2013 Opel Mokka and Buick Encore revealed [video]

GM's badge engineering strategy is in full effect with the announcements of the Buick Encore and Opel/Vauxhall Mokka compact vehicles today. While Buick refers to the Encore as luxury small crossover, Opel refers to their Mokka as a sub-compact SUV.

Regardless, one things is for sure - they're small. Wheelbase measures 100.6-inch (2,555 mm), overall length 168.5 (4,278 mm), width 69.9 (1,774 mm), height 64.8 (1,646 mm) and front/ rear tracks both 60.6-inch (1,540 mm). That's 4 inches shorter in overall length than the Audi Q3 while the Ford EcoSport is 8 inches wider. Ironically, Buick in their press release illustrate comparisons between the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 - two models which are currently not offered in the U.S.

The Opel Mokka in Europe is powered by two petrol and one diesel engine, all with manual transmissions and start/stop system. The 1.6 liter naturally-aspirated engine produces 115 hp (85 kW) while the 1.4-liter turbo gives 140 hp (103 kW) with 200 Nm of torque. On the diesel side, there is a 130 hp (93 kw) 1.7 CDTI turbo diesel with 300 Nm of torque. Six-speed automatic transmissions are available with the 1.4 Turbo and the 1.7 CDTI.

The Encore gets the 1.4-liter turbo only with the same specifications listed as the Opel.

Built on GM's new global small vehicle Gamma II platform, both vehicles are available in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. The 2011 Chevrolet Aveo/2012 Chevrolet Sonic also use the same platform.

The Buick Encore arrives in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2013. The Opel Mokka will be available at Opel dealerships end of 2012.