This related information about 2013, buick first revealed its “Baby Enclave” subcompact CUV at an indefinitely embargoed 2009 GM press event. Three years later, the unveiled at the 2012 Detroit auto show looks vaguely similar to that ’09 concept. The Encore is on a dedicated new CUV platform 9.5 inches longer overall on a 1.2-inch-longer wheelbase compared with Chevy Sonic, with which it shares only seat frames and the 1.4-liter turbo Ecotec. The headlamps clearly must come from another GM car, though. How else to explain the non-functional air-intake filler panels between the lamps and bumper? Premium interior fittings include rich leather, soft plastics, and the kinds of color combinations seen on the Verano.
The usual plethora of Buick accoutrements will include standard StabiliTrak, an acoustic-laminated windshield, active noise cancellation, a 7-inch LCD screen, blue headlight projector ring, and optional lane-departure warning, collision avoidance, and heated steering wheel. Underpinnings are more humble, with MacPherson struts up front and a compound-crank twist-beam axle in back, whether it’s equipped with front drive or all-wheel drive.
Featuring room for five and 48.4 cubic feet (1m732 liters) of storage space with the rear seat folded, the 2013 Buick Encore offers substantial cargo capacity along with higher driving position, all-wheel-drive capability and contemporary styling of a crossover. The 2013 Encore features include 10 standard air bags and an Ecotec 1.4L turbo four-cylinder/six-speed automatic powertrain, along with standard and available technologies such as Buick’s voice-activated IntelliLink – which uses Bluetooth or a USB to connect the driver’s smartphone to a high-resolution, full-color seven-inch LCD display radio. The Buick Encore design highlight include a waterfall grille, chrome accents and surrounds, portholes on the hood and painted lower panels, similar to the Enclave.
The Encore’s interior space compares well with BMW X1 and Audi Q3, two models not yet imported. Cargo space looks tight, though, and the high rear seats provide only adequate legroom. Buick wants the Encore to attract the young, aspirational crowd, but this doesn’t seem to fit the bill. Even if it beats the X1 and Q3 to this market, the small crossover looks better suited for China and South Korea. The new-age Buick design language that wraps around the capacious Enclave so handsomely simply doesn’t make the transition to the shorter, stubby Encore very well.
Interior
You might not expect a 5-passenger crossover to be as finely crafted as a Swiss watch, as tech-savvy as your dream entertainment center and agile enough to maneuver through any narrow city street. But from now on you will. Introducing Encore. The luxury crossover with premium materials, ingenious design, flexible storage and purposeful technology. It’s like we knew exactly what you were missing in a crossover, and created the versatile Encore for you.
Exterior
When it comes to design Encore is one of a kind. It’s sculpted, elegant. It feels nimble, efficient and a luxury crossover all at the same time. Encore will turn heads.
Technology
Inside and out Encore’s technology will do everything for you from give you peace and quiet to peace of mind. Your entertainment and navigation choices are simple, purposeful and empowering—the way personal luxury should be. Here are some of the highlights.
