Pretty much all auto makers are heading into the luxury crossover / hatchback segment. Everyone from Audi to BMW, Mercedes and possibly even Cadillac are getting in while shoppers are looking for these kinds of vehicles.

Buick’s answer is Encore, introduced at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. More of a European model (it’s based off an Opel design, and hatches are intensely popular overseas), Encore offers up “1,372 liters of storage space, and that’s more than what BMW X1 or Audi Q3 offer.”

Powering the 2013 Buick Encore is Ecotec’s 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, attached to a six-speed automatic transmission. This powerplant makes 140 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque.

As a smaller vehicle, 2013 Encore is well-equipped for its class. The cabin is luxuriously trimmed with leather and wood, full-color seven-inch LCD display for IntelliLink voice-activated system, and a slew of other standard or available features:

Remote start
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Rainsense wipers
Bose premium sound system
Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls
10 standard air bags, plus
Available front and rear park assist
Available rear vision camera.

Source: Motorward

According to Buick execs Craig Bierley and Jim Federico, the reasons for the four-cylinder versus the V-6 are many: The bigger engine doesn’t make as much power when tuned to meet U.S. emissions regulations, and because it weighs more, there’s not a lot of difference in power-to-weight ratios. The V-6 also guzzles more gas than the turbo four, and the latter provides better weight distribution.

Did we mention a zero to 60 time that is less than 6 seconds? Nice. Thanks to Car & Driver for the pics & info.