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Goodbye Mr. Giugiaro. The latest Chevrolet Epica has been designed entirely in-house, and guess what? It actually looks good!
The side mirrors with built-in signal lamps, a neater bumper and grille layout, and that proven "high boot-low nose" formula we've all seen in your typical European family car. While many spoilt European journalists do not agree with this car, I'll have to say that it'll do magnificently, for the Singaporean market that is.
The side mirrors with built-in signal lamps, a neater bumper and grille layout, and that proven "high boot-low nose" formula we've all seen in your typical European family car. While many spoilt European journalists do not agree with this car, I'll have to say that it'll do magnificently, for the Singaporean market that is.
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Inside
Unfortunately, the interior brings me back to the eighties. Take for example, the switches. They're all finished in a way that makes touching them less than desirable.
Touching the controls does not inspire anything, but on the bright side, the Epica is equipped with a barrage of options that will almost boggle your mind.
Speed sensitive steering, climate control, cruise control, auto dimmers for the rearview mirrors, a sunroof, leather, electrically adjustable seats, and wood trimmings that actually look real " are all good things.
There is lots of space to be had from this car's 2700mm wheelbase, and the seats definitely show it. Rivaling that of the Camry, I have never once found myself feeling cramped while seated behind the driver's seat.
Unfortunately, the interior brings me back to the eighties. Take for example, the switches. They're all finished in a way that makes touching them less than desirable.
Touching the controls does not inspire anything, but on the bright side, the Epica is equipped with a barrage of options that will almost boggle your mind.
Speed sensitive steering, climate control, cruise control, auto dimmers for the rearview mirrors, a sunroof, leather, electrically adjustable seats, and wood trimmings that actually look real " are all good things.
There is lots of space to be had from this car's 2700mm wheelbase, and the seats definitely show it. Rivaling that of the Camry, I have never once found myself feeling cramped while seated behind the driver's seat.
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Drivetrain
The chassis receives McPherson struts up front and a multi-linked suspension at the back. The disc brakes are the same size for the front and rear (15"), and utilize non-steel pads " a move that Chevrolet claims will reduce brake noise.
The anti-lock brakes (ABS) come with electronic brake force distribution that also work with the car's traction control, applying the brakes individually to any of the four wheels at any given time, taking into account the number of passengers, weight load and road conditions.
The creamy smooth 24 valve inline six engine, perhaps the highlight of this car, produces a healthy, but not spectacular 156hp at an engine speed of 5600-6300rpm. The lengthier stroke and hefty compression ratio of 9.8:1 gets this 2492cc engine a maximum torque figure of 237nm, which happens at 4000rpm.
The chassis receives McPherson struts up front and a multi-linked suspension at the back. The disc brakes are the same size for the front and rear (15"), and utilize non-steel pads " a move that Chevrolet claims will reduce brake noise.
The anti-lock brakes (ABS) come with electronic brake force distribution that also work with the car's traction control, applying the brakes individually to any of the four wheels at any given time, taking into account the number of passengers, weight load and road conditions.
The creamy smooth 24 valve inline six engine, perhaps the highlight of this car, produces a healthy, but not spectacular 156hp at an engine speed of 5600-6300rpm. The lengthier stroke and hefty compression ratio of 9.8:1 gets this 2492cc engine a maximum torque figure of 237nm, which happens at 4000rpm.
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Driving impressions
Don't expect this car to be a stellar performer in this department. If you are an ardent fan of BMWs, then you will be disappointed. However, if you come from a different camp altogether (ie. The comfort lover's fraternity) then rest assured, you will be pleasantly surprised.
Cruising at 80km/h means it barely ticks over 1500rpm, and thanks to the linear nature of engine, it will still accelerate away at a steady rate without you having to downshift.
The word "linear" isn't all good though. While you steadily get more power and torque as the revs climb, there is barely enough juice available when hard acceleration is needed. One needs to ensure that he or she is above 3000rpm before this car takes off.
In the real world, 100km/h is achieved in about 10 seconds, which surprisingly matches Chevrolet's claimed time of 9.9 seconds. Chevrolet's claimed top speed for the Epica is 208km/h.
Due to the relatively fluffy throttle response, downshifts in heavy traffic can be a little irritating, as there is a slight response lag when the loud pedal is prodded. The numb steering and body roll takes a little getting used to, with the ratios being a little too slack.
The brakes aren't very reassuring, and they do not perform under pressure. There were a few close shaves in heavy traffic situations. Stay clear of trouble though, and they perform well enough for the everyday driver.
The most surprising aspect of the Epica will have to be its fuel consumption. We average just over 11 kilometers to the litre under mixed driving conditions " a sign that the Koreans are catching up in terms of frugality.
Don't expect this car to be a stellar performer in this department. If you are an ardent fan of BMWs, then you will be disappointed. However, if you come from a different camp altogether (ie. The comfort lover's fraternity) then rest assured, you will be pleasantly surprised.
Cruising at 80km/h means it barely ticks over 1500rpm, and thanks to the linear nature of engine, it will still accelerate away at a steady rate without you having to downshift.
The word "linear" isn't all good though. While you steadily get more power and torque as the revs climb, there is barely enough juice available when hard acceleration is needed. One needs to ensure that he or she is above 3000rpm before this car takes off.
In the real world, 100km/h is achieved in about 10 seconds, which surprisingly matches Chevrolet's claimed time of 9.9 seconds. Chevrolet's claimed top speed for the Epica is 208km/h.
Due to the relatively fluffy throttle response, downshifts in heavy traffic can be a little irritating, as there is a slight response lag when the loud pedal is prodded. The numb steering and body roll takes a little getting used to, with the ratios being a little too slack.
The brakes aren't very reassuring, and they do not perform under pressure. There were a few close shaves in heavy traffic situations. Stay clear of trouble though, and they perform well enough for the everyday driver.
The most surprising aspect of the Epica will have to be its fuel consumption. We average just over 11 kilometers to the litre under mixed driving conditions " a sign that the Koreans are catching up in terms of frugality.
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Why buy?
While the price is definitely right, I don't see buyers of Honda Accords flocking to the showrooms of Chevrolet. Not because the Epica isn't a good car, but simply because it is of an underrated one.
Build quality is on par with the latest Japanese offerings. Although the interior isn't as attractive, it is definitely more spacious, more accommodating, and ultimately, jam packed with value for the average customer seeking a comfortable, cosseting ride to end his hectic day in.
Price: $88,888
Engine: 2.5-litre, Inline 6 Cylinders, 24-valve
Power: 156Bhp @ 5800rpm ( 62.6bhp/litre)
Torque: 237Nm @ 4000rpm
Transmission: 5 -speed Automatic
Length/width/height: 4805 / 1810 / 1450 mm
Wheelbase: 2700 mm
Kerb weight: 1500 kg
0-100km/h: 9.9 sec
While the price is definitely right, I don't see buyers of Honda Accords flocking to the showrooms of Chevrolet. Not because the Epica isn't a good car, but simply because it is of an underrated one.
Build quality is on par with the latest Japanese offerings. Although the interior isn't as attractive, it is definitely more spacious, more accommodating, and ultimately, jam packed with value for the average customer seeking a comfortable, cosseting ride to end his hectic day in.
Price: $88,888
Engine: 2.5-litre, Inline 6 Cylinders, 24-valve
Power: 156Bhp @ 5800rpm ( 62.6bhp/litre)
Torque: 237Nm @ 4000rpm
Transmission: 5 -speed Automatic
Length/width/height: 4805 / 1810 / 1450 mm
Wheelbase: 2700 mm
Kerb weight: 1500 kg
0-100km/h: 9.9 sec
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