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Head Office:

CAA-Quebec

444 Bouvier Street

Qubec, QC G2J 1E3

2004 CHEVROLET EPICA

The Epica is a new offering fromChevrolet. A small mid-size car from GMDAT (General Motors Daewoo Auto and

Technology), it would have replaced theLeganza if Daewoo still existed as anindependent entity. It is a front-wheel-drive sedan, available in LS and LTversions, and it has a twin, the SuzukiVerona.

Interior and trunk

This is a low car, and tall people have tostoop low to get in and out of the front andback. The front seats are comfortable.Headroom is a bit tight for tall people. Mostdrivers can find a very good driving position.

The rear bench seat is comfortable for twoadults, with good headroom and leg room.The 60/40 split seatback folds to reveal asmall opening to the trunk. The outsideopening is small, too, which restricts the size of items that can be stowedinside the roomy trunk.

Convenience and safety

The cabin is well finished throughout, with good soundproofing. There areplenty of conveniently sized storage spaces.

Instruments and controls are well located and lighted at night whereappropriate. In the MIST position, the wipers make just one swipe; normally,they should keep working for as long as the lever is held on. The windshieldwashers are a bit anaemic. To use the horn, you have to push on the lower

part of the steering wheel hub, whereas normally, any part of the hub shouldsound the horn.

The heating system works well, but its controls should be placed above theradios, not below. Some of the radio buttons are too small and especiallyhard to use when wearing gloves.

Pictures: www.gmcanada.com

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The Epica is equipped with the usual front air bags, but side air bags andinflatable curtains are not available, period. There are five locking headrestraints, none of them high enough to protect tall people. Visibility is good,but the headlights, especially the high-beams, are weak.

Engine and transmission

The engine, a 2.5-litre six-cylinder, develops 155 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque.The Accords and the Camrys four-cylinder engines pump out morehorsepower but less torque; the Altimas offers more power and torque. Itprovides straightforward acceleration and pickup on a par with many four-cylinder engines. Its strong points are flexibility and progressiveness.

The four-speed automatic transmission is smooth, though it sometimeshesitates between first and second, and between second and third in normalacceleration, breaking the rhythm. The transmission lets you start off insecond gear, when required.

On the road

The fully independent suspension is well tuned, with a touch of firmness. Itprovides a smooth ride, reacting firmly but not harshly on certain roughpatches. The Epica corners competently and predictably.

The specifications indicate that the power steering assistance varies withspeed, but it is not a characteristic you notice behind the wheel. Otherwise,

steering is adequate, as are the brakes. The brake pedal is a bit spongy.

At the CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre, the Epica proved to besturdily built underneath and well protected against corrosion. However, theABS wiring should be better protected, and the front brakes should havebigger backing plates.

Conclusion

The Epica is a good, unpretentious vehicle and a worthy alternative for

people looking for a smallish mid-size vehicle. It offers generous equipmentand straightforward road behaviour, but youll have to look elsewhere forperformance and towing capacity.

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STRONG POINTS WEAK POINTSRoomy Accessibility for tall peopleComfort Radio positionEquipment Headlights a bit weak

Smooth ride Small trunk openingSoundproofing Narrow opening between cabin and trunkGood assembly Transmission hesitation

2004 CHEVROLET EPICA

Engine: 24-valve, 2.5-litre 6-cylinder

Horsepower: 155 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque: 177 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Transmission: 4-speed automaticSuspension: fully independent Brakes: 4-wheel discLength: 477 cm Width: 181.5 cmHeight: 145 cm Wheelbase: 270 cmWeight: 1,533 kg Tires: P205/65R15; P205/55R16Towing capacity: nonrecommended

Air bags: standard dual

Fuel consumption: Transport Canada rating: city: 11.9 L/100 km (24 mpg); highway:

7.9 L/100 km (36 mpg) Test result: 12.5 L/100 (23 mpg)

Fuel tank capacity: 65 litres

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 9.9 seconds 60-100 km/h: 6.8 seconds

Competition: Buick Century and Regal, Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler Sebring,Ford Taurus, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Magentis, Mazda6, Mitsubishi Galant,Nissan Altima, Pontiac Grand Am, Saturn L, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry,Volkswagen Passat

Warranty:

Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000 Perforation damage: 6 years/160,000 Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8

years/130,000 km (catalytic converter and electronic control module )

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Factory replacement parts:Rear bumper: $599 Front brake disk: $79Brake pads: $110 Muffler: $367Front fender: $217

Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement costendorsement, claim-free insurance record, female driver or male driver 30 to40 years old): $947 to $1,553

Price according to trim line:LS: $24,710LT: $27,245

Main options:ABS: $565 (LS)16-in. wheels: $315 (LS)Sun roof: $985 (LS)6-CD charger: $430

Price as tested: $25,160

Freight and preparation: $930

Dealers: Quebec: 173; Canada: 697

CAA-Quebec, March 2004