Chevrolet Epica 2.0-Litre Petrol – Test Driven
Chevy Take On The Value End Of The Market
Dec 17, 2008
The Epica starts at a price of £13,595 and looks really big both on the outside and inside.
However, it is a bit bland on the design front, and needs to be more eyecatching. Chevrolet has confirmed that it only intends to sell about 500 units in the UK and this may well be achievable.
Positioned in segment D of the market it will go up against the new sexy looking Ford Mondeo, the bland looking Epica could be hampered although it will trump the Mondeo on price for the large majority of its range.
Epica Build Quality Impresses
Build quality is good, Chevrolet have upped its game and the fittings look well put together. Step into the cabin and design from the exterior seems to be carried over into the car – again it is bland but functional.
The plastics and materials look solid and should last the life of the car. Even though the Epica is being branded as ‘value car’ there is lots of kit – this includes have aircon, cruise control, electric front and rear windows plus a CD-stereo with MP3 socket. Even the steering wheel has remote controls so that the driver has ultimate comfort.
Epica Fares Well In The Space Race
One of the big advantages the Epica is the space, it has it in abundance. Four adults can sit in comfort, two in the front and two in the rear. For more comfort those in the rear can use a middle arm rest and it has got two drinks holders for maximum practicality. The boot has 480-litres of load space and if more is needed then just fold the seats.
Epica On Test
Under the bonnet, the Epica was powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine and according to Chevrolet it will return 34.5mpg on the combined cycle and it emits 205g/km of CO2 emissions. The six-cylinder two-litre petrol power plant is a very smooth unit. The car has an output of 141bhp. The figures look quite good on paper, it will get from 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds and it has a top of 129mph. The Epica is perfect for those that spend long journeys on motorway networks.
Unfortunately the Epica is no match for the class leading Ford Mondeo. The steering is weighted well but there is a bit of roll through corners when driving enthusiastically. But if you want a practical, functional and competitively priced car then the Epica could be just the job.
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