The Buick Encore – a subcompact car that is essentially a relabeled Opel Mokka – has been around in China for over seven years. Lately, it has been steadily spiraling down in popularity, with only around 15,000 units sold in 2018, as opposed to the 82,000+ units in both 2014 and 2015. Despite the negative trend, Buick seems determined to continue offering the model in China. The new, second generation of the Buick Encore will be revealed at the Buick Brand Night special event in Shanghai on April 15, 2019.
In its upcoming update, the SUV will become available in a new version called the GX, which looks like a totally different vehicle in some aspects. For instance, the standard 2nd-gen Buick Encore is 4,295 millimeters (14.1 ft.) long, 1,798 mm (5.9 ft.) wide and 1,616 mm (5.3 ft.) tall with 2,570 mm (8.4 ft.) of axle spacing. The GX version is 4,463 mm (14.65 ft.) long, 1,813 mm (5.95 ft.) wide and 1,642 mm (5.4 ft.) tall with 2,640 mm (8.66 ft.) between the axles.
The current-gen SUV ships with a 4WD system, a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine exerting 205 Newton-meters (151 pound-feet) of torque, and a choice between six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the new Buick Encore will offer a choice between a nine-speed auto transmission and an IVT, and ship with a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged engine pushing out 115 horsepower (86 kilowatts). The Encore GX trim version will pack a stronger 1.3-liter turbo engine rated at 165 hp (123 kW).
Photos: Buick