Head Office: CAA-Quebec 444 Bouvier Street Qubec, QC G2J 1E3

2004 CHEVROLET EPICA The Epica is a new offering from Chevrolet. A small mid-size car from GM DAT (General Motors Daewoo Auto and Technology), it would have replaced the Leganza if Daewoo still existed as an independent entity. It is a front-wheeldrive sedan, available in LS and LT versions, and it has a twin, the Suzuki Verona. Interior and trunk This is a low car, and tall people have to stoop low to get in and out of the front and back. The front seats are comfortable. Headroom is a bit tight for tall people. Most drivers can find a very good driving position. The rear bench seat is comfortable for two adults, with good headroom and leg room. The 60/40 split seatback folds to reveal a small opening to the trunk. The outside opening is small, too, which restricts the size of items that can be stowed inside the roomy trunk. Convenience and safety The cabin is well finished throughout, with good soundproofing. There are plenty of conveniently sized storage spaces. Instruments and controls are well located and lighted at night where appropriate. 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 windshield washers 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 should sound the horn. The heating system works well, but its controls should be placed above the radios, not below. Some of the radio buttons are too small and especially hard to use when wearing gloves.

Pictures: www.gmcanada.com

The Epica is equipped with the usual front air bags, but side air bags and inflatable curtains are not available, period. There are five locking head restraints, 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 more horsepower but less torque; the Altimas offers more power and torque. It provides straightforward acceleration and pickup on a par with many fourcylinder engines. Its strong points are flexibility and progressiveness. The four-speed automatic transmission is smooth, though it sometimes hesitates between first and second, and between second and third in normal acceleration, breaking the rhythm. The transmission lets you start off in second gear, when required. On the road The fully independent suspension is well tuned, with a touch of firmness. It provides a smooth ride, reacting firmly but not harshly on certain rough patches. The Epica corners competently and predictably. The specifications indicate that the power steering assistance varies with speed, 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 be sturdily built underneath and well protected against corrosion. However, the ABS wiring should be better protected, and the front brakes should have bigger 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 equipment and straightforward road behaviour, but youll have to look elsewhere for performance and towing capacity.

STRONG POINTS Roomy Comfort Equipment Smooth ride Soundproofing Good assembly

WEAK POINTS Accessibility for tall people Radio position Headlights a bit weak Small trunk opening Narrow opening between cabin and trunk Transmission hesitation 2004 CHEVROLET EPICA

Engine: 24-valve, 2.5-litre 6cylinder Torque: 177 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Suspension: fully independent Length: 477 cm Height: 145 cm Weight: 1,533 kg Towing capacity: non recommended

Horsepower: 155 hp @ 5800 rpm Transmission: 4-speed automatic Brakes: 4-wheel disc Width: 181.5 cm Wheelbase: 270 cm Tires: P205/65R15; P205/55R16 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 )

Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $599 Brake pads: $110 Front fender: $217

Front brake disk: $79 Muffler: $367

Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, female driver or male driver 30 to 40 years old): $947 to $1,553 Price according to trim line: LS: $24,710 LT: $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