Chevrolet Epica 2.5 Review: EPIcLATOR

The brakes aren’t that reassuring – they do not do a good job under pressure, and 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 averaged just over 11 kilometers to the litre under mixed driving conditions – a sign that the Koreans are catching up in terms of frugality.

Bluntly put, the Epica, especially the 2 litre, is going to be compared to the likes of the Hyundai Sonata and the Kia Magentis – both of which go for $69-71 grand.

This car retails for $86,888, which means you get American engineering, assembled in Korea, and reassuring build quality that puts this car smack in the middle of the Hyundai and Kia, and the likes of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

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 right up there, on par with the latest Japanese offerings. The interior might not be as attractive as say, the futuristically styled Honda Civic, but it is more spacious, more accommodating, and ultimately, the one that radiates value for the average customer seeking a comfortable and cosseting ride to end his hectic day in.

Credits: Text and Photos by Amery Reuben