2013 Buick Encore bows at North American International Auto Show

Sculpted styling and sweeping character lines make the all-new 2013 Encore instantly identifiable as a Buick. (Photo: Buick)

Detroit. Among the shiny new vehicles on display is Buick's all-new Encore; a compact luxury crossover vehicle scheduled to go on sale in early 2013.

Buick's 2013 Encore offers seating for five occupants in a modern, sumptuously styled interior with cloth and leatherette upholstery or available leather. Notable interior features include a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a seven-inch LCD radio display and a Bose premium audio system.

The Encore also features 10 standard airbags including driver and front passenger frontal air bags, driver and front passenger knee air bags, side curtain air bags, and front and rear thorax air bags. Other safety features include an available forward collision alert, an available lane departure warning system, StabiliTrak electronic stability control and four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake force distribution.

Inside, the Encore is sumptuously styled, with seating for five on cloth and leatherette upholstery or available leather. (Photo: Buick)

Distinguishing exterior features of the Encore include a waterfall grille, blue-accented projector-beam headlights and 18-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels. An available front and rear park assist feature and rear vision camera add to the Encore's functionality.

Power for the Encore is provided by a 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder Ecotec engine that generates an estimated 140 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. The engine comes paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission developed specifically for small cars and crossover vehicles.

With its compact dimensions and 1.4-litre Ecotec engine, the Encore offers an efficient approach to crossover luxury. (Photo: Buick)

The Encore can also be optioned with an available all-wheel-drive system that routes power to the rear wheels when more traction and better handling is required.

"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."

With its tiny, efficient 1.4-litre powerplant the Buick Encore has few direct competitors in the luxury compact crossover segment, apart from niche 4-cylinder vehicles like the Mini Countryman, and that's about it. The segment will get one more addition once the Encore comes to market early next year.©(Copyright Canadian Auto Press)]]>