With that in mind has Chevy succeeded in providing a "finer thing" at a non-luxury price? Well, I think so. It's the price thing that nails it for me. The very well equipped Epica LS retails for $24,595, while the substantially more upscale LT heads out the door for only $26,760 - now that's competitive!

Considering the well equipped Epica LS rings it at less than $25,000, it should do well in its market segment. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Chevy is definitely on a roll with a new assortment of cars conceived from its GMDAT arrangement, ready to fight Japanese and Korean rivals head to head. The Epica is the showpiece of this group, which also includes the highly efficient and frugal Aveo and the Corolla fighting Optra, and should fair well in its competitive market segment.

Specifications:

• Price Range (MSRP): $24,595 LS - $26760 LT
• Body Type: 4-door sedan, steel unibody
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Engine: 155 hp, 177 lb-ft of torque, 2.5-L, 24-valve, DOHC I-6
• Transmission: 4-spd auto
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc (opt ABS on LS model, standard ABS on LT model)
• Cargo Cap (trunk): 380 L (13.4 cu ft)
• Curb Weight: 1,958 kg. (4,316 lbs)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 11.9 L/100 km / 7.9 L/100 km
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler Sebring, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Magentis, Mazda 6, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Altima, Pontiac Grand Prix, Saturn L200/300, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat
• Web Site: www.gmcanada.com