Buick used the bright lights of the Detroit Auto Show to unveil the 2013 Encore; a mite-sized crossover that will be smaller than other vehicles in its class. In fact, the Encore is only 168 inches long, and its wheelbase is only 104.8 inches across. Even with those diminutive proportions, the Encore still manages to house 48 cubic feet of cargo with the second-row seats folded flat. The front passenger seat also folds for additional storage.

Buick also worked hard to distinguish the cabin of the Encore, with active noise cancellation that General Motors design boss Ed Welburn claims will be among the quietest in its class. The Encore will also feature Buick IntelliLink, which includes a seven-inch LCD screen plus Bluetooth that works with smart phones for hands-free calling and access to Pandora and Stitcher.

The Encore will be powered by the same 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine currently under the hood of the Chevrolet Sonic and Cruze. The mini mill pumps out 140 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. That's not a lot of power, but keep in mind that the Encore rides on a revised version of the Chevy Sonic platform.

Hit the jump to read over the Buick press release, and click on the gallery above to peruse the high-resolution images from the show floor.Continue reading Buick Encore brings small to the big stage of Detroit

Buick Encore brings small to the big stage of Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.


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