Buick released a new ad spot on YouTube yesterday starring its latest 2013 Encore compact crossover.
An obvious jab at the towering full-size SUV's, the Buick commercial features a nimble Encore zipping around clumsy, slow-moving dinosaurs in the narrow streets of a quiet European-esque city.
While Buick's "Dinosauria" ad lacks the drama of a Tyrannasaurus loose in San Diego, it does up a very good point -- are compact crossovers a better everyday alternative than SUVs? A unique layout that combines truck-like utility and cargo space together with a compact car footprint and fuel efficiency in a familiar passenger car platform, the compact crossover manages to optimize the benefits of practicality, economy, and comfort.
However, the ad brings us to the million dollar question -- is the Buick Encore the best compact crossover on the market? With a starting price of $24,950, Encore is powered by a 1.4 liter turbocharged inline-4 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Despite the turbocharger, the Encore only puts out 138 hp and 148 lb.-ft. of torque to propel from 0-to-60 mph in 10 disappointing seconds. Finally, the Encore's fuel efficiency is rated at 25 City / 33 Highway.
While fuel economy figures are respectable, the Encore's lack of grunt not only makes it unappealing to enthusiasts, it is arguably unsafe to be taken to a major freeway when even a standard Toyota Camry can accelerate more than 2 seconds quicker to 60 mph.
The Buick Encore "Dinosauria" ad is scheduled to air this weekend on ESPN during the NCAA college basketball tournament. Watch it now in the video below!
