Buick Encore

Specifications

1. One engine is available, a turbocharged 1.4L 4-cylinder making 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. 2. Fuel economy is rated at 25/33 mpg (city/hwy) for front-drive models and 23/30 mpg for AWD models. 3. 10 airbags come standard. 4. Priced in the range of $24,950 to $28,940 add $750 for destination and an extra $1,500 if you want AWD.

Preview

But losing that might be more difficult than shedding the spare tire stomachs so many of its customers carry to their bridge games. Meet the 2013 Encore: Its latest stab at attracting a new demographic buyers looking for something other than boat-like cars.

A compact crossover without a specific segment to call it’s own, the Encore is similar to a hermit crab in more than its stubby shape. GM says the car doesn’t have any direct competition, but compares it most closely to the MINI Countryman and the Volkswagen Tiguan. That might be a problem, though, when factors like style, brand image and performance come into play – as they always do.

Exterior

Buick’s design language is anything but ugly. In fact, on cars like the Regal, Enclave and even Verano, it’s quite handsome. Little accents like the faux chrome hood vents and the imposing grille full of vertical bars add a touch of class to the General Motors portfolio that, while not particularly inspired, offers a degree of distinction.

Unfortunately, the Encore looks like an Enclave puppy that hasn’t grown into its paws, or in this case, headlights. That’s too bad, especially because Buick is right to recognize the burgeoning compact crossover market. It’s not all bad, though. There are at least some things to love about little utility vehicle. For example, the base model comes with standard 18-inch alloy wheels.

They aren’t as nice as the optional chrome rims, but they’re more than passable. Similarly, projector beam headlights are standard and the blue accents surrounding them distract your glance from the car’s body.

Interior

Anyone with five minutes of seat time in a Buick vehicle, or recent General Motors product for that matter, will find the Encore cabin familiar. That’s neither a good or bad thing, but more a question of preference.

Soft touch materials cover the dashboard, while the center stack’s buttons and dials are easy to understand. A seven-inch LCD display peers out from under a small dash hood. It isn’t a touch screen, but Buick was clever enough to keep it out of easy reach. That means fewer smudge marks from the occasional ignoramus who touches first and asks later.

A six-way adjustable driver’s seat is standard on all models and offers lumbar support that will extend to meet even the most concave of postures.

The seats aren’t bad, but it’s hard not to feel a little jilted when you realize that the high back is still manually adjusted. Not only that, but all the buttons serve as reminders that GM recycles cabin materials across the board.

With the rear seats sitting upright, you’ll only get 18.8 cubic feet of storage. While that expands to 48.4 with those folded, a little perspective is important here. A Hyundai Elantra GT (also a five-door compact) offers 23 cubic feet with the seats up. The two vehicles don’t compete, (by Buick’s own admission the Encore doesn’t directly compete with anything at all) but this utility vehicle is light on cargo room.

Under The Hood

Small touches can go a long way, but in the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine’s case a bigger touch would have been better.Weighing in at 3,190 lbs for the front-wheel drive and 3,309 lbs with the all-wheel drive model, this Buick begs for more power.

Acceleration around town is acceptable, especially in the standard six-speed automatic’s manual mode. Not so on the highway though.Given the small turbocharged engine, it’s disappointing that GM didn’t massage a little more power out of its motor.

You can try using the manual mode, but shifting means using a plus-minus button mounted on top of the shift lever. It’s the same system used in the Malibu and one that’s hopelessly awkward to reach.That’s disappointing because the shifts themselves are smooth and quick, but you’ll rarely want to play with it.

While extra power would make for a more inspiring drive, it would also suck down more gas. As is, the car gets an EPA estimated 25/33 mpg city/highway. That isn’t terribly impressive in today’s world of cars with 40 mpg or higher, but it isn’t bad either.