And that's precisely how GM Canada intends to present the Epica. It's a 5-seat, 4-door sedan measuring wider than the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima, and boasting more front legroom than the Camry and more rear legroom than both the Altima and Accord.
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| Toyota's Camry is the market segment benchmark, a status the Chevy Epica will strive to acheive. (Photo: Toyota) |
All that roominess is packaged in an inoffensive, conservative, and at best, reasonably eye-pleasing design. There's nothing here but predictable Chevy conventionality. Although to the many masses, conventional styling sells, I do find the monochromatic color scheme set off by standard 15-inch aluminum alloy rims (16-inches on the LT model) to be quite sporty and appealing. Unfortunately for Chevy, the overall sex appeal of the Epica falls far short of the benchmark setting Altima.
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| Conventionally designed, the Epica is pretty conservative when compared to the likes of the Nissan Altima. (Photo: General Motors) |
I have no similar quibbles with the execution of its interior design. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised when I examined the photos provided by Chevrolet. The Epica definitely provides an upscale appearance. "Elegance" is how Chevy defines it and from what I've seen, I have little argument. Arranged side-by-side, three large circular cutouts house all of the analog gauges, including a large tachometer and speedometer, each set into it's own opening. A center stack houses the ancillary items such as audio, heat, ventilation and air-conditioning controls. The layout and design of the various interfaces appear to be well thought-out and highly functional.
The main feature of the interior, in my humble opinion, is the center console, which is tastefully surfaced with simulated wood. The console unit is highlighted by a gated, chrome bezel surrounding the shift lever. Combined with leather seating, a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, all of which incidentally comes standard in the LT model, I can buy into Chevy's superlative of "elegant."