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2017 Buick Encore freshens up for New York debut

Buick has rolled in to the New York Auto Show this year with a revised version of the Encore, bringing with it a series of revisions to what's billed as "America's most popular small SUV." Most obvious is the new front end that adopts the brand's latest design language with a fresh grille and headlamps – full LEDs on top-spec models. The taillights are also new, the exhaust tips are now chromed, the door mirrors color-keyed to the bodywork, and of course it all rides on a new set of wheels. The updates continue inside, where you'll find new trim, new gauges, and an eight-inch color touchscreen display to run the IntelliLink system that now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as OnStar 4G LTE with on-board wifi. Buyers will be able to choose between five trim levels and between front- or all-wheel drive. There are three new exterior paint choices as well. The Encore is based closely on the European-market Opel Mokka, which was similarly revealed in updated form at the Geneva Motor Show just last month. In Buick guise, the Encore has only been on the market now for three years, but already stands as the brand's top seller. Last year it alone accounted for nearly one in every three vehicles Buick sold, and has risen 34 percent so far this year as well. Subtle though they may be, these updates ought to keep the Encore at the top of its game for another few years to come. View 5 Photos Related Video: 2017 Buick Encore Gets Latest Tech, Sculpted Design New LED headlights, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto for Buick's best-seller 2016-03-22 NEW YORK – Buick today introduced the new 2017 Encore, strengthening the appeal of America's most popular small SUV with more refined styling and new connectivity technology – including available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A new front-end appearance and a new premium interior highlight the visual refinements, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported by a next-generation IntelliLink system featuring an 8-inch-diagonal color touch screen. Push-button start, keyless unlock via the exterior door handles and an 8-inch color touchscreen highlight the Encore's roster of new standard features. "The Buick Encore created the premium small SUV segment and remains the top choice for customers seeking premium features and dependability coupled with timeless design," said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick Sales, Service and Marketing.

Buick mulling more powerful Encore; diesel too

Looking to set itself apart in the mid-luxury segment, Buick is looking to introduce a diesel engine somewhere in its US lineup. And according to Edmunds, the two best chances of a diesel Buick rest with the Encore and Verano.
In both our First Drive and Review of the 2013 Encore, our chief complaint about the compact crossover was the the lack of power from the 138-horsepower turbo engine. Edmunds says that the recently introduced 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (with both gas and diesel variants) from the Encore's overseas cousin, the Opel Mokka, could make its way into the Encore delivering the much-needed boost in power.
Then there's the Verano. As a close relative to the Chevy Cruze, which just added a diesel engine for 2014, the article speculates that a Verano Diesel might actually be the more "probably candidate" if and when Buick decides to add a diesel model to its portfolio. Either way, offering such an engine in one of its products could be a great way for Buick to differentiate itself from Cadillac and possibly even attract buyers from Volkswagen, Audi and Mercedes-Benz looking for a luxurious, fuel-efficient vehicle.

GM delivers best Q3 sales since 1980, 2.4M vehicles sold

People are a weird sort. Even after registering over 70 recalls through the first three-quarters of 2014, General Motors saw its best Q3 results since Jimmy Carter was in the White House, registering over 2.4 million global sales between June and September on the back of strong results in the US and China.
US sales were marshaled by good results for GM's pickups, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, which bumped the manufacturer's truck market share to 35.6 percent, up nearly three points from Q1 2014. Buick has seen healthy growth as well, with the Encore dominating its segment for the sixth month running.
It was China, though, that really bolstered GM's sales, as the company's efforts to top last year's record-setting 3.16 million units continued apace. Small SUV sales saw massive growth, with Encore, Chevrolet Trax and Captiva figures jumping 90 percent in Q3. Brand-wise, Chevrolet, Cadillac and Buick all saw sales gains in the PRC, with each recording double-digit year-over-year jumps. Cadillac sales alone were up 63 percent compared to the first nine months of 2013.