This week, Buick unveiled its latest creation, and it's much more than just a new model for the brand. The Envista represents the future of the brand with its modern and sporty look. It's so different from what Buick currently offers that we almost thought it was a prank when the American manufacturer presented it. However, the Envista is real, and it should allow Buick to reclaim the luxury subcompact SUV segment.

It's safe to say that the brand's designers did a great job with the Envista. It features a sleek silhouette and a sloping roof that gives it a coupe-like appearance. Add to that its impressive front fascia and new logo that gives the impression of a cougar leaving its mark on the hood, and you get a vehicle that is seriously cool.

The interior of the Envista is just as impressive as its exterior design. Not surprisingly, the American manufacturer's SUV benefits from a giant screen serving as a dashboard that incorporates both the multimedia system and the instrument panel. In fact, the infotainment system is displayed on an 11-inch screen, the largest in its class. To be perfectly honest with you, I don't like the round and sharp design of the corners with a lower angle towards the bottom of the screen. It looks like a design straight out of the vision people had of the future in the 50s. However, who knows, maybe I'll see it differently once I'm behind the wheel of the model. For now, I'm just giving you my opinion and first impression. The rest of the interior remains very modern, and even though the steering wheel is a bit simplistic, it's very elegant, especially with the new logo of the brand in its center.

3 versions and one engine

The 2024 Buick Envista will be offered in three different versions, starting with the Preffered model, which will serve as the entry-level version. Then, the small SUV from the American manufacturer will offer a Sport Touring (ST) version with a sportier look. Finally, there will be a luxury version called Avenir.

At the moment, only one engine has been announced for the model. It's a 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine. This engine produces 136 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. It will be paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and the Envista will only be offered with front-wheel drive.

Buick has not yet confirmed Canadian prices for the Envista, but we know that the American manufacturer's small SUV will start at $23,495 US for its least equipped version, which is quite competitive. We should have more details on the Canadian version of the model in the coming weeks.

Jean-Sébastien Poudrier