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By
EWAN KENNEDY
21 July 2008
The biggest news in the upgraded Holden Epica range is the
introduction of a turbo-diesel engine. But before we talk about
that powerplant let's look at the car in general. Because for some
reason it seems to be a well-kept secret.
Sales
have been lower than we anticipated when we first saw it a couple
of years ago at its introduction at the Brisbane Motor Show.
There's no logical reason for these slow (ish) sales as this is a
well specified car at a very modest price and deserves to be
fighting at the top end of its class.
Though
Epica is an overseas design, from GM-DAT in South Korea, there was
a lot of Australian input in the dynamics of the suspension and
steering. Epica has a lovely feel on the road, with good stability
and semi-sports handling dynamics of the type Holden drivers have
loved for years.
It
surprises many to find that Epica is almost as big as the VE
Commodore in exterior dimensions. However, interior space is
slightly disappointing and we feel there should be more rear
legroom in a car of this size using a transverse engine. Unless
those in the front are willing to give up a few notches of seat
travel, which isn’t a huge hardship, the back seat is probably
best left to children up to their early teenage years.
Until
now one of the biggest features of Epica has been its straight-six
engine, a rarity in any car class, yet alone at the affordable end
of the scale where almost all Asian offerings have four-cylinder
units. The Holden/Daewoo sixes are delightfully smooth.
The
just announced turbo-diesel engine is, however, a four-cylinder
powerplant, which is pretty well the norm in this class. With a
capacity of 2.0 litres it produces 110 kilowatts, and 320 Newton
metres at 2000 rpm.
Further
improving the Epica is the installation of a six-speed automatic
transmission beside the turbo-diesel.
Fuel
consumption has been measured at 7.6 litres per hundred kilometres
on the combined test cycle run under the Australian Standard
regime. We would anticipate real world figures in the six-litre
range when the car is used on motorways or in normal country
running on good roads.
At
this stage we haven’t road tested the new Holden Epica, but will
do so as soon as possible and come back with a full report on the
car.
Holden
has also upgraded the automatic transmission in the 2.5-litre
petrol engine to a six-speed unit.
A
mild midlife facelift sees the Holden Epica sporting a new front
grille and rear fascia. The alloy wheels have been restyled.
Primary
safety in the latest Epica is looked after by the installation of
ESP to all models. The upmarket CDXi also gets rear parking
sensors. Secondary safety is also high as Holden has opted to
provide six airbags in every car.
There's
a price premium of $2000 for the diesel engine. Take into account
that diesel fuel is significantly more expensive than petrol when
making your purchasing decision.
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Marque Publishing Company
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