The Opel/ 
Vauxhall Mokka and Buick Encore have all been big hits for General Motors in slightly more than two years on the market, but with the market for small crossovers now booming, it looks like the little crossovers are about to get some equally small changes. Our spy photographers caught up with a Buick Encore prototype testing in Germany wearing some heavy camouflage on the front end, suggesting that a mid-cycle update is in the works. While the timing for such an update would definitely make sense, it sounds like there are some additional changes in the works, including a new engine option and some updated cabin tech.
As far as timing goes, it isn’t clear when the new lineup of crossovers will be ready to hit the road, but judging by how this prototype doesn’t seem to be close to a production-spec vehicle (the Buick Encore is not available with steel wheels), GM might be holding these changes for next year; the 2016 Encore has already been announced, so these updates won’t be available until the 2017 model year at the soonest. Regardless of when the updated Mokka and Encore do make their debuts, the changes will help make this crossover an even better choice in the mid-level luxury market.
Continue reading for the full story.
Spy Shots
Exterior
Normally, the heavy cladding on the front end would suggest a significant restyling, but comparing this Buick Encore prototype to the current model shows that the changes probably won’t be too extreme. It’s easy to see that a new grille design is in the cards, and the headlights and front fascia are sure to get some tweaks as well. The cladding on the hood is the best hint that the Encore will be getting some sort of powertrain changes, and this prototype is likely being used to test airflow and cooling to the new engine. This would also explain why there are no changes at the rear of the Encore, even though there will almost surely be some changes made to the rear fascia and taillights.
Interior
Note: 2014-2015 Buick Encore interior shown.
Like the exterior design, the interior will probably get some small changes, too. These spy shots didn’t show any of the prototype’s interior, but in a GM mid-cycle update, the chances of a reworked instrument panel are good. This will most likely focus on the technology and design of the gauges and center stack, and the latest in GM’s infotainment technology will surely be included.
Drivetrain
Note: 2014-2015 Buick Encore see-through shown.
Although the Buick Encore is only available with the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka offers five gasoline and diesel engines. That will likely change with this updated design, when a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine is rumored to be joining the engine lineup. This engine is currently used in the Opel Corsa, and in that application, it is rated at up to 115 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. If offered in the Encore, this would be less power than the existing engine’s 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque output, but it could improve fuel economy over the current rating of 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
Prices
Pricing for the updated Buick Encore shouldn’t change all that much from the current model, which is priced starting at $24,065. There is a chance the new engine could be added as an option rather than a replacement, making another level of pricing in the Encore lineup.
Competition
Volkswagen TIguan
Buick lists the Tiguan as the main rival to the Encore. The Tiguan does cost a little more, starting at $26,255, but it is also a slightly larger vehicle with a more powerful engine. Power comes VW’s proven 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 200 horsepower.
Read our full review of the Volkswagen TIguan here.
Mini Countryman
Starting at $22,750, the Mini Countryman is another vehicle that the Encore is positioned against. The Countryman has less of a premium look and feel than the Encore or Tiguan, but it does offer a trio of engine options, ranging from the base 121-horsepower model to the John Cooper Works model with its 208-horsepower output. Along with the Nissan Juke, the Mini Countryman has a sportier attitude than most other subcompact crossovers.
Read our full review of the Mini Counryman here.
Conclusion
The Buick Encore and Opel/Vauxhall Mokka has carved out a nice little niche (especially in the U.S.) in its short time on the market, but GM will definitely have its hands full in this premium subcompact crossover segment as more rivals come along, like a rumored Acura version of the 2016 Honda HR-V. In its current form, the Enore and Mokka are attractive vehicles with plenty of features at a great value, and it looks like the refreshed version of this crossover will improve all three aspects.