Chevrolet Epica

Our verdict

A budget rival to the Mondeo and Accord that’s good value but utterly uninspiring in every department. In Korea, they call it Daewoo Magnus. This doesn’t make it any more interesting

Comfort

The Epica is certainly aiming for the ‘comfort’ rather than the ‘handling’ end of the spectrum, so the ride is soft and there’s plenty of body roll.

Performance

There’s a two-litre turbodiesel or a two-litre straight six petrol engine. The latter is a relative novelty, but wheezy at low revs and reticent to ever deliver a proper thump of power. The diesel’s your better bet here.

Cool

Big, solid and practical. Like a hospital matron. Ergo, not cool.

Quality

Although hardly original in its design, the interior uses better quality materials than you’d expect from a budget Korean saloon. There are, though, still a few areas that use cheap-looking, shiny plastics.

Handling

The Epica is certainly aiming for the ‘comfort’ rather than the ‘handling’ end of the spectrum, so the ride is soft and there’s plenty of body roll. Didn’t we just mention that?

Practicality

Ample leg room all round and the boot is a healthy size, but lacks the clever interior solutions of the Mondeo or Accord.

Running costs

Straight-six petrol engine only manages 35mpg, while the diesel is quicker and will return 11mpg more. And it’s a Korean Chevy, so depreciation will be crippling. Thankfully it’s dirt cheap to start with.