Chevrolet Epica 2.0D LS driven CAR review

The Chevrolet Epica probably isn’t a car review you’ve been waiting for, but the real appeal lies in what dealers stick to the windscreen: £13,595. A typo? No, a price that buys you a base Epica. Really. A car longer than a Porsche Cayenne – and one with a straight-six petrol engine under the broad, commanding hood. Yes, just like BMW uses. Only here, mounted transversely, and driving the front wheels. This is clever packaging that proves the Epica has been properly engineered.

And now we've road tested it we’ve found there’s more to the Epica than meets the eye. Honestly. Take the styling. Yes, unadventurous three-box lines scream ‘box’. But deep, clean sides and a taut windowline make it more ‘Euro’ than most Korean rivals, while the quality, lustrous paint is superb.

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There's also multi-link rear suspension and a common-rail diesel that’s both more powerful and more economical than the petrol. Even interior plastics, while clearly priced down to a budget, hide their cost with a low-sheen finish. Build quality appears reasonable on first acquaintance, too.

Things seem good, particularly as the kit is epic (sorry). The base LS has part leather, air-con and six airbags. The LT adds climate control, ESP and full leather, heated up front. Shame the dash design is blocky, and heather controls set low beneath a Saab-alike stereo.

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