By Mark Kleis
Tuesday, Jan 10th, 2012 @ 6:00 am

Buick’s crossover line has been expanded with the introduction of a new model based on the same front-drive architecture as the Chevrolet Sonic subcompact.

Dubbed Buick Encore, the new five-seater packs a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic that sends power to either the front or all four wheels. Stylistically, its design language is closely related to the much larger three-row Buick Enclave, which means that characteristic Buick cues like large, soft curves, a waterfall-style grille and, of course, port holes, make an appearance.

Buick suggests that Encore will square off against the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, although only the Q3 has been confirmed for the United States (the X1 is sold in Canada).

Its 100.6-inch wheelbase is shorter than rivals like the X1 (108.7 inches), but a 60.6 inch track is fairly wide, which should give it solid roadholding. Overall, Encore stretches just 168.5 inches from head to toe and it tips the scales at 3,300 lbs. for an all-wheel-drive model. Up front, the suspension is a MacPherson strut setup, while a modified torsion beam setup does duty out back. Unlike simple torsion beams, the Encore’s underpinnings feature a v-shaped beam profile to cut weight and improve handling.

The 1.4-liter engine is shared with several other GM compact and subcompact models. In this application, it mates to a 6T40 six-speed automatic and it is rated at 140 horsepower and 148 lb-ft. of torque. Buick is not estimating fuel economy.

Encore will go on sale across the globe under various different badges, which helps explain both its compact, Europe-friendly dimensions and its South Korean assembly. GM says not to expect this crossover in North America until early 2013.

Encore was designed to utilize only 18-inch wheels, which Buick says helped streamline and simplify both the design and engineering process. Extensive sound deadening and tweaking makes it extremely quiet, the automaker claims.

Live photos by Chris Doane

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