Buick Encore 2012-

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 (1,371 liters) 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).

[B]Encore design[/B]

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.

An all-Ebony or contemporary mix of dark and light tones distinguishes the cabin, which is accented with ice-blue ambient lighting, select use of bright chrome and woodgrain trim. Premium seats feature high-density foam for greater comfort on long drives. They are trimmed in either a cloth/leatherette or available premium leather. The 60/40 flat-folding rear seat features a fold-down armrest with cup holders.

Designers filled Encore with ample storage, including eight beverage holders, storage in all four doors, four bins in the dash, pockets in the seatbacks and bins under the rear load floor around the spare tire. It offers 18.8 cubic feet (532 liters) of storage behind the split-folding rear seat and 48.4 cubic feet (1,371 liters) with the rear seat folded.

With the rear seat in place, there is room for at least six full grocery bags. When the rear seat is folded, there’s room for golf clubs and overnight bags for a weekend getaway. Even the front passenger seat folds flat to extend the cargo length and accommodate long items – up to eight feet long – that otherwise would not fit in a vehicle of this size.

Interior upholstery and color combinations include: upscale cloth with leatherette accents in a choice of Ebony or Medium Titanium with Ebony accents; and leather-appointed seats in a choice of Ebony, Medium Titanium with Ebony accents, and Saddle with Cocoa accents.

Also known as the Opel Mokka #2

Also known as the Opel Mokka #3

Also known as the Opel Mokka #4

Also known as the Opel Mokka #5

If I was an American from the 1950's and had for some reason managed to time travel to 2012, I would be deeply in wonderment if Senator McCarthy's Red Scare was actually a tad soft with Communists.

[quote=Ferrer;999633]If I was an American from the 1950's and had for some reason managed to time travel to 2012, I would be deeply in wonderment if Senator McCarthy's Red Scare was actually a tad soft with Communists.[/quote]

If this forum had a Like button, i would have clicked it