Buick has introduced a special, sportier version of its subcompact Encore crossover, the Sport Touring model.
On the exterior, this tiny people hauler gains a winged rear spoiler, 18-inch aluminum wheels and body-color door handles. However, its overall design doesn’t change much, which means it still looks like it was inspired by Vivaldi … the potato cultivar, not the classical composer. Painted in its signature hue of Deep Espresso Brown Metallic, it still resembles a spud, for better or worse.
Design enhancements aside, the Encore Sport Touring is motivated by an all-new 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that features direct injection and stop/start technology. It churns out 153 horses and 177 lb-ft of torque. If you’re keeping track, that’s 11 percent more power and a 20 percent increase in twist compared to the standard engine. Its dance partner is a six-speed automatic transmission.
SEE ALSO: Buick Encore Review
Coddling the driver and passengers are a number of appealing features. Standard equipment includes a voice-activated infotainment system with a seven-inch display, 4G LTE connectivity, a rearview camera and dual-zone climate control. Fog lamps, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring are also included at no extra cost, as are many other items.
Additionally, customers get 10 standard airbags and a front passenger seat that folds flat so the Encore can accommodate lengthy cargo, items up to eight-feet long. All-wheel drive, an upscale Bose audio system and a moonroof are also on the options menu.
The 2016 Buick Encore Sport Touring goes on sale at dealerships this fall. Pricing information has not yet been released.
