The refreshed Buick Regal boasts a stylish redesign, interior tweaks such as an updated multifunction steering wheel, and a revised infotainment system with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. It's a pity, then, that we won't be able to enjoy any of these changes in North America.

In August, sources informed us that US production of the Regal had officially come to an end. This follows the local departure of another General Motors product, the Chevrolet Impala, earlier this year. Based on pictures of the upgraded Regal going on sale now in China, we're missing out.

The Regal was a stylish prospect before but even more so now, following changes such as reshaped headlamp clusters and different lower bumper design. Inside, the center console has been changed with a button-selector for the transmission in place of a more conventional upright shift lever. This leaves space for two large cupholders for the driver and front-seat passenger.

Whereas the standard Regal Sportback in the US came with only a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot engine (a bigger V6 was reserved for the Regal GS), China's version receives both a thrifty 1.5L turbo with 166 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque as well as a 2.0L turbo with 233 hp and 258 lb-ft. A nine-speed automatic transmission applies to both.

In China, the 2021 Buick Regal starts off at a price of 188,800 CNY for the 1.5T Elite, which is equivalent to $27,614 at current exchange rates. The range is topped by the 2.0T Luxury at 216,800 CNY (around $31,710).

With the Regal departing and the LaCrosse already gone, Buick will focus its attention on its crossover range in North America. This includes the stylish new Envision, which is attractively priced and will arrive early next year, as well as the new Encore GX. While sedans like the latest Regal will be missed, you can't blame GM for catering to exactly what the market wants.