Buick Encore Adds Tech, Styling Updates

General Motors Co. took the wraps off the 2017 Buick Encore subcompact crossover vehicle this week at the New York auto show.

Implementing styling cues from Buick’s recent Avenir and Avista concept vehicles, the facelifted Encore sports a more refined design with a new front fascia and hood, LED headlights and a winged-shaped grille. The rear is highlighted by full LED taillights and chrome exhaust tips. Other updates include body-color heated side mirrors and redesigned 18-inch wheels.

Interior changes are more substantial with a focus on high-end materials, contrast stitching and metallic accents. The flowing instrument panel includes a new gauge cluster with a 4.2-inch color display. The next-generation IntelliLink infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility.

Other goodies include standard OnStar 4G LTE with a wi-fi hotspot, active noise cancellation, push-button ignition and a keyless entry system activated by the exterior door handles. Among the available active safety features are rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot alert, rear park assist, forward-collision alert and lane-departure warning.

Buick says the output of the carryover 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine will be increased, but it didn’t specify the gains. In the current Encore, the engine makes 148 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque, with an optional performance package that raises output slightly to 153 hp and 177 lb-ft. All-wheel drive is optional.

The 2017 Encore goes on sale this autumn in North America, where the nameplate is Buick’s best-selling model. Its twin, the Opel Mokka X, already is available in Europe.