Encore is built on a global small-crossover platform and engineered with a 'one-tire' spec. All versions globally are tuned for a single 18-inch tire.
Buick today introduced the all-new 2013 Encore – a Korean-made small crossover that goes on sale in early 2013 in North America. Encore joins a line of Buick vehicles that has recently seen the additions of the Verano compact luxury sedan, the Regal GS sport sedan, as well as ongoing LaCrosse and Enclave models. The Encore SUV is a mere 168.5 inches long – about 10 inches shorter than the new Honda CRV.
Encore has room for five people and up to 48.4 cubic feet (1,372 liters) of storage space with the rear seat folded, which compares favorably against similar-sized international competitors, the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3. The question is what’s it an ‘encore’ to, as Buick has never had an offering in this growing compact segment.
The real challenge for all new Buicks going forward is not whether the vehicle will play in Peoria, but rather how it plays in Shanghai? Buick sold a record 645,537 vehicles, an increase of 17.4% in China during 2011– more than three times what Buick sold in the U.S at 177,633.
Dark and light colors are used, along with ice blue ambient lighting, both bright and wood-grain trim.
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.
“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.
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. Engineers have several choices to mitigate NVH – block them at their source, prevent sounds from entering the cabin and then absorbing any remaining sounds. One traditional approach, using a smooth six-cylinder engine is now less attractive because of increasingly stringent fuel economy regulations.
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
- Rainsense 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.
This one was polarizing. Those who liked it were highly enthusiastic. Those who didn’t were pretty adamant. Generally, however, this could be a winner for GM because those who liked the design and features were strongly drawn to the crossover and said they would put it on their shopping list. Men were more favorable than women. But it will take a lot of work to get import crossover owners into the Buick fold. Owners of small Japanese-brand CUVs said they couldn’t imaging owning a “Buick” even though they liked the vehicle.
Re Encore, shades of the Geo Tracker!
Well, Buick Encore is a long, long way down a more sophisticated development and content road then the Tracker. Encore is exploring the outer limits of what Americans are willing to pay for econobox based vehicles.