Encore is built on a global small-crossover platform and engineered with a “one-tire” philosophy. Everything is tuned for a single 18-inch tire specification.
Buick is exploring unknown territory with the production version its Encore SUV now on display at NAIAS. Last year the tiny Encore concept – 168.5 inches long – also debuted in Detroit. The Encore SUV is about 10 inches shorter than the Honda CRV. It’s accurately described a B+ sized sub-compact SUV.
Encore has room for five, really four smallish, people and up to 48.4 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seat folded, which compares favorably against similar-sized international competitors, the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3. As an added plus the front passenger seat fold flat for more interior storage room. The question is what’s it an ‘encore’ to, since Buick has never had an offering in this growing sub-compact segment. In fact, Buick has never offered anything this small. However a fresh SUV in a segment that will add an estimated more than 350,000 units by 2015 bodes well for Buick sales, all of which will be incremental to GM. The flip side is the continuing decline of traditional large SUVs, but that’s not a Buick brand problem because it is well positioned with a revised 2013 Enclave crossover in the mid-size segment, too. Enclave ended the year as Buick’s top-selling retail model, with more than 50,000 vehicles delivered to customers. Chevrolet and GMC are another issue, though.
Encore has 10 standard air bags and an Ecotec 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine linked to a six-speed automatic transaxle in front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions. The engine produces an estimated 140 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm) between 1,850 rpm and 4,900 rpm. No fuel economy numbers or prices were provided. Although Encore cannot be considered light weight with its 3190 to 3309 curb weights. The engine surprisingly uses a cast iron block.
So called QuietTuning is standard on the Encore, which is Buick’s first use of active noise cancellation technology in an attempt to remove the harshness, noise and vibrations of a turbo-four in what is termed a luxury crossover by General Motors.
Encore has ceiling-mounted microphones to detect engine noise. These frequencies of are processed by a computer that directs counteracting sound waves – 180 degrees out of phase – through the audio system’s speakers and subwoofer. An acoustically treated headliner with a tuned gap between it and the high-strength-steel roof panel, and other sound-absorbing materials are used in the cabin, under the hood and in the wheel house liners.
Buick will also offer a voice-activated IntelliLink – which uses Bluetooth or a USB to connect the driver’s Smartphone to a high-resolution, color seven-inch LCD display radio.
More of the Encore’s comfort and luxury features – standard and optional – include:
- Remote vehicle start
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Rain sense wipers
- Bose premium sound system
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls
- Six-way, power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar adjustment and driver memory.
(Read AutoInformed on Stubby Buick Encore SUV Debuts – Revenge of CAFE Regs? and Buick 2013 Encore Teaser Photo – Will it Play in China? and VW Taigun, Nissan Extrem Mini SUVs Unveiled in São Paulo following the Intro of the Production Chevrolet Trax at the Paris Motor Show)
