Buick’s new Envista compact crossover SUV pioneers new territory for a once-prestigious model within the Common Motors portfolio. This isn’t to say that it’s a dangerous automotive, solely that, with a 137-horsepower 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that’s the smallest ever put in in a Buick, the Envista isn’t a luxurious, highly effective luxurious barge that the model’s identify may evoke.
Whereas a few of Buick’s entry-level fashions within the Nineteen Eighties certainly had decrease energy rankings and extra sluggish acceleration than the Envista, this new mannequin has the grumbly engine character on startup and through acceleration that does little to uphold Buick’s luxurious repute.
This is identical engine that powers the Chevrolet Trax, which is one other GM mannequin engineered and in-built Korea utilizing the identical platform because the Envista. The unique Trax was a fleet-only low cost mannequin, so the quantum leap from that to the present Trax is an improve to Chevrolet’s repute.
However the barely upmarket model branded because the Envista doesn’t ship the identical profit to Buick as a result of there was no poor mannequin being changed within the model’s lineup and since expectations for Buick are larger than these for Chevrolet.
In both case, Buick or Chevrolet, prospects get a diminutive three-cylinder with direct gas injection that’s constructed with die-cast aluminum block and heads. It drives the automotive by way of GM’s Hydra-Matic 6T40 6-speed planetary computerized transmission, which gives good shift high quality, in contrast to too many CVT and automatic dual-clutch transmissions.
Steering is assisted by a column-mounted electrical energy steering module, with respectable really feel and suggestions for a non-hydraulic system in a funds mannequin. The entrance suspension is by typical MacPherson struts, however the torsion beam rear axle boasts the addition of a Watts hyperlink to supply extra secure lateral management of suspension motion for higher dealing with than the Trax, which lacks this expertise.
The take a look at automotive was the Avenir trim stage, which incorporates 19-inch wheels instead of the usual 18-inchers. They’re beautiful, with a brushed steel end, and the ensuing experience isn’t dangerous. However the smaller wheels and their taller tire sidewalls will certainly experience higher and ship higher resistance to wreck from potholes. The bigger wheels may also ding gas effectivity barely. The EPA ranking for mixed driving is 30 mpg and I obtained 28 mpg in combined suburban driving. That’s hardly horrible, however for similar to small engine it’s a disappointment.
Exterior, the designers have completed nice work, delivering a slick, fashionable fashion that bucks any perceptions of Buick as a stodgy model. The Avenir trim label badging, nevertheless, is a bit complicated, particularly with a brand new mannequin identify like Envista. With three Avenir badges and a lone Envista badge, customers will certainly assume this crossover known as the Buick Avenir.
However in any case, the Envista will certainly go away them with a good impression of Buick’s path for future fashions which might be powered by extra appropriately easy powertrains.
