Car manufactures always try to devise new ways to get the most publicity out of launching a new product. Sending a press release and some images, or pulling the wraps off at a motor show, is simply not enough.
For the all-new Buick Encore, GM chose to reveal pieces of a puzzle that completed an image of the vehicle. Yet, even though we could see most of it, the final piece that was missing fell into place today at the Detroit Auto Show.
Based on a modified version of GM's Gamma II platform architecture that underpins the Chevrolet Spark / Sonic and the next Opel Corsa, the Encore measures 4,278 mm (168.5 inches) in length, 1.774 mm (69.9 inches) in width and 1.646 mm (64.8 inches) in height.
It has a wheelbase of 2,555 mm (100.6 inches) and its trunk volume ranges from 533-1.372 lt (18.8-48.4 cubic inches), depending on whether the rear seats are in place or completely folded.
Even though it's roughly the same size as the Nissan Juke, Buick prefers to position it against two more luxurious crossovers that are not sold in the U.S., the BMW X1 and Audi Q3.
Buick’s new small crossover is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 140HP and 148 lb-ft (200 Nm) of peak torque delivered at just 1,850 rpm. It is available with a six-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive, both of which feature a McPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension.
“The Buick Encore is a great-looking, smart choice for those who want luxury crossover amenities in a more maneuverable and agile vehicle”, said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. “It represents a luxury alternative for a new audience of Buick customers, and delivers features and flexibility not typically found in vehicles of its size today.”
Depending on the trim model, the Encore will be offered with 10 airbags, electronic stability control, voice-activated Bluetooth and USB smartphone connection, a seven-inch LCD display, remote engine start, dual-zone climate control, automatic wipers, heated, leather-covered and power front seats and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Sales of Buick's new small crossover will start in the first quarter of 2013, while Opel will also offer its own version of the Encore named Mokka.
11 Comments:
Mixed feelings. I need to see it in the flesh because it looks really dumpy from some angles. Interior looks wicked and the HP/Torque will make this a blast to drive. Promising.
Not bad looking. I agree with Bluetheimpala though in that I will have to see it in person. Looks from some views to be rather skinny and tall.
Who are they kidding the X1 and Q3 are not sold in the US, so you would be competing against the Juke and MINI.
Anyways, it looks crushed and weird. Like when a picture is squeezed on your desktop.
So the new Buick is smaller than the Saturn Vue based vehicle they passed on making a few years ago? I thought they passed on that vehicle because it wasn't "Buick" enough. I'm not sure that people who would consider a vehicle this size will consider Buick- but I hope I'm wrong.
No, it wasn't because the "Vuick" wasn't Buick enough, it was because everyone knew that it was a straight badge job just to take up slack from a then deceased Saturn.
This, despite being smaller, not only looks better, but will do 2 things:
Help GM's meet their CAFE targets.
Appeal to the already Buick-happy Chinese.
If they are trying to capture the female SUV buyer they might do alright. This car does nnot seem like a mans car though. It seems to pretty and dainty to be a proper SUV, more like a hatchback with a high ride/drive position. Nothing too interesting here....
At least the Juke achieves being a stylistic mess...what's the Encore's excuse?
This is a essentially a jacked-up Sonic with used-bar-of-soap sheetmetal and a slightly tarted-up interior. I wonder if it will make much a dent in the soccer-mom/real estate agent market which currently prefers behemoth SUV/CUV's.
too many buttons in the dash
First impression, it's silhouette/shape mimics somewhat that on an "oversized" compact crossover, the Suzuki SX4 HB.
That's trunk volume in "cubic feet", "cubic inches"!
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