Used Holden Epica review: 2007-2008

The Epica was one of the new generation of small and mid-sized cars Holden imported from Asia to replace its expensive European range.   Specifically it replaced the mid-sized Vectra.

The Vectra was well regarded here for its responsive performance, but it was a premium product with a premium price and never really got   going. It wasn't surprising that Holden turned to Korea for a cheaper replacement.

By adopting the Epica Holden became more price-competitive in a market segment that was growing as buyers downsized out of bigger cars like the Commodore and Falcon.

MODEL WATCH

Given that the Vectra was a premium European model with all the technology and features expected of a car from that part of the world   Holden's decision to replace it with the Korean-built Epica seemed something of a step backwards.

But it wasn't the giant stride feared, particularly once the Holden's engineers had finished tweaking it to ensure it was in tune with Australian market demands.

Local engineers played a hand in the suspension settings, transmission controls and equipment levels.  It was also given a cosmetic makeover by Holden's designers so there   was nothing that jarred when it landed here.

The result was that it had an appealing look and was packed with plenty of the features Australians buyers wanted.  Inside, the cabin was roomy and comfortable with accommodation for   three adults across the back seat, and beyond that there was a good-  sized the boot.

There were two engines offered, both six-cylinder units, and two models, the CDX and CDXi.  Porsche designed the double overhead camshaft straight-six engine, which was an unusual choice for a front-wheel drive car given that it   has to fit across the nose.

In its smaller 2.0-litre form it put out 105 kW at 6400 revs and 195   Nm at 2600 revs, while the bigger 2.5-litre produced 115 kW at 5800   revs and 237 Nm at 2600 revs.

The 2.5-litre engine was the pick of the pair. Its performance wasn't breathtaking by any measure, but it was smooth and steady when the   2.0-litre simply lacked spark.

The CDX was available with either the 2.0-litre or 2.5-litre engines; the 2.0-litre came with a five-speed manual gearbox and the 2.5-litre with a five-speed auto.

Those who chose the better-equipped CDXi got the 2.5-litre engine and five-speed auto as a matter of course.

Anyone opting for the 2.5-litre auto might well have been disappointed when they discovered the transmission wasn't equipped with a manual shift option that has become an accepted part of the motoring landscape in recent times.

The Epica came with plenty of the fruit most of use expected, with standard air-conditioning, cruise control, cloth trim, alloy wheels, and power windows and mirrors, and six-speaker CD sound.

IN THE SHOP

A lack of complaints to Carsguide would suggest Epica owners are content with their lot.  Major concerns should have become apparent by now, but nothing has surfaced that would indicate there are any serious problems with the engine, transmission or driveline.

Build quality appears to be of a good standard, which would seem to be reflected in the lack of complaints from owners.  Check for a service record that shows regular maintenance has been carried out.

IN A CRASH

The Epica was well equipped in terms of safety; it had an array of airbags, including dual front, and front side airbags in the CDX, plus head airbags on the CDXi.

If there was a missing piece of the safety jigsaw it was a lack of a dynamic stability feature to complement its ABS anti-lock brakes and   traction control systems.  ANCAP rated it four out of five stars.

UNDER THE PUMP

Holden claimed that the 2.0-litre manual Epica would achieve an economy of 8.2 L/100 km, while the 2.5-litre auto model would do 9.3 L/100 km.

OWNER'S SAY

Leo Mackinlay has done 9000 km in his Epica CDX 2.5 auto and says it   is a much better car than he expected. It is very well equipped, the   build quality can't be faulted, the engine is smooth, the ride comfortable if a little firm, and it is very quiet with no mechanical or wind noise to disturb the inner peace. If he has a criticism he says he would like the handling, which tends towards understeer, to be more neutral.

LOOK FOR

. Lacks fizz
. 2.5-litre engine best
. Economical
. Smooth driver
. Roomy and comfortable
. Well-equipped

THE BOTTOM LINE

Does most things reasonably well, but there's little to get excited  about.