Sitting alone in the rear seat of the business class section of a trans-Atlantic flight, all I can see in the darkness are seven active video screens displaying a most interesting variance of entertainment. A

Does Buick's new Enclave have what it takes to lure in the business class crowd? (Photo: General Motors)

couple of them are playing Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Man’s Chest, while one presents another period piece, but this film aggrandizing boxing. Still another features a courtroom scene, more contemporary in theme than the other two, and another screen displays someone’s video game, its impatient suspended-play graphic flashing annoyingly at an ambivalently snoozing player who smartly chose to find fantasy in his dreams rather than at the end of his seat’s remote control module. While a scene someone who spends a lot of time in the air might typically experience, it got me thinking about how we’re all so uniquely individual. Even under the same roof, while heavily influenced by a parent’s biases, children grow up with distinct preferences, and sometimes wholly different viewpoints on core values than those who raised them.

For this

It certainly looks good. (Photo: General Motors)

reason, General Motors’ business model of transforming one specific architecture, whether it underpins a four-door sedan, SUV or pickup truck, into multiple offerings, is sound. In past years it has often come under criticism, by me and by some of my journalist colleagues, for not going far enough to differentiate the various models, at times making a Chevy appear much too close to a Cadillac. The General has learned its lesson, or so it seems, with most of its new models appearing to have shed their me-too sameness and, at the same time, dawning newfound style that has eluded all but its Cadillac showrooms over the past couple of decades.

Cadillac has been the leader in this offensive, boasting chiseled lines that cut through the wind so severely that its cars would seem as if to leave a trail of blood in their wakes; although at the sight of Lincoln’s fortunes it becomes apparent that such an analogy isn’t too far fetched, with GM’s luxury brand having shown no quarter on what, other than the Navigator, has been more of a pretender in

Buick does such details well. (Photo: General Motors)

the luxury segment than any serious threat. Elsewhere in the GM arsenal, Chevy is now getting a clean, uncluttered look that borders on sporting, while the new and improved Pontiac is finally starting to live up to its performance roots. Saturn is the M.I.P. in the entire automotive sector, now pulling inspiration as well as entire cars from GM’s Adam Opel division in Germany, and Hummer is riding a wave of popularity spurred on by its thriftier H3. And what about that old-man’s brand that so many respected professional scribes gave last rights to a couple of years back? Hmmm… it seems, saved by China that is now selling more Buicks than the North American division, a reality that has helped it to become the country’s most successful luxury brand, it’s still alive and kicking, and looking to a bright new future that could very well reinvent the brand as we know it.

All it takes is a really well conceived product to revive a brand’s image and concurrently,

There are a lot of big players in the luxury crossover segment, so Enclave has its work cut out for it. (Photo: General Motors)

sales, and in the case of Buick, the new Enclave might just be what’s needed. It’s always a challenge to tell for sure, as I felt much the same way about Chrysler’s Pacifica when it debuted, and while it has sold very well with extremely high customer loyalty, rumours abound that it’s on its last legs and won’t see a redesign. Aren’t crossover vehicles the Holy Grail of automakers these days? Obviously not. Even the very capable, albeit overtly bland Freestyle has undergone a name change to coincide with its 2008 mid-cycle upgrade in order to spur on sales… long live the Taurus X (or should we call it the Taurus Wagon)?

It seems that a number of brands are staking their future profitability on such SUV cum station wagons, including the aforementioned Pacifica plus a forthcoming Dodge CUV, that Taurus X I just commented on and its Edge sibling, plus the Lincoln MKX. Of course, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan offer a bevy of crossover offerings, not to mention Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Suzuki and then the Koreans, Germans, Swedish, etc, so it only makes sense that GM get in on the action.

But then again, you could say that the General has long been right in the thick of it, and

One thing's for sure, the Enclave has come a long way since the Rendezvous. (Photo: General Motors)

maybe, depending on your point of view, that the world’s largest automaker was a bit of a trend setter. After all, what was Pontiac’s Aztek if not a crossover, or considering we’re talking Buick, the Rendezvous? Of course, based on the Venture/Montana minivan architecture, these were hardly true SUVs, and at the other end of the spectrum, hardly dynamic handlers. The latter of the two sold very well and has garnered extremely strong customer loyalty, mind you. Buick feels these same customers will like the Enclave even more, while at the same time it believes that customers within Buick that are currently driving its Terraza minivan (expected to be discontinued soon), as well as those in the brand’s various sedans, will want to move up to the car-like CUV, plus it even thinks that the Enclave is enticing enough to pull buyers into Buick showrooms from outside the General’s circle.

Conquest sales are exactly what GM needs to slow a steady decline in market share (only 50.5 percent of the U.S. market was taken by domestic brands in January, which means that the imports won an unprecedented 49.5 percent of new vehicle

Overall, the Enclave has a nice upscale appearance, and it doesn't look anything like its platform-mates. (Photo: General Motors)

buyers resulting in domestic market share dropping by 5.2 percent in January compared to the same month last year), and that charge is first being led by the aforementioned revitalized Saturn brand when it comes to full-size crossovers. The Enclave shares its Lambda architecture with Saturn’s Outlook, the entry-level CUV in GM’s three-fold arsenal, which will be followed shortly by GMC’s Acadia. The Enclave will be last out of the blocks (for now at least), showing up this spring as a 2008 model.

And getting back to how all this started (remember, back on the plane to Europe?), what I like about GM’s new design direction, as an automaker overall, is that most of its new vehicles don’t look like their first cousins in neighbouring brands (or in the case of the Aztek, the progeny of first cousins that got married). The previously mentioned Terraza minivan, for instance, is pretty well identical to the Chevy Uplander, Saturn Relay and Pontiac Montana SV6, at least from the front clip rearwards, in much the same way as GM’s GMT-360 SUV platform that underpins the Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Saab 9-7X, Isuzu Ascender and Buick Rainier (not to forget the U.S.-only Isuzu Ascender and now defunct Oldsmobile Bravada) makes these vehicles look similar when looking at them from their profiles or backsides.

Plenty of curves give the Enclave a sporty stance, while the chrome details are quite elegant. (Photo: General Motors)

It’s refreshing to see that the new Lambda CUVs hardly look alike at all, with the Enclave the most unique in the litter.

Its curves are plenty, with muscular haunches and dramatic shoulder lines that should be appealing to masculine buyers, plus a certain air of graciousness that no doubt will feel right to women. Its liberal use of chrome is also right for the times, but also pays tribute to Buicks of days gone by when chrome was king and a big Roadmaster’s waterfall grille was about as intimidating as anything smaller than the little bulldog atop the protruding grille on a Mack truck. Countering all the retrospective chrome and stylized portholes are LED head and tail lamps, giving it a modern, upscale presence. One thing’s for sure, the Enclave won’t be confused for a minivan.

This is critically important, of course, being that many from its aforementioned target market will be moving over from family hauling appliances, whether Terrazas or Town & Countrys, to this more engaging form of vehicle.

Model and former pro volleyball player Gabrielle Reese walks the GM Style runway at NAIAS in front of the Enclave while wearing a Donna Karan gown. (Photo: Jeffrey Sauger, General Motors)

Buick hopes that the Enclave’s rather large dimensions will make it a good minivan alternative, and after spending some time crawling around inside one on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show, where it was introduced late in November, and then once again in Detroit after it was introduced behind the very lovely model and former pro volleyball player, Gabrielle Reese, who was wearing a scintillating gold Donna Karan gown while walking the runway at the GM Style evening gala the night before, I believe that it will lend well to family hauling duties.

But before you think I’m saying you should dust off your old van and make way to your local Buick store to lay a deposit down on an Enclave, let’s be realistic. There’s no way that any crossover will ever be as convenient as a minivan, case closed. Side sliders will always be easier to access when squeezed between vehicles in tight shopping mall parking stalls, especially when dealing with kids and child safety seats, and tall, wide liftgates with low lift-over heights are easier to coax large packages onto than taller, SUV-like cargo bays. Minivans generally have more room to load up cargo too, and in some manufacturers’ cases, their seats fold completely into the floor in one or two steps, making them ideal for impromptu trips to IKEA or Costco, moments when I find myself purchasing large items (no doubt on sale) that I just can’t live without; bookcases are a favourite of mine, needed for another year’s worth of press kits like the one Buick gave me at the Enclave intro.

That intro, by the way, took place the night before the LA Auto Show media intros. It all seemed like a rather normal affair, with no fireworks, no song and dance routine and no cars flying through plate glass windows, or anything so dramatic, when out from the new Enclave that had just rolled onto the stage came GM CEO Rick Wagoner and, from behind the wheel, famed Buick spokesman Tiger Woods. OK, that’s pretty cool. I’m not a giant golf fan, noted by one of my colleagues who went into hysterics of laughter when Phil Mickelson got off the elevator at a

GM CEO Rick Wagoner and famed Buick spokesman Tiger Woods share a laugh at the Enclave's Los Angeles Auto Show debut. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

previous ride and drive event, just after I had asked the soon-to-be tournament winner if there was something going on at the hotel (that was surrounded in courses). That’s another story for another time, but suffice it to say that Phil didn’t get the reception of awe that normally would overcome a fan that was standing two feet in front of him. To his credit, he was very magnanimous, graciously telling me that Tiger Woods was at the golf tourney, and not saying who he was or that he even was involved. My eyebrows were probably raised in shock that the great Tiger was in the same building, or at least the same general area, and he no doubt had a laugh about it all. Not as robust a laugh as my colleague, and possibly even a bitter laugh, but a laugh just the same. Of course, if Phil was in the same elevator as Fernando Alonso (two-times F1 champion for those not into motorsport), he might make the same mistake. Anyway, somewhere before this deep digression I mentioned that Tiger walked out in front of the Enclave, making a few jokes about wanting to get one of his own, and while he no doubt will be given a brand, spanking new example, loaded to the gills with all the available options by GM, and be seen occasionally behind the wheel, his income would allow for a slightly more upscale crossover if he chose… like a diamond-studded Range Rover Sport Supercharged?

Thankfully

Only minimalists will be disappointed with the Enclave's luxurious, well-made interior. (Photo: General Motors)

Buick’s tufted, overstuffed furniture days are long gone, and any chance of finding rind stones, let alone diamonds clipped into the crevices of pillowy, velour couch fabric won’t come from the factory – don’t put it past the SEMA crowd though. Complementing what are actually very upscale perforated leather seating surfaces, Buick has integrated one of the most stimulating interiors to come along in a very long time. It’s all curves and ovoid shapes, the former most apparent in the double-bubble dash top housing an extremely classy instrument package on the left and a circular Tiffany-style analogue clock and vents on the right, atop the centre stack, and the latter seen in the left and right-side vents, plus circles for just about every other gauge and aperture. Bright metal, brushed aluminum and rich woodgrain is everywhere, while the show car featured an attractive two-tone dark gray and tan motif. All the controls are of the new high-quality GM ilk, so premium buyers won’t be put off by shoddy switchgear any longer, and as is usually the case, there are enough goodies onboard to keep even the most ardent early adopter engrossed for weeks on end.

As with most GM vehicles, the Enclave gets a serious

A lot of toys come standard, and there's still many extras to dress up the Enclave. (Photo: General Motors)

audio system… or should I say, the system is not SIRIUS, but rather XM. I’m a giant fan of satellite radio, as those who read often will have grown weary of hearing, having my favourite stations (XM Lucy 54 number one on my chart) programmed into my test cars as soon as I can get my hands on them. GM audio systems are among the easiest to decode as well, which is critical for me as messing with complex electronics was never a passion I’ve held. Enclave buyers will also be able to add GM’s new Personal Audio Link iPod adaptor to the stereo at the time of sale, installed by the dealer, plus an overhead DVD entertainment system with what GM claims to be one of the industry’s largest screens will be available too. The audio system should be nothing less than stimulating, thanks to ten speakers and Bose 5.1 surround sound dynamics. What else is there? Well, a factory installed remote start is a handy feature, and one that’s almost as useful in cold or hot weather as it is fun in a crowded parking lot when starting it up from fifty feet away. GM nav systems have come a long way in recent years, and making them even more enticing is OnStar Generation 7’s Turn-by-Turn voice-activated navigation, that also includes the Advanced Automatic Crash Notification system, and more. Of course, the Enclave will feature other items common to the up-market midsize segment, such as a rear backup camera, HID headlamps, articulating headlamps for seeing around corners, a power liftgate, a sliding second row seat, a second row console, ultrasonic rear parking assist, power tilt and telescopic steering column, power folding mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, heated windshield washer fluid, heated seats, and a super large sunroof and skylight combination. The list goes on, but you get the idea.

While the General has a number of smooth, sophisticated V8s that would suit the Enclave, its powerful, refined 3.6-litre V6 has been given sole duty in the Enclave for the time being; although the fact that the Acadia Denali is getting a V8 means that one for the more upscale Enclave is probably forthcoming. Nevertheless, the V6, making 275 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque, is more

Powerful V6 should move the Enclave at a decent pace, although a V8 is expected in top-line models. (Photo: General Motors)

V8-like than most rival V6s, and the added fuel savings should be good enough to stop would-be naysayers from complaining. As important for fuel savings, as well as performance, is GM’s new Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission, which in other applications provides liquid smooth shifts and spirited performance. Surprisingly, the robust drivetrain allows the Enclave to tow up to 2,041 kilos (4,500 lbs), which should be good enough for small watercraft, dirt bike trailers and/or snowmobiles.

An all-new fully independent chassis and rack-and-pinion steering system should make the big crossover handle well, as will 18- and 19-inch alloy wheel and tires combinations. GM even has 20-inch packages available at the dealer level, keeping its aftermarket sales in-house. A long wheelbase will smooth out road imperfections too, while adding occupant and cargo room to the seven-person crossover.

Yes, you can haul a driver and six passengers with the new Enclave, with the good news being that the nethermost seats aren’t too challenging for normal-sized adults. Few vehicles in this class are capable of transporting adults in the third row at all, let alone for long distances, but being that GM is

The Enclave really hauls... (Photo: General Motors)

dropping its minivans with hopes of pulling such buyers into its CUV range, such details were tantamount.

Those onboard will be grateful GM installed its most advanced safety equipment, starting with four-wheel antilock brakes (with all of the three-letter acronyms), traction control, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, with rollover mitigation, plus a tire pressure monitoring system. Passive considerations include airbags stuffed behind almost every interior panel, including the two up front, of course, plus two inside the front seatbacks, two in the roof rail stretching from front to the very back, the latter pre-triggered by GM’s rollover sensing system, or impact.

Finally, GM backs most everything up with its comprehensive warranty for 48 months or 80,000 kilometers bumper to bumper, and five years, 160,000 kilometers of powertrain coverage.

Do they have a winner? By all counts Enclave prospects look extremely positive, yet only time will tell if Buick will not only be able to hold onto its depleting customer base but also pull in new clients from competing brands.

Preliminary Specifications:

• Price Range (FWD – AWD MSRP): TBA
• Body Type: 5-door crossover
• Layout: front engine, FWD (opt. AWD)
• Engine: 275 hp, 251 lb-ft of torque, 3.6L, DOHC, VVT V6
• Transmission: 6-spd auto
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc with ABS
• Curb Weight (FWD-AWD): 2,168 - 2,261 kg (4,780 - 4,985 lbs)
• Exterior Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 5,126 / 2,006 / 1,846 / 3,021 mm (201.8 / 79.0 / 72.2 / 118.9 in)
• Track (frt/rr); 1,709 mm (67.3 in)
• Cargo Volume (behind 3rd row/2nd row/1st row): 535 / 1,911 / 3,291 L (18.9 / 67.5 / 116.2 cu-ft)
• Towing Capacity: 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)
• Ground Clearance: 214 mm (8.4 in)
• Tires: 255/65R18 (opt. 255/60R19
• Turning Radius: 12.3 m (40.4 ft)
• Fuel Economy (est. city/hwy): FWD 13.8 / 9.4 L/100 km, AWD 14.7 / 9.8 L/100 km
• Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 comprehensive - 60/160,000 powertrain
  
• Direct Competitors: BMW X5, Chrysler Pacifica, Ford Taurus X, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Veracruz, Lexus RX 350, Mercedes-Benz ML350, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Nissan Murano, Mazda CX-9, Saturn Outlook, Subaru B9 Tribeca, Suzuki XL-7, Toyota Highlander
• Web Site: www.gmcanada.com