The Buick Encore returns for 2014 with new safety features that complement the luxury amenities, refinement and signature Buick style for this unique crossover. The new features include Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Side Blind Zone Alert.


Encore is maneuverable, versatile and efficient, offering a uniquely sized package that’s unmatched in the luxury segment. With room for five and up to 48.4 cubic feet of storage space when the rear seats are folded, it delivers substantial cargo capacity along with a confident, higher driving position and available all-wheel drive. Buick’s exclusive QuietTuning is standard and includes active noise cancellation technology.


Additional standard features include 10 air bags, StabiliTrak stability enhancement and a 138-horsepower (102 kW) Ecotec 1.4L turbo four-cylinder/six-speed automatic powertrain, along with technologies such as Buick’s voice-activated IntelliLink. It uses Bluetooth or a USB to connect the driver’s smartphone to a seven-inch, high-resolution, full-color display radio.


Encore’s 33-mpg (FWD model) highway estimate is greater than competitors such as the Mini Countryman S (EPA-estimated 25 city / 32 highway with the automatic transmission) and the Volkswagen Tiguan (EPA-estimated 21 / 26). Its combined fuel economy of 28 mpg also beats the combined EPA fuel economy of Ford’s most efficient version of the Escape crossover (26).


The 2014 Encore is offered in front-wheel and available all-wheel-drive configurations in four trim levels: Encore (1SB), Encore Convenience (1SD), Encore Leather (1SL) and Encore Premium (1SN).


Design


Encore’s sculpted styling identifies it as a contemporary Buick. Signature cues include a waterfall grille, chrome accents and surrounds, portholes on the hood and painted lower panels. Standard body-color door handles with chrome strips and a styled, stainless steel exhaust tip add to the premium look.


Blue-accented halogen composite projector-beam headlamps and detailed taillamps further enhance the Encore exterior; and 18-inch, five-spoke painted aluminum wheels are standard. Seven-spoke chromed aluminum wheels are available.


All eight exterior colors include a lower accent color: Quicksilver Metallic, Satin Steel Gray Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, Ruby Red Metallic and Brilliant Blue Metallic (with Dark Argent Metallic lower accent); Cocoa Silver Metallic and Deep Espresso Brown Metallic (with Dark Cocoa Ash lower accent); and White Pearl Tricoat (Satin Nickel Metallic accent).


Inside, the Encore’s distinctive styling carries over to a flowing instrument panel that wraps naturally into the door panels. A prominent central instrument panel houses the seven-inch, high-resolution, full-color display for the standard IntelliLink voice-activated infotainment system. It also features displays for the SiriusXM satellite radio and standard rearview camera, as well as the available GPS-enabled navigation system.


Quiet Ride


Buick’s exclusive QuietTuning is designed to block or absorb sound and dampen or eliminate vibrations.


For the Encore, specific content was applied to achieve 30 sound benchmarks for refinement, including Buick’s first application of Bose Active Noise Cancellation. It uses ceiling-mounted microphones to detect audible engine noise, the frequencies of which are processed by a computer that directs counteracting sound waves through the audio system’s speakers and subwoofer.


Turbo Engine


Buick Encore is powered by an efficient, power-dense Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. It generates an SAE-certified 138 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,850 and 4,900 rpm. The wide rpm range for the maximum torque – a specific trait of turbocharged engines – helps it deliver a better driving experience and performance.


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