The Encore verges on 3,200 pounds, a lot of mass to move with just 138 hp. It is offered in two states of tune: 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, or, when direct injection is added, 153 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. The engine is a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. But the Buick's optional all-wheel drive isn't offered on that Chevy, even if it's tuned more for bad-weather traction, rather than off-roading or rocky country tracks. Active noise cancellation keeps engine roar mostly muted, however.Īlthough you would likely never guess it, the Encore shares some underpinnings with the humble Chevrolet Sonic subcompact. Befitting the near-luxury Buick brand, the cabin is relatively quiet-though not entirely hushed, since some wind and tire noise still comes through. Soft-touch surfaces, metal accents, and blue ambient lighting are upscale touches. The center stack is dominated the touchscreen, which helps clean up the look and make the controls easier to use. The interior is more successful in carrying off a premium feel in a small package. The LED headlights look tidier, the lower air intakes are less pronounced, and the hood is cleaner. At least the front end looks better this year, featuring a new grille that loses the waterfall bars and adds a chrome strip with a wing shape. There just isn't enough sheet metal on the Encore to stretch out Buick's usual styling themes as gracefully as we've seen in other cars. Priced at a premium, with luxury-car features, it's still fitted around a petite hatchback body. It's been a trailblazer, but the Encore is still a vehicle that feels at odds with the rest of the Buick lineup. A rearview camera is standard and several radar based safety features are available on the lower models, but come standard with the Premium trim.We give the Encore a rating of 6.5 out of 10. This includes front and side impact airbags, knee airbags, thorax airbags and side curtain airbags. Exterior details include 18-inch aluminum wheels, body colored door handles and a rear spoilerSafety is enhanced by a total of ten airbags. The difference in power is mainly due to direct injection which has been added exclusively to the Sport Touring. Options include navigation, a sunroof, chrome wheels and cross-traffic with blind-zone alert.The Sport Touring trim is new for 2016 and features a 153 hp version of the 1.4L engine powering other Encores. Premium includes rain sensing wipers, a premium Bose sound system, front and rear park assist, forward collision alert, a lane departure warning system and a cargo net. Leather adds leather seating surfaces, a power passenger seat, heated seats, a heated steering wheel and a memory feature for the driver's seat. Convenience trim adds an electronically auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote start, fog lamps and dual-zone automatic climate control. There are four levels of Encore above the base trim. On the base model those include a 6-way power-adjustable driver's seat, power windows and doors, a leather wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, a rearview camera, heated mirrors, 18-inch aluminum wheels and a 6-speaker AM/FM/satellite radio stereo with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Bluetooth. The Encore's coolest trick however might be its QuietTuning system, which uses noise cancellation technology to give the small crossover an exceptionally quiet interior.Buick has included a long list of standard features to go with its modern interior. A large, 7-inch full color display is set in the dashboard and houses the standard IntelliLink voice-activated infotainment system, while a touch of blue ambient lighting and a wood- and chrome-trimmed dashboard lend the Buick an air of sophistication. The Encore is front-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive is also available.While the outside of the Encore features thoroughly modern styling, it's the interior that really shines. This combination is good for up to 33 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city. It makes 138 horsepower and comes mated to a 6-speed automatic. The mileage starts with the engine, a 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder. Buick is betting that a small car can be practical, fun and luxurious while getting excellent fuel economy. The Encore is a premium small car with SUV-like styling.
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