Chevrolet Epica 2.0 LS 4dr

Oct 5 2008 Ian Johnson

THERE have been some amazing vehicles launched over the last 12 months, but one of the most interesting has come from the Chevrolet stable.

It's not bristling with mind-boggling technology, it's not got leading edge styling and it does not run on fresh air.

But it is the size of a Mondeo, features a wonderfully smooth six-cylinder, two litre petrol engine, can return 34.5mpg, has a massive boot and costs just £14,995 - the price you would normally expect to pay for a family hatchback

The Epica stands out in being the modern version of reasonably affordable cars of the past such as the Vauxhall Cavalier six-cylinder.

Although there is a diesel version, it is the petrol model that has surprised the market.

We all thought the bargain basement 'six' was dead in the water, but Chevrolet has come up with this model which features an engine of relatively small capacity - such as that used in the old Triumph 2000.

The Epica 2.0 is not going to be a massive seller, but will appeal to a certain sector of the market where the need is for a big, roomy car which gives very punchy performance for its engine size.

And this is what the Epica does best. The free-revving 24-valve engine zooms the car to 60mph in 9.9 seconds and can roll it on to a maximum speed of 129mph.

There is a price for everything and, with the Epica, the pay-back for such size and performance on a budget ticket is a rather bland interior with few trimmings.

The Epica has received some criticism in the past over this, but what do you expect in a car like this for under £15,000? Some people really do want jam on it.

I found the Epica's interior quite acceptable and very well put together. In overall terms this car really does the job and the engine feels as though it is of a much greater capacity.

It will appeal to many coming out of a company car scheme who do not want to shift too far down the ladder when spending their own money.

And I can also see it being an attraction to the newly retired who do not do a massive mileage and don't want to lose the quality of motoring enjoyment they might have enjoyed in full-time employment.

FAST FACTS

Chevrolet Epica 2.0 LS 4dr

Price : £14,595

Mechanical : 143bhp, 1,993cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 129mph

0-62mph : 9.9 secs

Combined mpg : 34.5

Insurance group : 9D

CO2 emissions : 199g/km

BiK rating : 26%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 5yrs paint, 6yrs anti-rust.