Car manufactures always try to devise new ways to get the most publicity out of launching a new product. Sending a press release and some images, or pulling the wraps off at a motor show, is simply not enough. For the all-new Buick Encore, GM chose to reveal pieces of a puzzle that completed an image of the vehicle. Yet, even though we could see most of it, the final piece that was missing fell into place today at the Detroit Auto Show. Based on a modified version of GM's Gamma II platform architecture that underpins the Chevrolet Spark / Sonic and the next Opel Corsa, the Encore measures 4,278 mm (168.5 inches) in length, 1.774 mm (69.9 inches) in width and 1.646 mm (64.8 inches) in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,555 mm (100.6 inches) and its trunk volume ranges from 533-1.372 lt (18.8-48.4 cubic inches), depending on whether the rear seats are in place or completely folded. Even though it's roughly the same size as the Nissan Juke, Buick prefers to position it against two more luxurious crossovers that are not sold in the U.S., the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. Buick’s new small crossover is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 140HP and 148 lb-ft (200 Nm) of peak torque delivered at just 1,850 rpm. It is available with a six-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive, both of which feature a McPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension. “The 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.” Depending on the trim model, the Encore will be offered with 10 airbags, electronic stability control, voice-activated Bluetooth and USB smartphone connection, a seven-inch LCD display, remote engine start, dual-zone climate control, automatic wipers, heated, leather-covered and power front seats and 18-inch alloy wheels. Sales of Buick's new small crossover will start in the first quarter of 2013, while Opel will also offer its own version of the Encore named Mokka. PHOTO GALLERY
Continuing our spree of 2012 Geneva Motor Show-related news, shortly after the presentation of the new Buick Encore, General Motor's European subsidiaries Opel and Vauxhall introduced their version of the small crossover that will be marketed as the Mokka on the other side of the pond. And for those of you wondering, the European model's name was inspired by the small, round coffee beans of the Coffea Arabica variety. The Mokka and the Encore are virtually identical twins as the only styling differences between the two are their unique grilles along with the Buick's decorative hood ornaments and the Opel's headlamp trims. Like the Encore, the Mokka will be offered in both front- and all-wheel drive versions but whereas the Buick launches with a single engine option, the 140HP 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec unit, the Opel will be available with a greater variety of powertrains. In addition to the 140HP 1.4L Turbo, there's an entry level 1.6 liter naturally-aspirated gasoline engine with 115HP and a 1.7-liter turbo diesel that churns out 130HP and a healthy 300Nm (221 lb-ft) of peak torque. Furthermore, both the 1.4 Turbo and the 1.7 CDTI can be combined either with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearboxes. All manual transmissions are equipped with a fuel saving Start/Stop system while other standard features include the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the Traction Control (TC) as well as the Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) systems. The Juke-sized Opel crossover measure 4.28 meters long and provides up to 1,372 liter of loading space, as well as up to 19 storage locations. In addition, Mokka gets an available Flex-Fix bicycle carrier that functions like a drawer and can accommodate up to three bicycles at a time, and which is exclusive to the Opel model. The Mokka will be available at Opel and Vauxhall dealerships at end of 2012.PHOTO GALLERY
General Motors has just announced that its new Buick crossover model that will debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month will be named Encore, confirming previous speculations. The company also published a cropped image of the 2013 Buick Encore giving us a glimpse of what’s to come, with the promise to release more photos over the next few weeks. GM didn't share many details on the five-seat crossover model other than that it will offer "contemporary styling, signature QuietTuning technology, and a host of features and amenities customers expect from Buicks today". Our sources state that the new Enclave's little brother will be based on Opel's upcoming small crossover model, spy pictures of which, you can check out here.
