For 2014 Buick has come up with a number of improvements for its Regal mid-size sedan to make it more competitive against mighty rivals like Acura TSX, Audi A4, Lexus IS 250, Mercedes-Benz CLA 250, Volkswagen CC, and Volvo S60. American cars in this segment have always been the underdog. But that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore, at least with the Regal.

2014 Buick Regal is powered by a new turbo four-cylinder engine that makes an astonishing 259 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. That is a good amount of power form a 2.0 liter, but because it is such a small engine, you can easily reach the EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

This GM 2.0L Turbo unit used in a number of their products is a jewel of an engine, featuring advanced technologies to arrive at the best compromise between downsizing and power. It has two-stage, variable displacement oil pump; new cylinder head design; dual continuously variable cam phasing; special intake design; and a forged steel crankshaft and an inverted-tooth camshaft drive chain – very innovative.

Apart from the engine, the 2014 Buick Regal gets an available advanced all-wheel-drive system with electronic limited-slip differential and HiPer Strut front suspension. That is in addition to some subtle refreshed exterior and interior styling.

In terms of equipment, the car comes standard with next-generation IntelliLink connectivity including eight-inch color touch display, leather-appointed seating surfaces with heated front seats, rear vision camera, and 18-inch alloy wheels. A suite of active safety technologies including full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Change Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert is available. The Koreans can no longer play the ‘features’ card. But that’s OK, because they now have the ‘funky design’ card.