Autoblog

Small number of 2013 Buick Encore models recalled for loose steering wheel

Jeffrey N. Ross — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 08:43:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Buick

General Motors has issued a recall and a stop sale for the 2013 Buick Encore due to an issue that could result in the steering wheel falling off on certain models. In a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, GM says that 144 Encores equipped with heated steering wheels could have been incorrectly retrofitted due to a parts shortage.

Needless to say, a loose or separated steering wheel would likely cause an accident if it happened while the vehicle was in motion. The recall doesn't go into effect until April 12, but concerned Encore owners can use the official recall notice (attached below) to contact GM.

Continue reading Small number of 2013 Buick Encore models recalled for loose steering wheel

Small number of 2013 Buick Encore models recalled for loose steering wheel originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Is Chevy poised to get a version of the Buick Encore?

Zach Bowman — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Europe, Crossover, Buick, Chevrolet, Opel, Design/Style

It looks as if General Motors may be considering a Chevrolet version of the Buick Encore. L'Automobile Magazine managed to source a few patent drawings depicting the vehicle with a Chevrolet face. If our Google translator and murky comprehension of the French language are to be trusted, the images originated in the European patent office. All told, the model is likely to be a little more than a foot shorter than the current Equinox but still offer buyers the option of all-wheel drive.

So, is this vehicle headed to the U.S.? It's entirely possible. While GM already has a platform heavy with crossover vehicles, the truth is the company could use a smaller model to compete with the likes of the Toyota Rav4, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape.

Odds are the smaller Chevrolet CUV would be targeted at European and Asian markets, including China, though there's a chance the vehicle could also show up as a Canadian-spec model. L'Automobile seems to also suggest the baby hatch could also play a role in the new partnership between Citroen and GM.

Is Chevy poised to get a version of the Buick Encore? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Buick Encore appears as Vauxhall/Opel Mokka overseas

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, Buick, Vauxhall, UK, Design/Style

The Buick Encore will see its first encore in Ye Olde England when it appears as the Vauxhall Mokka, and other than a little bit of fiddling up front, it doesn't appear that anything changes in the still-ladybug-sized limey version. To our eyes, the design looks much better without the Buick's Ventiports tacked onto the hood, and something of this size and capability just seems to be a better mental fit with Vauxhall or Opel branding versus Buick.

Instead of the Hobson's choice U.S. buyers are faced with for the engine - a 140-horsepower 1.4-liter or... nothing - the Euros will get a choice of three powerplants: two gasoline and one diesel, all with stop/start. They also get the option of two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission.

Admittedly, the two other engine options are less powerful: one of them is a non-turbocharged 1.6-liter with just 113 horsepower, but the 127-hp, 1.7-liter CDTI diesel does crank the torque up to 222 pound-feet, well up from 148 lb-ft in the Ecotec 1.4-liter. We'll see it in person at the Geneva Motor Show in March, it will go on sale toward the end of this year, and there's a press release after the jump to get you ready to... Mokka.

Continue reading Buick Encore appears as Vauxhall/Opel Mokka overseas

Buick Encore appears as Vauxhall/Opel Mokka overseas originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2013 Buick Encore cubular striptease continues

Zach Bowman — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Buick

Buick has shown off yet another section of the Encore CUV set to debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The latest panel gives us a clear look at the vehicle's front fascia, complete with a waterfall grille and attractive projector headlights. We aren't entirely smitten by the black trim set just below each headlight array, but we'll reserve final judgement until we see the vehicle in the flesh next week.

The Encore is expected to arrive on dealer lots later this year as a 2013 model and should bolster Buick's small SUV chops. As of right now, the company only offers the three-row Enclave crossover, leaving buyers hungry for a smaller vehicle to look elsewhere. Check back on on January 10 for all the details at the Encore's official unveiling.

2013 Buick Encore cubular striptease continues originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments