Here’s A Feature That Will Be Available On The Opel Mokka… That Won’t Be Available On Buick Encore (Updated)
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Update: we’ve reached out to Buick and were told that accessories haven’t yet been released for the Encore.
The GM Authority Take
Perhaps we spoke to soon, and Flex-fix will be available, after all. Let’s hope we find out soon enough.
As we mentioned last week, the Opel Mokka will offer Flex-Fix — an integrated bike rack that is capable of fitting three bicycles at a time. When the rack isn’t in use, it can be conveniently stored in the Encore’s rear bumper — as if it was never there in the first place. Here’s a demonstration of Flex-Fix on the Opel Meriva:
Besides the Meriva, the Flex-Fix is available on the Opel Corsa, Astra, Antara, and now the Mokka. Unfortunately, Flex-Fix will not be offered on the Buick Encore — which brings us to the following question: is Buick, an aspiring luxury marque, not worthy of this uniquely unparalleled piece of convenience?
Talk to us in the comments.
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Ever wonder if there’s more to it than Buick buyers deserving this? Do you know if appeases NHTSA/DOT? Heck, are buyers in this segment demanding such a thing? Would they pay $800 for something sophisticated like this when a $200-$300 aftermarket rack could serve the same purpose? Has GMAuthority.com tried asking someone at Buick why it’s not crossing the pond? The same feature never came here on the Vue or Captiva Sport, though it was — as you mentioned — seemingly rolled out with the Antara.
The rack probably doesn’t pass bumper bash tests…
This is a great feature that I would definately get even if it cost 800. It would also make an excellant marketing techniqe, a cool feature that attracts customers to the car even if no one gets it. Im suprised that Jeep hasnt invented/implemented it as it would perfectly fit in with their cars. And since its already on the Opel Mokka there are no development costs and im sure they could work it out with NHSTA.
There is nothing like it in the U.S market !!!!
I gladly paid more than $800 for a roof rack designed specifically for my car. It’s sturdy, convenient, and looks better than generic products. I’m sure there are many cyclists who are just as willing to invest in their sport and their car as I am in my sport (paddling) and my car, which is less than a Buick.
I’m beyond thrilled to see a vehicle designed to carry boats/bikes/gear that isn’t a gas-guzzler. For too long it was assumed that those willing to spend extra for their car and/or accessories were also willing to spend extra for their fuel — not necessarily true among paddlers, peddlers, outdoor enthusiasts, environmentalists, etc. I hope for the good of our trade balance that the younger generation thinks likewise.
The pull-out bike rack is interesting. Why not offer a pull-out step beneath the rear passenger door to make it easy to access the roof rack? Folks in our paddling club tend to carry some form of stool or short step ladder.
Perhaps Buick customers are so affluent that they pay people to ride bikes for them. 🙂
This is a non-issue. Most people have no need for this as a “standard” feature.
I meant as a “factory option”, bike racks work as dealer installed options.
Thats why it should be optional.
Hey GM Authority read this, if you can understand German.
http://kompakt-nachrichten.de/2012/01/automobilhersteller-opel-zum-tode-verurteilt/
If they do offer this, then it has to be on both of the Encore and Enclave.
But then another thing that we have to worry about is that if Buick offers this, where can you put the towing hooks etc?
Let is stay in Europe because the following are of concern to the US market:
1) The third (in some states in the US, it would be second) licence plate stowing away in that tray puzzles me. What are the costs/legal issues involving that in the US? I know for sure that it would be IMPOSSIBLE to get a third licence plate for a vehicle in Jamaica and that bicycle obscuring the plate won’t fly either (believe it or not, obscuring the plate in any way, even the edges is illegal…making a licence plate holder an issue here in Jamaica).
2) The cost of this mechanism alone will cause this car to fail the 5mph bumper test. Unless GM is willing to offer a replacement at no or at subsidised prices, then…maybe…
3) If made standard equipment it would add weight, complexity, and potential point of irritation (when all those things start to rattle) for owners who don’t use the feature.
4) Leather seats as standard equipment makes way more sense.
Making it optional solves the reasons 2 , 3
Having it in the U.S market(there is no issue with license plates in the U.S that I am aware of) and just Europe and not globally (like Jamaica) for solve reason 1
Though I completely agree leather should be standard.
Car ownership puts you atop the transportation food chain. Adding a bike rack tells the world that you eat vegetables with your red meat. Macrobiotic Yanni groupies would appreciate this, as much as cycling enthusiasts.