Along with the refreshed Cadillac SLS, Buick unveiled a completely new model for the Chinese market at the Guangzshou Auto Show – the Buick Excelle XT. While Buick is calling the XT a 5-door coupe-like sedan, enthusiasts know that this is a rebadged version of the all-new Opel Astra hatch. In fact, there is nothing “coupe like” or “sedan” about it – it’s a hatch whatever way you look at it.

The Excelle XT will include a six-speed automatic transmission with sport-shifting capability, with a choice of three gasoline-sipping four-bangers:

• 1.6 liter high-output turbo. Delivers 181 hp (113 hp per liter) and 173 lb-ft of torque (235 Nm). Buick says that this is the most powerful series production engine in its displacement class
• 1.6 liter naturally aspirated with a two-stage variable intake manifold. Delivers 116 hp (85 kW) and 114 lb.-ft (155 Nm) of torque
• 1.8 liter with double continuous variable cam phasing. Delivers 138 hp (103 kW) and 130 lb-ft (175 Nm) of torque.

The Excelle XT will go on sale in China sometime in 2010 and will slot in between the Regal and the Excelle (basically a Buick-badged Daewoo Lacetti). Buick North America is expected to get the new Opel Astra sometime in 2011 for the 2012 model year. By that time, we hope a sedan version of the Astra will be released to appeal to the sedan-loving tastes of the U.S.

Check out the Excellle XT gallery below, with the full press release available after the break.

2011 Buick Excelle XT – Chinese Market

2011 Buick Excelle XT - Chinese Market