2013 Buick Encore
When: early 2013
Buick continues to revamp its image to positive effect. Yes, really—if you haven't driven a Buick lately, the solid handling and great interiors might come as a shock. This latest attempt to redefine the brand (and go younger) is built on the same chassis as the Chevy Sonic, and we hope it brings the same kind of excellent handling. The Encore will be about a foot longer than a Sonic, with more headroom and cargo room since it's a hatchback. The powertrain is also borrowed from the little Chevy; it's a 1.4-liter turbo making 140 hp and 148 lb-ft, with FWD or AWD and a six-speed auto.
The cockpit is rumored to be slick, with sporty blue-lit gauges, optional leather, and lots of chrome accents. The exterior isn't as sharply attractive as BMW's X1, but it looks muscular, with short overhangs and a butch maw. All of which has us predicting grandpa won't want one, and therefore you won't spy an Encore in Boca with a vinylized roof.
Price: roughly $25,000
