Filed under: Crossover, Buick, Design/Style

As Buick unleashed its rather deliberate teaser strategy for its 2013 Encore crossover, there was much speculation among both industry pundits and Autoblog commenters about what size the vehicle actually is. Having seen it in person and now having the full measurements at hand, we feel comfortable telling you that the Encore is probably smaller than you think.

Riding atop a 100.6-inch wheelbase, the Encore only spans 168.5 inches, making it smaller than the five-door Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, which straddles a 104.8-inch wheelbase and spans 171.5 inches overall. The Encore's platform is based on Gamma II architecture, which is related to - but not identical - to the framework underneath the Chevrolet Sonic. Buick is making bold proclamations about the Encore being a pioneer in the premium subcompact crossover market, and as if to emphasize the point, General Motors compares the vehicle to the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 in its press materials - vehicles that aren't even sold in North America.

Like the Sonic, the Encore relies on the 1.4-liter turbo four backed by a Hydramatic six-speed automatic, and the powertrain is tuned to deliver 140 horsepower at 4,900 rpm and 148 pound-feet at 1,850 rpm. In typical Buick fashion, engineers have placed significant emphasis on a hushed interior, fitting an acoustic-laminated windshield and standard 18-inch "quiet-tuned" Continental tires along with active noise cancelling through the audio system - a Buick first.

It will be interesting to see where the Encore is priced when it hits dealers - the Verano sedan is currently Buick's least expensive offering at $23,470, but it's larger in size. For the full details, hit the jump for the official press blast.

Continue reading 2013 Buick Encore is smaller than you think

2013 Buick Encore is smaller than you think originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6>Permalink | Email this | Comments

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It looks great and looks like an up scale last gen Saturn VUE.

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Buick, Luxury

Buick used the bright lights of the Detroit Auto Show to unveil the 2013 Encore; a mite-sized crossover that will be smaller than other vehicles in its class. In fact, the Encore is only 168 inches long, and its wheelbase is only 104.8 inches across. Even with those diminutive proportions, the Encore still manages to house 48 cubic feet of cargo with the second-row seats folded flat. The front passenger seat also folds for additional storage.

Buick also worked hard to distinguish the cabin of the Encore, with active noise cancellation that General Motors design boss Ed Welburn claims will be among the quietest in its class. The Encore will also feature Buick IntelliLink, which includes a seven-inch LCD screen plus Bluetooth that works with smart phones for hands-free calling and access to Pandora and Stitcher.

The Encore will be powered by the same 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine currently under the hood of the Chevrolet Sonic and Cruze. The mini mill pumps out 140 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. That's not a lot of power, but keep in mind that the Encore rides on a revised version of the Chevy Sonic platform.

Hit the jump to read over the Buick press release, and click on the gallery above to peruse the high-resolution images from the show floor.

Continue reading Buick Encore brings small to the big stage of Detroit

Buick Encore brings small to the big stage of Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6>Permalink | Email this | Comments

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merged your two topics

Noobs

merged your two topics

Noobs

It's an RSS import, I'm not posting these manually

O ?

LOL Joe technology fail.

I really like this new Buick.

GM is really doing good on changing Buick's image.

OMG Chris said something good about GM.

I like GM when they aren't being assbackwards.

' timestamp='1326247309' post='64784']

I like GM when they aren't being assbackwards.

Am I a bad person for trying to get my girlfriend's parents to buy GM to replace her now totaled Hyundai?? LOL

Depends on the model...

Tell them to get the upcoming Cruze diesel.

' timestamp='1326256229' post='64803']

Depends on the model...

Tell them to get the upcoming Cruze diesel.

Her family doens't believe that American cars and quality can be the same. Its quite upsetting really.

She really likes the look of the 5th Gen GA and the 6th and 7th Gen GP.

While Hyundai has come leaps and bounds in just six years, that Sonata of your g/f's is nothing to gloat about quality wise.

5th gen GA? Make sure it's low miles, same with GPs. They're fickle cars, and don't take nicely to neglect.

Her family doens't believe that American cars and quality can be the same. Its quite upsetting really.

I hate those people: "Oh it's made by Americans, it must be put together with duct tape and gorilla glue instead of bolts and welds"