We know, we know, sedans are a dying breed in America - domestic sedans, and compact sports sedans, especially. But we still have a bit of a soft spot for 'em, so we can't help but feel a little left out when one of our own automakers rolls out a new one that we can't have. Particularly when they're as handsome as the new Buick Verano.

Though dead in America for several years already, the Verano is both alive and well in China – Buick's largest market, where it's introducing this all-new model as part of a comprehensive model-line refresh.

The new Chinese-market Verano is about the size of the one we used to get here (which was classified as a compact), but over there it's described as a mid-size sedan. However you categorize it though, it features sharp new bodywork, capped by the brand's signature double-wing grille and flanked by LED headlights, with sculpted flanks leading to a short rear deck with a strip of chrome bisecting the taillights and capping the stylized and chromed dual exhaust tips.

The interior looks nice enough, topped by a two-panel panoramic sunroof – though the 8-inch infotainment display and 4.2-inch screen in the otherwise analog instrument cluster would hardly cut it on our side of the Pacific.

Motivation comes from a choice of turbocharged engines. The base 1.0-liter unit sends 123 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque through a CVT, while the larger 1.3-liter mill is mated to a six-speed automatic and kicks out 162 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. So on the performance front, at least, we don't need to feel too left out.

The real reason we won't see this new Verano in America is pretty obvious - crossovers. GM can't make a business case for models like this here, which is why, after five years of selling about 30,000-40,000 units annually, it discontinued the first-generation model in its own domestic market in 2017.