By Darlene Donloe
Not only is this upscale subcompact crossover SUV fun to drive, it’s a head turner. Whether I was on city streets or on the highway, the car, with its great maneuverability, drove well and handled well with its impressive fuel efficiency.
When you’re in the market for a new car, you have to ask yourself. What do you want from a car? Then you have to answer yourself. I’ll probably find it in a Buick.
Here’s why.
The quiet, small cabin has a cozy, convenient interior with a push-button start and a touchscreen display with easy to use controls. You get all of the information needed at a glance. There is plenty of nice leather and metal in the cabin.
This 5-passenger, front-wheel drive crossover with 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, has a 6-speed automatic transmission.
In a hurry? The Encore goes from 0-60 in 10.7 seconds!! The 14-gallon fuel tank is good cruising range of 400 miles.
With 18.8 cubic feet behind the second seat, there is modest cargo capacity.
Yes, those getting in the back seat will have to duck in order to make that move smoothly. Adults will fit in the backseat without any trouble.
Recent upgrade includes a restyled instrument panel, revised front–end styling, interior material, new technology interface that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. There are also new headlights and a new grille design.
There is a lot to like with the Encore. It’s comfortable, it delivers a solid fuel economy, is quiet on the highway, has excellent crash-test scores and an enviable list of tech and safety features. There is a folding second row and a fold-flat front passenger seat.
The ENCORE I drove had a white frost tricoat exterior and an ebony interior.
VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: Engine, ecotec turbo 1.4LVVT, DOHC 4-cylinder, keyless open w/extended range, remote keyless entry, airbags, driver and front passenger: frontal, knee, side impact and head curtain; rear outboard passengers: side impact and head curtain; StabiliTrak-Stability control system w/traction control; anti lock brake system, 4 wheel disc brakes, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, rear vision camera, side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, theft deterrent system, quiet tuning, leather appointed seats, driver and front passenger heated seats, seat adjuster, front pass 6-way power with manual recline, seatback passenger flat fold, seat rear 60/40 split folding, power windows w/express driver up/down, climate control, cruise control, dual zone automatic, driver seat, heated steering wheel, Bluetooth for select phones and music, XM radio, OnStar.
MSRP: $35,420
FUEL ECONOMY: 27/33
THE DRIVE: Outstanding!
Darlene Donloe is a seasoned entertainment and travel journalist whose work has appeared in People, Ebony, Essence, LA Stage Times, LA Watts Times, Black Meetings and Tourism, Los Angeles Sentinel, EMMY, The Hollywood Reporter, Rhythm & Business, Billboard, Grammy, BlackVoices.com and more. Contact her via: ddonloe@gmail.com
