Ultimately due to replace the Rendezvous, the Enclave layers Buick style and upscale luxury onto the new large crossover architecture that it shares with the Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia.

The styling remains remarkably faithful to the concept shown in Detroit in Jan. 2006, with flowing lines and muscular haunches that visually set the Buick apart from its platform siblings.

Like them, this is a big vehicle -- similar in length to a Chevy Tahoe full-size SUV. But the Enclave makes far better use of its size than the gas-guzzling Tahoe, with useable cargo room (19 cu-ft) even behind the three-person third-row bench, which otherwise folds flat into the floor.

With Buick's special attention to refinement, the company claims a library-quiet interior. Cabin furnishings reflect GM's new focus on precise-fitting, premium, soft-touch, low-gloss materials.

Wide door-openings, and unique Smart-Slide second-row seats, ease entry into the third row. On 7-seater models, even the optional centre console can fold flat along with the second-row seats.

Enclave shares with its platform-mates a 3.6-litre, DOHC multi-valve V6 engine hitched to a 6-speed automatic transmission. For Buick, however, the engine outputs are a little higher - 275 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque.

Looks good on paper and when parked

Haven't yet tried it on pavement