2017 Buick Encore: More Stylized and Sophisticated
At the 2017 New York Auto Show, Buick invited The Car Guide to the unveiling of the 2017 Encore compact SUV. Accounting for nearly one third of the company’s sales in North America, the Encore is without a doubt their star product. In fact, SUVs make up 60% of the brand’s total sales.
As expected, the Buick Encore is now more streamlined, with lines borrowed from the European Opel Mokka. To set the 2017 Encore apart from last year’s version, there’s a new grille, sculpted headlamps with LEDs (on the more upscale trims), redesigned taillights, a chrome exhaust tip, 18-inch wheels and mirror caps painted in the same colour as the vehicle's body.
Inside, Buick redesigned the instrument panel and added a 4.2-inch control screen right in front of the driver. The infotainment system's touchscreen now measures eight inches in diameter and includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and GM’s pet feature, 4G LTE WiFi. The Bose active noise cancellation system comes factory standard, and Buick has also thrown in an engine start button and keyless entry to the list of standard equipment.
No changes were made to the drivetrains. Once again, there are two turbocharged, 1.4-litre four-cylinder engines powering the Encore, offering 138 and 153 horsepower respectively. The only gearbox offered is a six-speed automatic and buyers can add all-wheel drive if they are so inclined.
The new 2017 Buick is expected to arrive in dealerships this fall with the aim of attracting younger clients to the brand.
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