Chevrolet Epica Saloon (08-09) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 14 April 2009
The Epica is Chevrolet's first attempt at a large family saloon in the UK and like the firm's other models majors on value for money. Offering Mondeo-rivalling space for Focus money it comes well equipped with entry-level models getting air conditioning, cruise control and alloy wheels while passenger and boot space are good. Like the Kia Magentis and Dodge Avenger it represents bargain-basement family motoring but unfortunately the drab cabin and driving experience already feel behind the times.
2.5 out of 5

Other Chevrolet reviews

4 out of 5

Running costs

Four-door family saloons don't come much cheaper than this and thanks to the low price tag, resale values should be respectable, with the Epica expected to retain perhaps as much as 40% of its original price at three years old. There's also a servicing package available which covers owners for three years and either 30,000 or 60,000 miles. Prices start at £299.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,805 - £1,805 *

Diesel

£1,393 - £1,732 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

12 months or 10,000 miles.

Warranty

Three years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first) plus three years AA roadside assistance.

Road tax (12 months)

£195.00 - £270.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

3 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
    169
  • I
  • J
  • K
    210
  • L
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The Epica doesn't perform particularly well on the eco front with average emissions of 196g/km of CO2 across the line-up. The petrol engine puts out 205g/km (210g/km if you opt for the automatic gearbox) but the diesel does better, with a figure of 169g/km, although that's still not as good as many similar powered rivals. The range is fairly economical, averaging 39mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2