Chevrolet releases the first official image (above) and some basic info of its brand new Trax, a compact SUV that is bound to be unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show (September 29 - October 14) to then enter the European markets in the Spring of 2013. The model comes with a pretty muscular and compact design and will able to accommodate up to 5 people (driver included) with 533 litres of boot capacity (a feature that can go up to 1,372 litres with the rear bench folded).

Chevy doesn’t really like to go public about that, but the Trax descends from General Motor’s B-SUV range, which already enlists both Opel Mokka and Buick Encore in its ranks. The Trax is expected to come with the same engine range as the Mokka, which includes a 1.4-litre petrol engine delivering 138 hp as well as a 1.7-litre turbo-charged diesel unit producing 128 hp. Two and four-wheel drive versions will be offered.

“The Trax provides Chevrolet an entry into a growing small SUV segment and delivers the flexibility, great fuel economy and car-like handling that urban explorers around the world require - said Mary Barra, GM senior vice president of Product Development - After a record sales year in 2011 and a record first quarter, Chevrolet continues to meet customer needs by expanding its portfolio with strong new entries.”

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Buick releases a two-minute long video starring its new luxury small crossover ‘Encore‘, which has been unveiled just a few days ago in Detroit at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. The footage provides us with an extensive overlook of the model, which represents the hottest Buick model for 2012. The Encore is the American counterpart of the Opel Mokka, which will soon be introduced to the world at the next Geneva Motor Show.

The Encore comes with a supercharged 1.4-litre 4-cylinder Ecotec engine producing 140 hp and 200 Nm (148 ft-pd) of peak torque and coupled with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Other remarkable features of the model include 18″ five-spoke painted aluminum wheels, 10 air bags, the voice-activated IntelliLink infotainment system – which uses Bluetooth or a USB to connect the driver’s smartphone to a high-resolution, full-color 7″ LCD display radio - Bose premium sound system, sat-nav, rear camera, park assist, cornering brake control and brake assist and plenty of options for the customization of its cabin. The Buick Encore will begin arriving at U.S. Buick dealerships in the first quarter of 2013.

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Buick has unveiled its new crossover/SUV ‘Encore‘ at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. The model will be marketed in Europe as well with an Opel badge and with the ‘Mokka‘ name, and will be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Both cars have been developed on the Gamma II platform, the same architecture that generated the new Chevrolet Sonic, and will also share the same turbocharged 1.4-litre engine used by the recently unveiled Chevy hatchback, which produces an output of 140 hp and 200 Nm (148 ft-pd) of peak torque from 1,850 rpm. However, no performance figures have been released.

The Encore comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission, standard 18″ five-spoke painted aluminum wheels, 10 standard air bags and a slew of customization options for its cabin. A prominent central instrument panel houses the large, full-color, 7″ LCD display for the IntelliLink voice-activated radio system, also featuring displays for the Sirius XM satellite radio, navigation and rear camera systems. Check out the official Press Release after the jump to find out more about the new Buick Encore.

View the full Buick Encore photo gallery

Continue reading: Buick Encore revealed at the 2012 NAIAS in Detroit

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