Photo: Buick China via auto.ifeng.com
As we were previously promised by General Motors Chinese arm, the 2015 Buick Excelle GT made its highly-awaited online debut in the Asian country. Before going on sale in China in March, Buick was kind enough to share a few studio photographs and some specs for the Buick-badged 2016 Chevrolet Cruze's posh brother.
Underpinned by the same D2XX platform, Buick China claims that the 2015 Excelle GT “understands consumer demand for the mid-size car segment.” Compared to the model it replaces, it’s easy to see that changes aren’t only skin deep. Starting with the neat and iconic waterfall front grille finished in shiny chrome, the Excelle GT boasts with LED-accented daytime running lights which resemble those of the Opel / Vauxhall Insignia (Buick Regal in the US of A).
Based on AutoHome.com.cn’s spy photos of a completely camo free example of the breed, the rear of the Excelle GT is far less enticing than the front fascia, mainly due to the hideously styled taillights and way too simplistic rear bumper design. The squarish rear windshield is an aesthetic detail that doesn’t woo us either. As for the side profile view, it’s business as usual for a Buick model - not too ugly nor too cool. It’s “just so”.
Inside we can see many improvements over the outgoing Excelle. Flanked by two analogue gauges there’s a color LCD screen that can display driver-oriented information at the push of a button. In a similar manner, the two central air vents flank what looks like a cheap variant of GM’s 8-inch MyLink touchscreen infotainment system. Though it’s hard to put the finger on the quality of the plastics used inside the Excelle GT, the leather upholstery, faux wood and metal-like trim don’t look half bad from our point of view.
In terms of mechanicals, the D2XX accommodates independent rear suspension and an entry-level 1.5-liter petrol unit with 113 horsepower, which is mated to a six-speed manual. As for the more punchy 1.4-liter turbo with 140 horsepower under its belt, this four-banger lump is conjoined as standard to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Considering that almost 50 percent marketshare is taken by C-segment sedans such as the all-new Chevrolet Cruze, a lot is expected from the new Buick on the block.
Based on AutoHome.com.cn’s spy photos of a completely camo free example of the breed, the rear of the Excelle GT is far less enticing than the front fascia, mainly due to the hideously styled taillights and way too simplistic rear bumper design. The squarish rear windshield is an aesthetic detail that doesn’t woo us either. As for the side profile view, it’s business as usual for a Buick model - not too ugly nor too cool. It’s “just so”.
Inside we can see many improvements over the outgoing Excelle. Flanked by two analogue gauges there’s a color LCD screen that can display driver-oriented information at the push of a button. In a similar manner, the two central air vents flank what looks like a cheap variant of GM’s 8-inch MyLink touchscreen infotainment system. Though it’s hard to put the finger on the quality of the plastics used inside the Excelle GT, the leather upholstery, faux wood and metal-like trim don’t look half bad from our point of view.
In terms of mechanicals, the D2XX accommodates independent rear suspension and an entry-level 1.5-liter petrol unit with 113 horsepower, which is mated to a six-speed manual. As for the more punchy 1.4-liter turbo with 140 horsepower under its belt, this four-banger lump is conjoined as standard to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Considering that almost 50 percent marketshare is taken by C-segment sedans such as the all-new Chevrolet Cruze, a lot is expected from the new Buick on the block.
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