Buick’s lineup has gotten significantly smaller
following the death of the Cascada and LaCrosse. While those models weren’t
exactly hits, Buick is preparing introduce a new crossover sometime next year. Tentatively dubbed the Baby Enclave,
the model follows in the footsteps of its larger brother as it features a
similar front and rear fascia. However, the new crossover is distinguished by a
flatter beltline and a more rakish windscreen.
The model is slightly smaller than the Enclave as it
rides on the short-wheelbase version of the C1 / Chi platform that underpins
the Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia. This means we can expect it to slot in
between the Envision and Enclave. There’s a decent gap between the models as
the Envision starts at US$ 31,995 while the Enclave begins at US$ 40,000. This likely
means the new crossover will cost around US$ 35,000.
Engine options remain unconfirmed, but the Blazer
and Acadia offer a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 193 hp and a
3.6-liter V6 with up to 310 hp. The facelifted Acadia also
gained a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that develops 230 hp and 350 Nm of torque.
Given the Buick will be positioned as a premium
model, it wouldn’t be too surprising if it was offered with the turbocharged
four-cylinder and the more powerful V6. It remains unclear what the model
will be called, but speculation has suggested it could adopt the Enspire
moniker that was used on a previous concept. There have also been rumors that
it could be called the Envoy. While the latter name is closely associated with
GMC, it would fit in nicely with Buick’s En- crossover nomenclature which
includes Encore, Enclave and Envision.
