Buick Leads with Its Encore at the Detroit Auto Show

MANCHESTER, N.H. (01/24/2012)(readMedia)-- Typically known for crafting large, luxurious sedans and SUVs, Buick has mixed things up a bit with its new Encore compact crossover. Fresh off its debut at the Detroit Auto Show this month, the Encore will offer the premium features of a full-size Buick in a tidy, city-ready package when it arrives at Buick dealerships in the first quarter of 2013.

Resembling a smaller Buick Enclave, the brand's full-size crossover SUV, the Encore sports the same waterfall grille found throughout the lineup, along with projector-beam headlights like those on the new Buick Verano sedan. While it shares similar styling and features with the Enclave, the Encore is nearly three feet shorter in length, creating an upscale crossover that can fit in almost any parking spot.

"The Encore is downsized, but certainly not downgraded," said Nick Kisielewski, general manager of Manchester, New Hampshire Buick dealership Quirk Buick GMC. "With available features like leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats and a heated leather steering wheel, the Encore will appeal to drivers that want a luxurious crossover but don't need the space that the Enclave provides."

Like other members of the Buick family, the Encore's interior incorporates a mix of light and dark materials, with extensive use of bright metal trim and wood-grain accents. Though it is small, the Encore makes good use of its space, providing more than 48 cubic-feet of cargo room with the back seats folded flat. That number can increase even further thanks to a flat-folding front-passenger seat that can open up room for extra-long loads from the home-improvement store.

Buick engineers went to great lengths to make the Encore as quiet as it is useful, tapping the automaker's QuietTuning technology to cut down on interior noise. The Encore is the first vehicle in the lineup to make use of active noise cancellation, which uses a ceiling-mounted microphone and the audio system to detect and cancel out dissonant engine noise using sound waves. Engineers also used sound-absorbing materials throughout the interior, like an acoustic-laminated windshield, and even made some changes under the hood.

The 2013 Buick Encore is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, which produces 140 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque despite its small, fuel-efficient displacement. The refined powerplant is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, which helps reduce noise and increase fuel efficiency through a wide ratio spread and a neutral-gear disengagement feature.

"Buick started revamping its lineup nearly five years ago with the new Enclave, and that effort continues today with the Encore," Kisielewski noted. "We've also seen three new Buick sedans in three years, and each one has hit the mark on luxury and style while providing greater fuel efficiency. The Encore will continue that trend as a small crossover."

About Quirk Buick GMC:

Quirk Buick GMC in Manchester, New Hampshire is known throughout the region for their extensive inventory of new and used Buick and GMC models, as well as their dedicated and knowledge sales and service team. When New Hampshire GMC and Buick shoppers are seeking the sporty luxury of the Buick LaCrosse or the rugged versatility of the GMC Sierra, Quirk has the right vehicle at a great price. To learn more, you can visit www.quirkbuickgmc.com, call them at 603- 263-4451, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkBuickGMC, or stop by their showroom at 1250 S Willow St. in Manchester, N.H.