![]() Even nicer, an attractive contrast stitched leatherette instrument panel pad stretches from the left side of the primary gauge cluster, underneath the infotainment system, over to the right side of the front passenger. ![]() Buick is a brand that’s nudging up against premium after all, and the Encore makes this clear by providing an upgraded cabin with fabric-wrapped A-pillars, plus a soft touch dash top and pliable synthetic door uppers front and back. Had a base sticker of $28,505, you might find it surprising that pricing for this new and improved 2017 Encore starts at just $23,495, which is only $3,500 more than its somewhat less appealing Chevrolet Trax cousin. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press) These unique 18-inch alloys replace the standard 18-inch alloys in Sport Touring trim. Like I said, the Encore is one of those vehicles that might not elicit passion at first sight, but is a real joy to live with.Ĭonsidering the original 2013 Encore hit the road at $28,680 and last year’s version Likewise the suspension is very compliant, just as anyone who’s experienced a Buick would expect, and the cabin is particularly refined and quiet for such a small SUV, but at the same time the little Encore provides a level of agility that defies its tall, narrow body, easily darting in and out of traffic and a lot of fun on the open road, especially somewhere remote and winding. With smooth and precise shift intervals for a good balance between comfort and sport. Nice LED detailing freshens the design while saying goodbye to Buick’s old blue signature bulbs. Upgrade (and probably a few other technologies not mentioned) more than helps offset any additional fuel consumption, as its five-cycle Transport Canada rating is claimed to be just 8.6 L/100km city, 7.1 highway and 7.9 combined with FWD or 8.9 city, 7.6 highway and 8.3 combined in AWD, compared to 9.3 L/100km city, 7.2 highway and 8.3 combined in FWD or 9.8 city, 7.7 highway and 8.8 combined for AWD in the lower output model.īoth engines utilize a nicely sorted six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, the latter probably best left on its own although capable of being manually actuated via a thumb rocker switch atop the otherwise leather and metallic shift knob, It’s quicker off the line than you might expect from such a diminutive engine, this thanks to 100 percent of its twist coming on at just 1,850 rpm and a featherlight (for an SUV) curb weight of only 1,468 kilos (3,237 lbs), but if you really want more jump off the line the optional 153 horsepower version of the same engine (codenamed LE2) can be had in FWD or AWD for just $1,030, and provides auto start/stop to temporarily shut the engine off when it would otherwise be idling.Ī closer look at Buick’s sportier new grille. With traction and stability control now standard on every car sold into Canada it’s not as important to upgrade to AWD as it once was, making this FWD Encore a relevant four-season conveyance in all but our most remote rural market sectors. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)Ĭonfigured to drive the front wheels as tested-AWD is a reasonable $2,000 option across most of the line. Other than new LED taillights the 2017 Encore’s rear styling is much the same. My tester came in near-base Sport Touring trim with few options so it featured the standard 138 horsepower 1.4-litre turbo four with 148 lb-ft of torque, and was only GM just gave it a thorough mid-cycle update including a much more attractive modernized grille, headlights and taillights filled with LEDs, the removal of those silly hood-mounted “ventiports”, and of course new wheels all-round, while its interior gets a number of styling and technical enhancements too, plus it continues to drive very well. And then once inside I’m reminded of how nice it is, and on the way home how easy it is to drive. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)īecause of its reasonably strong sales, but it’s not the type of vehicle that elicits a lot of passion. It’s a subcompact SUV that needs to be coveredīuick has modernized the 2017 Encore with a sharp new grille, LED lighting elements and more. Each time I schedule a Buick Encore for testing I don’t give it much thought.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |