The Envision is an elegant machine that looks like it could have emanated from the design studios of GM’s former European arm, Opel. The sole engine offered is a 228 horsepower, turbocharged, 2L four. Power reaches all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. Standard active safety equipment includes a forward collision warning, including pedestrians, autonomous emergency braking, a lane departure warning and a lane-keep assist system. Blind spot and rear cross traffic warnings are optional.

While the lower extremities of the front fascia are pierced by superfluous accents, the exterior design of the new Envision is elegant and nicely-proportioned. The driver faces a crisply-marked, conventional-looking gauge package, to the immediate right of this, incorporated into the main dashboard, is a massive touchscreen that is set at an angle that eases access by the driver. Climate and audio controls are conventional and located lower on the dash centre stack. The rest of the cabin is combines visual serenity that depends on shape, rather than applied ornament, to create a luxurious look.

All-wheel drive, standard on the Essence and Avenir trims, is a $2400 option on the Preferred. The Preferred base trim, with L.E.D. headlamps and the turbo engine, is nicely equipped. The Essence upgrade adds leather seating, power front seats, a memory system, heated rear seats and an eight inch infotainment screen in place of the 4.2 inch unit, is very good value and equipped in a way to please most buyers. The Avenir range-topper adds a luggage blind, a head-up display system, a panoramic sunroof, a garage door opener, a 360º camera system, navigation, active cruise control, continuous damping control, 20 inch wheels, self parking and rear camera washing, is good value.

Not rated, new vehicle. Complex electronic components have not been completely reliable in other GM vehicles so a GM extended warranty is recommended if you plan to keep the Envision beyond the four year/80,000 km bumper to bumper warranty. Six year/110,000 kilometre powertrain warranty.