If you woke tomorrow to find that somehow during the night you had been assigned the task of developing a midsize car to compete with the aforementioned rat-pack, after a cup of strong joe and swearing off red wine, you would quickly realize the importance of an impressive array of standard features. Well someone at GMDAT did just that (Okay, I'm not sure about the red wine part).
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| The layout and design of the Epica's interior appears to be well thought-out, elegant and highly functional. (Photo: General Motors) |
Even in the base LS derivative, the Epica arrives with an impressive list of standard features including: AM/FM/CD stereo, back glass antenna; air conditioning; keyless entry; anti-theft alarm; engine immobilizer; central door lock; cruise control; additional 12-volt power point; trunk entrapment release; electric remote trunk release; remote fuel filler door release; automatic headlamp control; projector beam headlamps; front fog lamps; tilt steering; key interlock system; two cupholders in front and rear; cloth sun visor with illuminated vanity mirror and extensions; lighted glove box; sunglass holder and power windows. A CD changer is optional and six-speaker audio system is standard in the LT, optional for the LS.
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| Honda's Accord is the performance benchmark in this category, but the Epica offers more torque at least in base trim. Comparing 6-cylinders to 6-cylinders and the tables turn however. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Somehow all of that comfort and convenience has to become mobile and in the case of Epica it does so in unique fashion. Most notable and distinct is the transversely mounted standard inline 2.5-L (153 cu in) DOHC, 24 valve, six-cylinder engine which produces 155 horsepower at 5800 rpm and a very invigorating 177 pound-feet of torque at a very functional 4,000 rpm. It's that torque rating that will make you sit up and notice how effortlessly the Epica will no doubt sort its way through city traffic and ribbons of rural pavement. Compare it to the standard 4-cylinder Camry or Accord.