2016 Buick Envision: You Always Need Someone Bigger Than You
Buick survived the turmoil of 2008 (when GM barely escaped bankruptcy) thanks in large part to the Chinese market. The brand is very popular on the other side of the Pacific, where it has numerous dealerships. In fact, Buick even makes models exclusively for Chinese buyers.
But what’s surprising is that GM has decided to bring one of these Chinese vehicles to America. This vehicle is the Envision, a compact SUV. Of course, any GM or Buick representative would be quick to refute what I’ve just said. They’d argue that the Envision comes from China but was designed in America. They’d also clarify that it’s not a boring old SUV, but rather a CUV (crossover utility vehicle, or what we usually just call a “crossover.”). So, you’ve been warned.
The Envision is built on the Delta 2 platform, which is the same one found under the Chevrolet Cruze and the Volt. It comes with a turbocharged, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that, according to Buick’s estimates, should produce 252 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. An automatic transmission will relay power to a new dual-clutch all-wheel drive system that will also be used in the Cadillac XT5.
We also know that the wheels will be 19 inches in size and the cargo space should offer a volume of 1,623 litres when the rear seatback is lowered.
What we don’t know is whether the American public will be comfortable driving a vehicle built in China. Personally, I never would have guessed its origin just from looking at it. Fit and finish quality of the vehicle on display was excellent. And, it is an American design after all.
When the Envision rolls into dealerships in mid-2016, it will go head to head with the Audi Q3, the Acura RDX, the new Infiniti QX30 and the Lincoln MKC. Pricing has yet to be released.
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