The Epica is a smart looking saloon from Chevrolet, however its best asset is under the bonnet.
The exterior design is that of a classic three-box saloon, so it is clearly a conservative machine. The five-seat Epica looks as if it was purpose built to be a little bland and inoffensive. The lines of the Korean built car are simple and clean with large Chevrolet badges set to catch the eye of passing middle management.
The styling will date well and Epica will always look business-like, which is really what saloon buyers want most. What could easily be hard exterior edges and angles are soft and the new corporate front end looks appealing.
Epica is a long car at 4.8m and this is reflected more so in the interior than the boot, which has a capacity of 480 litres and for the size of car that is not great.
The cabin is large and airy. The seating is comfortable but the dash is a big let down. It feels cheap and does not give off any sense of occasion. In terms of design it’s a good few years behind the current best. Drivers are definitely encouraged to keep their eyes on the road as even a glance at the dull dash and switchgear could bring on depression.
There is just one six-cylinder petrol engine available to Irish buyers at the moment (a two litre, 150bhp, four-cylinder diesel is available in the UK and other markets). The standard six-speed manual gearbox is notchy. Automatic is an option and although it is not particularly good it is the better choice and more suited to six-cylinder motoring.
Also the steering does not adjust for reach on the LS model, so the auto allows for a better driving position. On the open road the 140bhp petrol engine is smooth and powerful. But on twisty rural roads the front wheel drive Epica cannot make maximum use of its power, as the big Chevy is let down by a poor suspension and chassis feel despite McPherson struts at the front and a multi link rear set up.
Compared to the new Mondeo, Epica is years behind in the handling stakes. Chevrolet is quick to stress that Epica is targeted at a different buyer. Fans of the old V6 Nissan Maxima are in the sights of the multinational brand - I must rush and dust off the cardigan!
There are two trim levels LS and LT. The automatic option in the entry version LS costs €29,495. The comprehensively equipped LT comes in at a hefty €32,495 (Ouch!). Climate control, 17-inch alloys and leather are the main differences.
Prices kick off at €26,995, which is way more than the entry level Ford Mondeo, which is a better car!
Since the arrival of the new Ford Mondeo every importer has had to take a serious look at its price competitiveness or else promote their cars as niche models.
So is Epica, which was born out of the ashes of the incredibly dull Daewoo Leganza, worth the cash?
Eh... no.
Chevrolet need to knock a few grand off the price and then it might be worth a look.
