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Bringing Home a Good Lesson Learned in China
2008 Buick Enclave
(Gm/wieck - GM via AP)
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I didn't believe him then. But I believe him now. I've driven the 2008 Buick Enclave CXL crossover utility vehicle, the grandest of tall wagons from any manufacturer, probably the best Buick ever built. It has everything the upper-income segment of the Chinese market expects, right down to the exquisite, blue-ringed detail of its articulating headlamps, which turn with the steering wheel.
Clearly, the American market also loves what Buick has done with the Enclave. GM is having a hard time keeping up with demand for the model, which is a rare, happy problem for GM.
Look at the Enclave CXL. Someone at GM has fallen in love with stylistic controversy. It's about time! You'll either love or hate the sweeping boldness of the Enclave's side panels, the 1950s throwback brashness of its big-toothed grille, and the side portals on its dramatic hood. That's a good thing. Buick was headed toward oblivion trying to please everybody with vanilla, inoffensive, downright boring styling that pleased no one. Not everybody will like the new Enclave's appearance. But it's a safe bet that no one will ignore it.
Step inside. What I've found distasteful in recent automotive styling is slavish obeisance to the notion that cars must look like, feel like or otherwise reflect the high-tech world in which we live. Baloney!
After sitting in front of a computer screen for hours, I don't want to drive one. I don't want an automotive interior that reminds me of my laptop, cellphone or iPod that's already obsolete. I want timelessness. I want romance. I want to be coddled, to be seduced. I want warmth, comfort or some other element of sensual fantasy. I don't want a gigabyte.
The Buick Enclave gives me everything I want, including a jewel-like analog clock -- analog, yes! -- in the center of the instrument panel. All the high-tech devices -- sensor-laden active and passive safety systems, onboard navigation, OnStar emergency communications system, rear power liftgate door, plug-in portals for every imaginable electronic infotainment device -- are there, too. But GM wisely has relegated those gizmos to servant roles in the Enclave. They do not overwhelm, do not intrude.
This is the first Buick that I, my wife Mary Anne and my associate Ria Manglapus were reluctant to return. We worked every angle to hold onto it a day or so longer, although we had several other vehicles waiting to be driven. We like the Enclave CXL. But what we like best is that the GM that has so much "face" in China at long last has decided to save it in America.
Welcome home, GM. Welcome back, Buick.
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