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Buick is continuing its challenge of creating its own vehicle segment -- "approachable luxury" -- by introducing another industry pioneer: the 2013 Buick Encore crossover.

Riding atop a 100.6-inch wheelbase, the Encore only spans 168.5 inches, making it smaller than the five-door Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, which straddles a 104.8-inch wheelbase and spans 171.5 inches overall. The Encore's platform is based on Gamma II architecture, which is related to – but not identical – to the framework underneath the Chevrolet Sonic. Buick is making bold proclamations about the Encore being a pioneer in the premium subcompact crossover market, and as if to emphasize the point, General Motors compares the vehicle to the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 in its press materials – vehicles that aren't even sold in the U.S.

Like the Sonic, the Encore relies on the 1.4-liter turbo four backed by a Hydramatic six-speed automatic, and the powertrain is tuned to deliver 140 horsepower at 4,900 rpm and 148 pound-feet at 1,850 rpm. In typical Buick fashion, engineers have placed significant emphasis on a hushed interior, fitting an acoustic-laminated windshield and standard 18-inch "quiet-tuned" Continental tires along with active noise cancelling through the audio system – a Buick first.

It will be interesting to see where the Encore is priced when it hits dealers – the Verano sedan is currently Buick's least expensive offering at $23,470, but it's larger in size. For the full details, hit the jump for the official press blast