Detroit 2012: Hello Buick Encore: Comments

[William Maley]

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

December 14, 2011

Next month's Detroit Auto Show is becoming more interesting as the days go by, with the new Dodge Dart, Mercedes-Benz SL, Cadillac ATS, Honda Accord, three Acuras, and now the Buick Encore.

Buick released their first teaser shot of the new small crossover this afternoon. From what the picture shows the Encore will carry many Buick design trademarks, including a chrome waterfall grille, porthole vents and almond-shaped headlights with xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights with a blueish hue.

Buick has also revealed the Encore will feature "QuietTuning" technology and will offer a similar feature and options packages to current Buick vehicles.

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[Justin Bimmer]

The question is: what Opel is this based on? Zafira or Meriva?

[vonVeezelsnider]

My understanding is that it is on Gamma II so perhaps it will eventually also be sold in Europe as a high-ground clearance Corsa or a new Mervia?

[ocnblu]

YIKES... Buick Vue/Captiva, anyone? The raised patch on the bumper, general headlamp shape, tumblehome angle and side mirror all scream "LAST-GEN VUE" to me... I hope I'm wrong-o. Didn't they try this once already, only to be shouted down by the universally negative reaction?

[pow]

Yep, looks like lipstick on a 2008 VUE slash fleet-only 2012 Captiva.

[vonVeezelsnider]

YIKES... Buick Vue/Captiva, anyone? The raised patch on the bumper, general headlamp shape, tumblehome angle and side mirror all scream "LAST-GEN VUE" to me... I hope I'm wrong-o. Didn't they try this once already, only to be shouted down by the universally negative reaction?

If you will recall right after bankruptcy they were going to sell the VUE as a rebadged Buick but Big Ed Whitacre scuttled the whole program. This is a clean-sheet design and it's smaller than the Vue/Antara/Captiva/whatever.

[smk4565]

While I do think Buick needs a small SUV to capture female buyers and those jettisoned by the departure of the Mercury Mariner, this is pretty boring to me. I suppose it will be more of a compact, like CR-V size compared to Equinox/Terrain size to avoid more GM overlap.

[daves87rs]

Yep, looks like lipstick on a 2008 VUE slash fleet-only 2012 Captiva.

Hmm...need to see more here...

[regfootball]

one photo like this cannot tell all. hopefully it's space efficient and able to fill it's own niche.

[ocnblu]

Hopefully I am wrong on this. It's happened before. Need more teasing to be sherr.

[Drew Dowdell]

I think most of you are off with your assessments.

[Robert Hall]

It does seem odd that Buick will have a compact CUV and Chevy doesn't... unless Chevy will also get a version of this later.

[Z-06]

^

It's in works.

[vonVeezelsnider]

Here is the Opel version that got leaked

http://www.burlappcars.com/2011/12/2013-buick-encoreopel.html

It's obvious that this and the Encore are basically the same if you look at mirrors headlights etc... Obviously the Buick has higher-spec lights and a slightly tweaked fascia up front (and judging by the Opel looks out back, hopefully there too). Otherwise, this is the car, gents.

[ocnblu]

Ohhhhh man. Glad I was wrong about it being an obsolete Theta. But, it's so tineh, isn't it precious? They have sufficiently Buick-ized the Astra and Insignia, and based on the single teaser, perhaps it'll be OK, maybe even cool. Thanks, vonVee, for doing some research.

[Robert Hall]

Ok..so if the Buick version is based on the Opel version, this is going to be probably around the size of Ford's upcoming B-Max (Fiesta-based CUV) or the Sportage.. Smaller than the Edge, CR-V, etc...kind of a subcompact CUV.

Edited December 16, 2011 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[Drew Dowdell]

Here is the Opel version that got leaked

http://www.burlappca...encoreopel.html

It's obvious that this and the Encore are basically the same if you look at mirrors headlights etc... Obviously the Buick has higher-spec lights and a slightly tweaked fascia up front (and judging by the Opel looks out back, hopefully there too). Otherwise, this is the car, gents.

thats not a leak, it's a bad photoshop

Ok..so if the Buick version is based on the Opel version, this is going to be probably around the size of Ford's upcoming B-Max (Fiesta-based CUV) or the Sportage.. Smaller than the Edge, CR-V, etc...kind of a subcompact CUV.

You are correct. It will be smaller and lighter than the Equinox by a large margin.

[ocnblu]

Here is a little bitty Buick CUV video, out on the road in natural light.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YDc_zaiCwoo?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[67impss]

Still can't get into these tall cars they look awkward and tipsy. I know they won't tip unless pushed to very high limits of traction at side thrust angles. But to my eye they look all wrong. Build it make money and please build a proper wagon for people of my ilk.

[G. David Felt]

Hope the Chevy version has AWD, this would really be a big hit for young college crowd starting out that needs AWD to get up the mountain to snowboard and still needs high fuel milage. I think a small AWD CUV like this could be a big hit for Chevy.

[67impss]

Or a Kappa like Nomad wagon instead

[G. David Felt]

Or a Kappa like Nomad wagon instead

While I loved the Nomad concept they did if I am thinking of the same vehicle as you, I get the impression it would not be successful. So many people sy they are not interested in a station wagon. A small AWD CUV would be best for Chevy.

[67impss]

Yet the Mini is the coolest of the kool

[G. David Felt]

Yet the Mini is the coolest of the kool

You must be thinking of all the people who bought them after that movie came out with them driving down the steps into the subway station and disappearing with the gold.

Naw who wants a auto with 123 defects per 100 cars built????

The mini is sooooooo over rated.

If it was not for BMW's deep pockets, I do not think it would be around still today.

Edited February 2, 2012 by dfelt

[hyperv6]

^{The Buick better than many and as good as some in class on the road. It sould do well as it will offer comfort not given by others.}

^{The Mini is cool but has had a history of flaws. If it were not for the retro looks and image I imagine the car would have long ago failed.}

^{But with the numbers of Mini's sold you can not say BMW did anything wrong. The car has been a world wide cash cow for the company.}

^{The car may be over rated but it has image and it sells. It also can be fun to drive with the right bits. Keep in mind I am also not a brainwash follower of BMW. Never really liked them or wanted one so I do have to give a well done nod to the Mini and what BMW pulled off.}

Edited February 2, 2012 by hyperv6

[Drew Dowdell]

I drove a mini-clubman on friday with 25K miles. It was a rattling pile.

[G. David Felt]

Oldsmoboi, you must be in the 5'8" - 5'10" club as I could not fit even in a Mini-Clubman. They are just way to small for big people.

[Drew Dowdell]

just over 5'10"

[G. David Felt]

WOW, you barely fit

[thedriver]

Chevy version will be called either Trax or Tracker. Sold in Canada it looks like.

[ocnblu]

I much prefer the Chevy version, with its butch little body, than the Encore, based on photos of each.

[GMTruckGuy74]

My wife is enamored with the Buick Encore, it's something she has not stopped talking about since she laid eyes on it at the NYIAS in April. She constantly asks me to find out when the dealer will have one on the lot for a test drive, and I know she's cooking something up in her head about putting one in the driveway. Her dream car, the LaCrosse, is out of our financial means at this time but the Encore appealed to her as a daily commuter type car. Even if the Chevy was offered in the States, I doubt she would consider it. These cars are not my cup of tea, but it's likely the Buick will grace my driveway.

[Drew Dowdell]

+1

Albert likes the Encore a lot as well. It will likely supplement the CR-V eventually. Since the CR-V is paid off, we are just putting a "car payment" into savings for now and will buy the Encore as an additional car and then I can use the CR-V to beat up on.

[thedriver]

I asked our owner when we would be seeing the Encore, he said he didn't expect one before February.

[Drew Dowdell]

I asked our owner when we would be seeing the Encore, he said he didn't expect one before February.

I believe that beginning of January is when the builds start. I wouldn't expect to see them in dealership any earlier than march or april..

[GMTruckGuy74]

I asked our owner when we would be seeing the Encore, he said he didn't expect one before February.

You work for a Buick-GMC dealership? Is the owner going to Las Vegas for the annual dealers meeting? If yes, he'll be the lucky one for sure - he'll get to see the new GMC Sierra!!

[regfootball]

the Encore is sweet, but it is REALLY small..........

[ocnblu]

I expect it to be the size of a Sonic. Park it next to a Schpark, you'll think it's huge.

[Robert Hall]

Saw a couple pics of it in the latest Car & Driver and on Autoblog today.the interior looked very nice, very classy and Buick-like..not the usual cheap gray pit of despair one usually finds in a subcompact.

Edited August 29, 2012 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[hyperv6]

It will be interesting to see how this one does as it is really a vehicle out of the norm for Buick and it will take new people coming to Buick to make it successful. It has a lot going for it but a lot for it to make it they will need to bring in a new class of buyers but that is what Buick has needed to do. This is the one that could bring the most younger buyers yet.

[frogger]

It's like the Buick reincarnation of the Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix, just a little smaller.. I cannot bring myself to call it a CUV but I guess any hatchback with a few extra inches ground clearance is one these days.

[Drew Dowdell]

the Encore is sweet, but it is REALLY small..........

It's Albert sized. He's 5'7" and 125lbs soaking wet.

[Drew Dowdell]

It will be interesting to see how this one does as it is really a vehicle out of the norm for Buick and it will take new people coming to Buick to make it successful. It has a lot going for it but a lot for it to make it they will need to bring in a new class of buyers but that is what Buick has needed to do. This is the one that could bring the most younger buyers yet.

Buick is trying to do what Mercury tried but failed at. And that's ok. Just because Mercury failed, doesn't mean Buick will. For one, the Buick versions of each car are different enough that a person couldn't just go over to a Chevy dealer and get the identical car. There won't be a Chevy version of the Encore in the states, the Verano is different enough with better levels of equipment and engines than the Cruze, Regal v. Malibu is no comparison for someone looking for a premium sedan and the same goes for Enclave v. Traverse.

The only one that concerns me is Lacrosse v. Impala, but I expect we will be seeing a newly refreshed Lacrosse very soon.

[GMTruckGuy74]

It's like the Buick reincarnation of the Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix...

Funny, I was thinking the same thing on my drive in to work today. And my wife was a big fan of the last Pontiac Vibe, she really wanted the '09 Vibe GT instead of the G6 when we bought in 2008 (thankfully, the incentives on the G6 and none on the Vibe helped my battle). I'm pretty sure that's the reason she likes the Encore so much, it reminds her of that (Vibe) and the other Buick she had (leased) that she loved - her 2003 Rendezvous (though this is much, much smaller ).

[hyperv6]

I am not sure how I feel on this one. From what I saw of the one I did look at it has points I love and parts I am not sure about yet. I really need to see one out on the road to fully decide what I think.

The area of the A pillar and front fender has a odd look to it in a Chevy Spark kind of way.

But I hated the Terrain when I first saw it and it grew on me to the point I have on in the Garage.

Never say never.

[hyperv6]

It will be interesting to see how this one does as it is really a vehicle out of the norm for Buick and it will take new people coming to Buick to make it successful. It has a lot going for it but a lot for it to make it they will need to bring in a new class of buyers but that is what Buick has needed to do. This is the one that could bring the most younger buyers yet.

Buick is trying to do what Mercury tried but failed at. And that's ok. Just because Mercury failed, doesn't mean Buick will. For one, the Buick versions of each car are different enough that a person couldn't just go over to a Chevy dealer and get the identical car. There won't be a Chevy version of the Encore in the states, the Verano is different enough with better levels of equipment and engines than the Cruze, Regal v. Malibu is no comparison for someone looking for a premium sedan and the same goes for Enclave v. Traverse.

The only one that concerns me is Lacrosse v. Impala, but I expect we will be seeing a newly refreshed Lacrosse very soon.

Ford failed with Mercury because they just tried to change badges and add chrome to a Ford. They are failing with Lincoln in the same way.

I would not worry about the Lacrosse as it already will has a better interior but it will improve in many was very soon. This is why GM has moved the Impala to where it is as the know what is coming. I also expect the Lacrosse to get a Turbo enigne that the Impala will not see.

We can not judge GM too much yet as all the parts of the puzzle are not in place and we will see some gaps and overlap till they get a few more years down the road.

While there will not be a Chevy or GMC version I wonder how the Delta II versions of the Nox and Terrain will impact the Encore. They will be priced similar and have more room.

[thedriver]

I asked our owner when we would be seeing the Encore, he said he didn't expect one before February.

You work for a Buick-GMC dealership? Is the owner going to Las Vegas for the annual dealers meeting? If yes, he'll be the lucky one for sure - he'll get to see the new GMC Sierra!!

Yeah, they always go (brothers). But they never spill any secrets unfortunately...

[ZL-1]

Buick is trying to do what Mercury tried but failed at. And that's ok. Just because Mercury failed, doesn't mean Buick will. For one, the Buick versions of each car are different enough that a person couldn't just go over to a Chevy dealer and get the identical car. There won't be a Chevy version of the Encore in the states, the Verano is different enough with better levels of equipment and engines than the Cruze, Regal v. Malibu is no comparison for someone looking for a premium sedan and the same goes for Enclave v. Traverse.

The only one that concerns me is Lacrosse v. Impala, but I expect we will be seeing a newly refreshed Lacrosse very soon.

Agreed. As for the LaCrosse, we'll see (I think) it being replaced by a much more luxurious car than the current one as it will have to be placed above the Impala and take the retail space of the XTS (as the LTS comes online), while the Regal/Insignia will be replaced by an Alpha sedan.