(July 20, 2015) DETROIT — Buick today introduced the 2016 Encore Sport Touring — a more spirited take on the brand’s popular crossover. It is distinguished by unique exterior cues and driven by an exclusive, all-new 1.4L turbocharged engine featuring direct injection and stop/start technology.

The exterior features include a winged rear spoiler, 18-inch aluminum premium-finish wheels and body-color door handles, while the technologically advanced 1.4L turbo is part of a new, global family of small, power-dense engines developed to balance performance and efficiency with exceptional refinement.

Direct injection helps it generate an estimated 153 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, for about 11 percent more horsepower and nearly 20 percent more torque than the Encore’s standard engine — and a greater feeling of power on demand, particularly at low- and mid-range engine speeds. It’s matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. The standard engine makes 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque.

Stop/start technology contributes to reduced fuel consumption in stop-and-go driving. It automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop under certain driving conditions, such as a stoplight. The engine automatically restarts when the driver takes his or her foot off the brake.

“Encore is a driving force behind Buick’s expansion and a catalyst for introducing a new generation of customers to the brand,” said Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice president of Buick. “The all-new Encore Sport Touring broadens that base, giving customers more choices – along with more performance, more technology and more efficiency.”

The 2016 Encore Sport Touring goes on sale this fall. All Encore models offer room for five and up to 48.4 cubic feet of storage space. Standard features include:

    Blue-accented halogen composite projector-beam headlamps
    IntelliLink voice-activated infotainment system with a seven-inch-diagonal, high-resolution, full-color display
    OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with a Wi-Fi hotspot, including a three-month/3GB data trial
    Rearview camera system
    Fold-flat front passenger seat that extends the cargo length and accommodates items up to eight feet long
    Ten standard air bags, including side-curtain and knee air bags
    QuietTuning with Bose Active Noise Cancellation technology
    Heated outside rearview mirrors with signal indicators
    Fuel-saving electric power steering
    Four-wheel disc brakes.

Encore Sport Touring also includes the Convenience package, which adds a 120-volt power outlet, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, dual-zone climate control, fog lamps, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert and remote starting.

All-wheel drive, a premium Bose audio system, navigation radio and a moonroof are available.