“On the Road USA” takes us on an NSIDE look at a luxury sport sedan that is getting a lot of attention in the automotive market. You know how we are today: Luxury is not enough. We want more power and cool sporty features without parting ways with elegance and style. Well, Buick has hit the mark this year with its 2011 Regal Turbo.

This mid-sized sedan is the exclamation mark on Buick’s presence in the 21st century. Designers focused on excitement, comfort and performance when they put pen to paper and resurrected the Regal nameplate.

Buick last offered a Regal in the United States in 2004. This all-new 2011 version shares its basic design with the European-market Opel Insignia, but don’t be fooled. This U.S. version offers so much more.

The Regal’s exterior boasts sporty lines, smooth edges and overall eye-catching looks. Standouts include its waterfall grille and standard 18-inch wheels, which can be upgraded to 19s.

There are two powertrains: a direct-injected, 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque, and the one I tested, which was equipped with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, direct-injection four that produces 220 hp and 258 lb-ft. Both engines come with standard six-speed automatic transmissions.

On the road, the Regal really shines. It’s well-balanced with smooth acceleration. Hit the gas, and you will see 60 miles per hour in about eight-in-a-half seconds. Combined fuel economy is estimated at around 21 miles per gallon.

The interior is very comfortable. I had lots of legroom behind the wheel. There are plenty of standard features, and the trunk provides a 14.2-cubic-foot cargo area. The 2011 Regal is backed by a solid warranty, and it’s an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) top safety pick.

You can pick up a 2011 Buick Regal starting in the mid-$20,000 range.

For more information on the Buick Regal, visit www.buick.com.