GM which aggressively expanding its product portfolio in India will soon come up with a sonata and jetta competetior. Chevrolet epica / tosca which made its debut in 2006 in europe is also marketed as tosca in few countries. Chevrolet has been mulling to introduce the epica sedan and Captiva SUV in India. Last year it launched the Captiva and possibly by the end of this year the epica / tosca would be here.We preview the Chevrolet’s next car for India to tell you, what you can expect from it?
GM Chevrolet Epica: Its typical C-segment sedan with a large front overhang and a protruding boot. However the pulled back headlamps, muscular bumper, solid cross bar carrying the large Chevrolet bow tie in the chrome grille and larger wing mirrots adds muscle to the car. The character line that extends to the front and rear wings enahances the appeal. The larger number plate area dominates the rear bouning it are the two circled tail lamp cluster . The tail lamps resembles the Volkswagen’s passat in some sense. Though made in GM’s korean plant, the styiling of the epica gives a prestigous appeal which the segment buyers will look for.
GM Chevrolet Epica: The success of captiva is because of its diesel mill. Chevrolet will ride on the same strategy to make the epica a runaway success. Epica will be powered by the same mill that runs the optra magnum.The 2.0L, 16V TCDi diesel engine (Turbo Charged Common Rail Direct Injection) producing 120.5PS and a massive 314Nm of torque will power the epica / tosca. The diesel unit which is already earned rave reviews for its frugal might do wonders for the epica / tosca. Since the jetta which is suffering from poor dealer network and outdated sonata embera are the only peers for epica / tosca in this segment. Also it may take time for the corolla to get a diesel heart and GM may ride this advantage to lure buyers.
GM Chevrolet Epica: The cabin design is a dated arhitecture but with contemporary touches. Similar to the optra magnum, Chevrolet uses plenty faux and aluminium to give a upmarket look.But the plain,dark dashboard and the cheap plastics fails cannot be went unnoticed. Unlike the competetiors, epica / tosca may come with steering wheel-mounted controls.All the cars over 10 lakhs must have this feature.
GM Chevrolet Epica: As typical of any Chevrolet car, epica / tosca will also offer plenty of room to all occupants. Epica generous dimensions (length/width/height: 4,805/1,810/1,450 mm) with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm will ensure a comfortable journey. The suspension is through McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear. Epica’s cavernous (480L) will swallow up plenty of holiday luggage or the weekend shop with space to spare.
GM Chevrolet Epica: The epica / tosca will hit the Indian showrooms before the end of this year or early 2009. Though the epica may not be styled like civic or exudes robustness like a laura. But it would fit somewhere in between and is sure to give its peers a run for the money. Epica / tosca will come with lot of goodies and expected to be priced between Rs13-15 lakhs.
