Buick’s small and cuddly crossover receives its official EPA ratings, and they read 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined. These are the figures for the basic front-wheel-drive version, equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission that comes as standard. Average figures for a 1.4L turbocharged engine, but even so, the Encore is more economical than Jeep Compass and Ford Escape.

Even compared to some of the European rivals, like MINI Countryman and VW Tiguan, the basic Encore offers greater efficiency, but these days some Korean car makers are getting up to 40 mpg from bigger engine. GM reckons the Encore will save you $2,100 in fuel costs over five years of ownership, compared to the rivals, which works out for $1.1 a day!

Good fuel economy is only one of the plus points of the new Encore. The flexible crossover car offers 60/40 folding rear seat and a front passenger seat that folds forward for longer cargo, as well as dual glove boxes and storage bins designed for items like smartphones and tablet computers. So it’s hugely practical for a small family. And it’s quite fun to drive, which is important for young parents who will buy cars like this.

2013 Buick Encore will launch with four different models with turbocharged four-cylinder engines and six models with EPA-estimated highway fuel economy greater than 30 mpg.