Leaked patent for Chevrolet's version of the Buick Encore/Opel Mokka

Leaked patent for Chevrolet's version of the Buick Encore/Opel Mokka

General Motors already sells a rebadged version of its new 2013 Buick Encore in Europe as the Opel Mokka but soon the automaker may have a third Encore variant, and this one may even be offered in the U.S.

Pictured above is an alleged leaked patent for a new Chevrolet crossover based on the Encore.

Found on the website of the European Patent Office by France’s L'Automobile Magazine, the patent shows a fairly conventional compact crossover shape with strong Chevrolet design cues.

Depending on which markets it’s sold in, this new Chevy will likely come with either a 1.6-liter gasoline engine rated at 113 horsepower or a turbocharged 1.4-liter gasoline engine rated at 148 horsepower or finally, a 1.7-liter turbodiesel with 128 horsepower on tap.

Chevrolet could certainly do with the vehicle in the U.S. where its smallest crossover is currently the Equinox, which is a good size larger than rivals like the new Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4. And with a new range of compact crossovers like the Ford EcoSport and Buick Encore coming onto the market, in addition to the existing MINI Cooper Countryman, Chevrolet will be lacking an option for new car buyers in what could prove to be an important segment.

2013 Buick Encore

2013 Buick Encore