At first glance, with only three models in the lineup, I allowed myself a moment to doubt the wisdom of keeping the Buick banner within the GM family. But the executives had to honour their promises, one of which was to bring back the Regal, vanished as of 2004. But why reintroduce a nameplate whose glorious past was tarnished by its recent, rather insipid history?

The answer comes to us straight from Europe. Having gathered no less than 38 awards and recognitions, including the title of “European Car of the Year,” the Opel Insignia has arrived on our shores as the 2011 Buick Regal. So the foundations are more than solid for the brand’s reawakening. Does the car do justice to its name? It certainly does - and it’s simply delightful on the road.

Eye candy
The metamorphosis from Opel to Buick is limited to the front fascia and the waterfall grille typical of the brand. The superbly fluid, utterly unpretentious lines create a lithe body, all curves and suppleness. The only physical trait that, I hope, will become typical of Buick is the indentation stretching from the front doors to the tail lamps.

Despite the fact that the Regal is a dynamically inclined machine, the designers didn’t succumb to the siren call of the four-door coupe. The roofline plunges downward but not excessively so, maintaining the car’s practical appeal. The door sills lighten its profile and seemingly disappear under the car. And to complete the overall look, 18-inch and optional 19-inch wheels fill the wells.

A cabin in stark contrast to the past
The new Regal has jettisoned the front bench and the console-free dash board. The very dynamic, slightly sporty interior welcomes you in a well-crafted environment where quality materials are the norm. Although very sober, the atmosphere is spruced up with numerous accents. The interior boomerang door handles with the grey plastic appliqués that repeat elsewhere in the cabin relieve the monotony, especially if the cabin is decked out in black. The ergonomics are efficient, as all the controls are both intuitive and at hand.

And finding a comfortable driving position is easy: the driver benefits from a 12-way adjustable seat (8-way standard) while the passenger has to make do with a 4-way adjustable number (2-way standard). A rarity in the class, the inflatable lumbar supports are also adjustable. Quite firm, the seats offer ideal conditions for long hours spent behind the wheel. I drove over 500 km in one day, and not one of my body parts complained along the way. The rear passengers, depending on their height, won’t have such a pleasant time of it, I’m afraid. The roof line cuts into their headroom, but thankfully the interior roof features small recesses that increase available space. Despite its size, the cabin doesn’t offer up enough storage spaces, and the one in the centre armrest isn’t big enough.

Openly targeting entry-level luxury vehicles like the Acura TSX, Buick had to include a considerable amount of goodies for the occupants. From the blue lighting scheme emerge the controls for the XM satellite radio, Bluetooth, the driver information centre, the dual-zone air conditioner and the OnStar system. The Turbo version also inherits the ultrasonic rear parking assist as standard equipment (optional on the CXL). Very few options are available for one version or the other: a Harman/Kardan audio system and a navigation system with a 7-inch display and 40-Gb hard drive are the only two in the catalogue.

Following the trend
With today’s green trend, less and less automakers will be offering a choice of big engines. The European-style Regal is no exception and can’t be equipped with a V6.

In fact, only two four-cylinder mills are on offer. The CXL version, currently available from $31,990, is powered by the 2.4-litre ECOTEC and produces 182 hp. Coupled with the six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, you get a combined fuel-efficiency rating of 8.8 L / 100 km (10.8 L city / 6.5 L highway) While unquestionably excellent, the engine was a bit borderline during our road test in the Rocky Mountains. The brakes aren’t as dynamic as the other systems, and the pedal feels a tad spongy.

However, this minor gripe with the CXL version is nonexistent in the Turbo model. The larger-diameter brakes offer the necessary resistance when needed. The CXL Turbo comes equipped with the 2.0-litre ECOTEC generating 220 hp and 258 ft-lb of torque. The version also includes the Interactive Drive Control System. Three modes are available: Normal, Tour and Sport. With each mode, the system changes the suspension, steering, acceleration and stability parameters. The changes in driving dynamics are really noticeable from one mode to the next and give the Turbo version a truly unique personality. Two transmissions can be ordered: a six-speed manual transmission or the same six-speed autobox as the CXL. Future fans of the Turbo will have to wait till fall before getting behind the wheel, when it will be available from $34,990.

Buick equals fun
The Regal’s driving dynamics are really surprising. Several factors contribute to the driving enjoyment and exemplary handling. The chassis is unshakeable and well-calibrated; it feels solid beneath you. And the nice grip of the steering wheel and the hydraulic steering ensure great liveliness.

A sure bet
Without the shadow of a doubt, GM was right to import the Insignia as the Regal for our markets. Extremely competitive, it has no cause to envy its rivals. Behind the wheel, it quickly becomes apparent how it earned its avalanche of titles. While it’s built in Germany for now, GM will transfer the assembly of the cars destined for North America to Oshawa, Ontario, in the spring of 2011.

The only question that remains is, is this car regal or delightful? I would simply say that it’s regally delightful!