- Responsive turbo-diesel engine
- Refined 2.5-litre I6 engine
- Quiet, well-insulated cabin
- Comfortable ride
- Large boot
- Vague steering
- Underpowered 2.0-litre I6 engine
- 2.5-litre petrol engine lacks low-rev response
- No electronic stability control for EP.I Epica
- Narrow centre rear seat
Review: Holden EP.I Epica (2007-08)
Overview
Released in April 2007, the Holden EP Series I (EP.I) Epica was a mid-size sedan. Manufactured in Bupyeong-gu, South Korea, the front-wheel drive Epica was powered by a 2.0- and 2.5-litre inline six cylinder engines that were mated to five-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions respectively. Furthermore, the EP Epica range consisted of CDX and CDXi variants. The 2.0- and 2.5-litre transversely mounted engines had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and variable length intake manifolds.
Compared to the ZC Vectra which it effectively replaced as Holden’s mid-size sedan, the EP Epica was 209 mm longer (at 4805 mm), 12 mm wider (1810 mm) and 10 mm lower (1450 mm), though wheelbase length was unchanged (2700 mm). The EP Epica had MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension (both with coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-roll bars).
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CDX | 2.0-litre petrol I6 | 5sp man. | 105 kW at 6400 rpm | 195 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| CDX, CDXi |
2.5-litre petrol I6 | 5sp auto | 115 kW at 5800 rpm | 237 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Epica CDX included dual front airbags, front side airbags (with head protection), ABS, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; the CDXi was further equipped with full length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear passengers).
ANCAP crash testing
In ANCAP crash testing , a 2007 Epica CDX fitted with a 2.5-litre petrol engine – equipped with dual front airbags and side airbags (but not curtain airbags) – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 26.41 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was weak for the driver and chest protection was marginal. In the side impact test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and pelvic injury.
Features
Standard features for the Epica CDX included 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, auxiliary input and MP3-compatibility, air conditioning, cruise control, a 60/40 split and folding rear seat, remote central locking, power mirrors and power windows, a height adjustable steering wheel, tinted windows, an alarm and immobiliser.
The Epica CDXi was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with six-stack CD player, climate control air conditioning, steering wheel audio controls, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, front fog lights and body kit; leather seats were available as an option.
Related links
Review: Holden EP.II Epica (2008-11)
Overview
Released in August 2008, the EP Series II (EP.II) Epica introduced a revised line-up and improved safety equipment. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine was discontinued and a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine was introduced (see table below). The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine had common-rail direct injection, a single overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 17.5:1.
Visually, the EP.II Epica could be identified by its new grille, rear fascia and alloy wheel designs.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CDX, CDXi |
2.5-litre petrol I6 | 6sp auto | 115 kW at 5800 rpm | 237 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| 2.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 6sp auto | 110 kW at 4000 rpm | 320 Nm at 2000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Compared to its EP.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the EP.II Epica was extended to include electronic stability control, traction control and curtain airbags.
Under ANCAP’s assessment system, the EP.II Epica was awarded a higher four star adult occupant protection rating due to the introduction of a passenger seatbelt reminder.
Features
Standard features for the EP.II Epica were extended to include tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment and flip-out key fobs; the CDXi was also fitted with rear parking sensors.
From September 2009, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity was standard across the range.
Brochure
Related links
- Holden Media Archive: New Features Make Epica The Smart Choice (July 2008)
- Wikipedia.org: Daewoo Tosca
