Buick has unveiled the newest addition to its lineup, the 2013 Encore small crossover.
“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.”
The small Encore seats up to five and is powered by a turbocharged 1.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine that is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The 1.4L puts out 140 horsepower and 148 lb-ft. of torque. Buyers will be able to choose between front or all-wheel-drive.
At just over 168 inches long, the Encore is a small crossover. GM compares it to the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, two small luxury crossovers that aren’t currently sold in the U.S. In terms of styling the Encore adopts many of the same design themes as the other Buick models, like its waterfall grille, chrome accents and surrounds and portholes on the hood.
“The Encore brings Buick’s timeless, sculptural design to the crossover segment in a way that blends elegance, efficiency and utility,” said David Lyon, executive director of design. “There’s confidence in its athletic stance and elemental beauty in its rich details.”
To keep the interior of the Encore quiet, Buick applied its “QuietTuning” process including Buick’s first application of active noise cancellation.
The 2013 Buick Encore will arrive in the first quarter of 2013.
