For months now we've been seeing spy photos of a small Gamma platform (Sonic, Spark, this thing) crossover testing in the U.S. and abroad. While many people assumed that because it was small it was destined to be a Chevy -- and that may be true at some point -- the first iteration of this vehicle looks like it will be the Buick Encore.
GM Inside News has confirmed with "multiple sources" that the Encore would visually be a baby Enclave and that's fine with us. They're estimating the size at roughly that of a Nissan Rogue. Buick recently bucked the big car trend the maker is known for with the Verano which is a solid, comfortable and super quiet entry into the compact market.
We'll know more as we get closer to the Detroit show, but don't be surprised to see a small turbocharged motor (1.4 anyone?) when this one hits the show floor.
ed124c says:
09:37 AM, 12/ 7/11
I am a bit surprised that GM hasn't just tarted up an Equinox for Buick. Good for you, GM. And maybe THIS Buick will reach some actual fuel economy numbers that will be closer to the typical over-hype and under-perform that most cars have now.
I approve, with some trepidation, the use of the 1.4 turbo in this crossover which will probably be much heavier than a Cruze. The 1.4 will need more torque to handle the weight. I guess it is usual for manufacturers to take a four door sedan's engine and move the torque curve around to suit a truck or CUV.
Of course, if GM brought in a 2.0 or 2.2 diesel for this car, that would be awesome.
blueprint1 says:
09:43 AM, 12/ 7/11
Rogue-sized? That would mean the Cruze platform that's underneath the Chevy Orlando, now on sale in Canada. Drivetrain (for now) is the 2.4 litre four (same as Verano) with a stick or a slushbox. Real-world mpg doesn't seem too great from what I've read.
bonzjr says:
11:10 AM, 12/ 7/11
ed124c says:
"I am a bit surprised that GM hasn't just tarted up an Equinox for Buick."
Actually, ed124c, they did try to do that at one point. Here:
http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2009/08/buick-two-row-crossover-to-pick-where-saturn-vue-left-off.html
However, it never came to market thanks to backlash from dealers/the press/etc. about GM and 'badge engineering.' The Saturn Vue shared its underpinnings with the Chevy Equinox. So had GM succeeded in just porting it over and changing the grille when they nixed Saturn, it really would have been the same as a 'tarted up Equinox' for Buick.