cars news 10: Refreshed 2017 Buick Encore to Debut at 2016 New York Auto Show

GM’s European arm, Opel, has just revealed the face-lifted Opel Mokka X, which is essentially a rebadged Buick Encore. According to GM Authority, Buick has hinted that the refreshed 2017 Encore will debut at the 2016 New York auto show.

No details were given regarding changes to Buick’s baby crossover, but like its European counterpart, the Encore will likely receive a new front fascia and a more rugged look. GM Authority also states that the waterfall grille that’s currently used on the Encore will be phased out in favor of the new winged grille that was used on the most recent Buick concepts, the Avista and Avenir.

Opel Mokka X in motion front three quarters 4

Opel Mokka X in motion front three quarters 3

Opel Mokka X in motion front three quarters 2

Opel Mokka X in motion front three quarters 1

For the 2016 model year, Buick added the Sport Touring trim and a new direct-injected 1.4-liter turbo-four that’s rated at 153 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. The base engine in the Buick Encore is an older 1.4-liter turbo-four making 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. Along with the LED headlights and an improved Opel Eye front view camera, the face-lifted Opel Mokka X also received the new 153-hp turbo-four that the Encore got for the 2016 model year. Joining the 2016 Cascada, 2016 Envision, and 2017 LaCrosse, the face-lifted 2017 Buick Encore will be the fourth new or refreshed model that Buick will launch this year.

With the refresh of the Mokka X and Encore, it’s also possible that the mechanically-related Chevrolet Trax could also get a refresh.

Source: GM Authority, Opel