have appeared online showing a fully uncovered (and quite handsome) Buick Excelle. In case you're wondering why you might care about a Chinese market Buick, well, it's because the Excelle is slated to arrive in North America next year – possibly badged as the Verano.
We're really liking the front-end design – just like on the larger LaCrosse, but the rear end isn't doing anything for us. As for the rather basic looking interior, expect somewhat of an upgrade for the U.S version, as it will have to at least be a slight step above the Cruze – which is already quite nice.
Slotting in under the new Regal model, the Excelle is based on the same chassis as the Opel Astra – making it a sister car to the Chevy Cruze. That being said, its easy to surmise that the base engine is likely to be the 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec motor with 138-hp, while a larger 1.6-liter turbocharged motor (currently used in the Opel Astra Hatch) will make 180-hp. Recent spy photos of an Excelle GT also raised speculation that the car might be offered in high-end GS trim when it arrive in the U.S. with the Regal's 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder making 220-hp and 258 ft-lbs of torque.
More: Spied: Buick Excelle Fully Revealed in China on AutoGuide.com
