You know that smaller, luxury SUV Buick has been planning to add to their lineup as an alternative to the significantly larger 2012 Buick Enclave? Well, it just debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan...Finally! We have more to tell you than what we can garner from teaser images and hearsay. Are you ready?

With an understated grill and soft angels, the 2013 Buick Encore carries a very friendly demeanor, which Power of Bowser finds quite refreshing given the market is dominated by angry-looking  vehicles.  As previously mentioned, it's by no means intimidating in terms of size, either. In fact, it's approximately three feet shorter than the Buick Enclave and just over 10 inches narrower. That said; it still offers 18.5 cubic feet of storage space with the seats up. Fold them down, and you have closer to 50 cubic feet!

If you think it seems like Buick went to the opposite end of the SUV spectrum, in terms of size, you're right. They did. It was quite intentional move, too. Such a vast difference in cargo space leaves the option of adding a third mid-size SUV to their lineup in the future... But keeping with the here and now, let's move to the exterior and interior features of the 2013 Buick Encore SUV, shall we?

Outside, the new SUV's more notable features include 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, drivers and passengers are promised a study-hall quit ride, thanks to generous amounts of insulation and active noise cancelation, as well as standard Intellilink multimedia system (capable of streaming smartphone apps through a seven-inch display). Some of our favorite optional features include heated front seats, heated steering wheel, navigation system and backup camera.

Under the hood, the 2013 Buick Encore features a 1.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine. Mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, it's expected to put out 140 horsepower (hp) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque. And, for drivers facing challenging driving conditions, the Encore will also come with available all-wheel drive.

When exactly will the Buick Encore arrive at Power of Bowser, located at 1001 Clairton Blvd. Pleasant Hills, PA 15236? Early next year.  If you'd like to learn more about compact luxury SUV in the meantime, be sure to contact us at your convenience. And, stay tuned for more Buick news, coming soon.