Chinese-market Buick Excelle sedan caught without camo

The next step in Buick's plan for Chinese world domination is a new small sedan based on the Opel Astra called the Buick Excelle. Following what's likely to be its debut for the Chinese market later this month at the Beijing Motor Show, Buick plans to bring the compact sedan to the United States in 2011.

So, with introductions out of the way, let's take a closer look at what will be the smallest car in Buick's completely revised stable. Naturally, the expected toothy, chromed waterfall grille is present and accounted for, flanked on either side by rounded-off, rhomboid headlights. Note, too, the twin vestigial chrome portholes on each side of the mostly flat hood.

Judging from these images, the rest of the car looks much less interesting. The wheels appear small and the profile seems derivative, though not unattractive. Out back are large taillamps with extremely overstated chrome eyelash-like trim pieces. But that's just our opinion. See for yourself in our image gallery below, courtesy of autohome.com.cn.

[Source: Autohome.com.cn via Carscoop]