Beware all ye who would doubt the potential of the Chinese auto industry to sell cars in North America.

We are about to witness the third great wave in an Oriental invasion of the world's largest market, led first by Japan then followed by Korea.

Yes, we've all gazed with mild amusement at the current range of Chinese-made automobiles, which wouldn't stand a hare's chance in a lion's den if they were sent here. But the Chinese are adept at borrowing ideas and technology when they need it. As witness this Jinjue (which can be translated either as "Triumphant Horse," or "Winning Gold") from China Brilliance.

It was designed in Italy by Pininfarina and offers four powertrain options, ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 liters, mostly supplied by Shenyang-Mitsubishi. Edmunds Inside Line merely sums up the Jinjue as "another competitor in the crowded compact-car segment in China," and "another Chinese utility-vehicle builder makes the leap to passenger-car production."

I think the Jinjue is much more than that. It shows that a Chinese car company can produce a handsome, well-engineered car that would look good anywhere from Singapore to San Francisco. Even the name has a nice ring to it.