Delivers big value; Chevrolet's spacious Epica attracts attention with its small price tag, writes JONATHAN SMITH.Byline: JONATHAN SMITH Jonathan Smith may refer to several people:
NOT so long ago, the name Chevrolet conjured up a mental picture of vast acres of gleaming metal and a throbbing throb intr.v. throbbed, throb·bing, throbs 1. To beat rapidly or violently, as the heart; pound. 2. To vibrate, pulsate, or sound with a steady pronounced rhythm: V8 under the bonnet. The reality today is very different. Positioned at the value end of the market, Chevrolet in Britain are chasing family buyers who want to purchase new but are on a tight budget. Their best-known model is probably the Captiva off-roader. Possibly the least-known member of the line-up is the Epica saloon, which I've just been driving. Powered by a 141bhp two-litre, six-cylinder petrol engine - yes, a rare small six-pot - it has a reasonable turn of speed. It can reach 62mph in just under 10 seconds and go on to nearly 130mph. Slightly larger than a Ford Mondeo The Ford Mondeo is a large family car sold by the Ford Motor Company in various markets throughout the world. The name "Mondeo" is derived from the Latin for world, mundus. , the Korean-built Epica has a pleasing shape with a streamlined front, a high tail and contemporary lines. While it doesn't exactly stand out from the crowd, it looks smart and is quite European in execution. The major plus when you buy an Epica is the amount of space you get for only pounds 14,260. Legroom leg·room n. Room in which to stretch the legs while seated. legroom Noun space to move one's legs comfortably, as in a car legroom n → is seriously generous both in the front and rear of the cabin, and the 480-litre boot will swallow endless cases and bags. The flip side Flip side In the context of general equities, opposite side to a proposition or position (buy, if sell is the proposition and vice versa). of this big-value package is that the engineering and dynamics are several years behind those of the latest European and Japanese family cars. The Epica's two-litre engine is quiet enough at low revs but becomes harsh if you cling to a ratio for extra urge. Combined fuel consumption of 34.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 199g/km are also somewhat behind the opposition. Nevertheless, the 14.3gallon tank allows a useful range of about 500 miles between fill-ups. The Epica also clings to the road well and its ride remains supple and well-damped no matter how poor the surface. Another plus for long-distance drivers is the general level of refinement, with little wind or mechanical noise. The five-speed manual gearbox has a high top gear for quiet cruising, and the change is light and nimble. Although the test car was the cheapest Epica, standard equipment included air-con, cruise control and alloy wheels. With its low price tag and pleasing looks, the Chevrolet Epica deserves to have a wider audience - especially in these hard-pressed times. Factfile: Model: Chevrolet Epica LS Engine: Two-litre petrol Power: 141bhp Top speed: 129mph 0-62mph: 9.9 seconds Fuel economy: 34.5mpg CO2 emissions: 199g/km Warranty: Three years/ 60,000 miles Price: pounds 14,260 On sale: Now CAPTION(S): EPICA-L PROPORTIONS: Chevrolet's pounds 14,260 saloon is bigger than a Mondeo |
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