2017 Buick Encore (facelift) spotted in China - Spied

153 hp 1.4L SIDI turbo engine may become widely available on the facelift.

The Buick Encore was unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, and last year, a new turbocharged engine and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for the IntelliLink infotainment system were announced for the 2016 model year.

For the 2017 model year, Buick will give its sub-compact crossover a mid-life facelift to keep things fresh on the design front. GM is already working on the facelifted 2017 Buick Encore, as seen in these spy shots from China, courtesy of auto.ifeng.com.

The spy shots suggests that the 2017 Buick Encore (facelift) will get tweaked headlamps inspired by that of the 2017 Buick LaCrosse, a new hood and bumper, refreshed tail lamps and new alloy wheels. The interior is mostly covered but the instrument panel is slightly visible and appears unchanged design-wise. However expect changes on the dashboard and seat trim and colour.

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The U.S.-spec 2016 Buick Encore saw introduction of a new Sport Touring trim powered by an exclusive 1.4-liter SIDI turbocharged gasoline engine producing 153 hp and 177 lb.-ft. (240 Nm) of torque. The rest of the range is still powered by the 1.4-liter EcoTec turbocharged gasoline engine that develops 138 hp and 148 lb.-ft. (201 Nm) of torque. With the facelift, the new SIDI turbocharged engine could become widespread.

Currently only a 6-speed automatic transmission is offered in the U.S. market, but whether a 6-speed manual choice will be introduced or not, remains an unknown.

[Image Source: auto.ifeng.com]