General Motors recently revealed that a new Buick crossover will hit dealer showrooms sometime next year – followed by a plug-in hybrid version in 2011 – but a new report suggests a second, and smaller crossover, will also be joining the Buick lineup.
According to Automotive News, a third Buick crossover will soon be joining the automaker’s lineup, slotting below the Enclave and the recently announced – and yet-to-be-named – CUV model. Although a third CUV model for the Buick brands isn’t the most shocking news to come out of Detroit – especially considering Buick is now one of GM’s four core brands – but the platform set to underpin the new model is rather surprising.
Per several sources familiar with GM’s plan, Buick ’s third crossover model will be based on the same architecture that will underpin the next-generation Chevrolet Aveo – likely to be renamed the Viva or Agile. With a footprint no bigger than Ford ’s upcoming Fiesta small car, the baby Buick CUV will offer seating for five but could give Buick a legitimate alternative to MINI ’s upcoming CUV.
It remains unknown what engine might power the small Buick CUV, but the Aveo replace will reportedly use a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder – the same size engine slated for MINI’s CUV. If that powerplant makes it under the hood of the Buick CUV, expect at least 100 horsepower per liter.
