Holden Epica 2007 Problems

The Epica was one of the new generation of small and mid-sized cars Holden imported from Asia to replace its expensive European range.   Specifically it replaced the mid-sized Vectra.The Vectra was well regarded here for its responsive performance, but it was a premium product with a premium price and never really got   going. It wasn't surprising that Holden turned to Korea for a cheaper replacement.By adopting the Epica Holden became more price-competitive in a market segment that was growing as buyers downsized out of bigger cars like the Commodore and Falcon.MODEL WATCHGiven that the Vectra was a premium European model with all the technology and features expected of a car from that part of the world   Holden's decision to replace it with the Korean-built Epica seemed something of a step backwards.But it wasn't the giant stride feared, particularly once the Holden's engineers had finished tweaking it to ensure it was in tune with Australian market demands.Local engineers played a hand in the suspension settings, transmission controls and equipment levels.  It was also given a cosmetic makeover by Holden's designers so there   was nothing that jarred when it landed here.The result was that it had an appealing look and was packed with plenty of the features Australians buyers wanted.  Inside, the cabin was roomy and comfortable with accommodation for   three adults across the back seat, and beyond that there was a good-  sized the boot.There were two engines offered, both six-cylinder units, and two models, the CDX and CDXi.  Porsche designed the double overhead camshaft straight-six engine, which was an unusual choice for a front-wheel drive car given that it   has to fit across the nose.In its smaller 2.0-litre form it put out 105 kW at 6400 revs and 195   Nm at 2600 revs, while the bigger 2.5-litre produced 115 kW at 5800   revs and 237 Nm at 2600 revs.The 2.5-litre engine was the pick of the pair. Its performance wasn't breathtaking by any measure, but it was smooth and steady when the   2.0-litre simply lacked spark.The CDX was available with either the 2.0-litre or 2.5-litre engines; the 2.0-litre came with a five-speed manual gearbox and the 2.5-litre with a five-speed auto.Those who chose the better-equipped CDXi got the 2.5-litre engine and five-speed auto as a matter of course.Anyone opting for the 2.5-litre auto might well have been disappointed when they discovered the transmission wasn't equipped with a manual shift option that has become an accepted part of the motoring landscape in recent times.The Epica came with plenty of the fruit most of use expected, with standard air-conditioning, cruise control, cloth trim, alloy wheels, and power windows and mirrors, and six-speaker CD sound.IN THE SHOPA lack of complaints to Carsguide would suggest Epica owners are content with their lot.  Major concerns should have become apparent by now, but nothing has surfaced that would indicate there are any serious problems with the engine, transmission or driveline.Build quality appears to be of a good standard, which would seem to be reflected in the lack of complaints from owners.  Check for a service record that shows regular maintenance has been carried out.IN A CRASHThe Epica was well equipped in terms of safety; it had an array of airbags, including dual front, and front side airbags in the CDX, plus head airbags on the CDXi.If there was a missing piece of the safety jigsaw it was a lack of a dynamic stability feature to complement its ABS anti-lock brakes and   traction control systems.  ANCAP rated it four out of five stars.UNDER THE PUMPHolden claimed that the 2.0-litre manual Epica would achieve an economy of 8.2 L/100 km, while the 2.5-litre auto model would do 9.3 L/100 km.OWNER'S SAYLeo Mackinlay has done 9000 km in his Epica CDX 2.5 auto and says it   is a much better car than he expected. It is very well equipped, the   build quality can't be faulted, the engine is smooth, the ride comfortable if a little firm, and it is very quiet with no mechanical or wind noise to disturb the inner peace. If he has a criticism he says he would like the handling, which tends towards understeer, to be more neutral.LOOK FOR. Lacks fizz. 2.5-litre engine best. Economical. Smooth driver. Roomy and comfortable. Well-equippedTHE BOTTOM LINEDoes most things reasonably well, but there's little to get excited  about. 

Holden’s medium-large Epica wasn’t a sales success during its time on the new-car market that began in March 2007, with the car being quietly slipped off the new-car price list in February 2011.The Epica was relatively expensive and had a sedan body in a class that favours hatchbacks. Its South Korean heritage didn’t do it any favours either, though there was some Holden input in the design and mechanical setup. The result is poor resale value that makes the Holden Epica a real bargain on the used-car front.Epica has moderately good steering feel as it has some Aussie design input in the suspension and steering. However, it may be firmer in its ride on medium to rough roads than some owners like. On motorways it’s impressively smooth and quiet.Holden Epica’s interior space should be better for a car of this size that has the space saving layout offered by a transverse engine. Legroom in the rear is restricted unless those in the front are willing to give up a few notches of seat travel. Boot space is good, an advantage of the sedan body as it has a longer tail than hatchbacks’.Holden Epica has proven reliable to date and we see no reason why this won’t continue as, by the time it was designed, the Koreans had learnt a lot about build quality. As always, good cars can fall into bad hands so it still pays to have a professional inspection before forking out your hard-earned.The biggest feature of the Holden Epica is its straight-six petrol engine in a class of car that’s totally dominated by four-cylinder engines. The sixes are delightfully smooth and give Epica a real air of refinement.The six-cylinder petrols come with capacities of 2.0 litres and 2.5 litres. The former are offered only with a five-speed manual gearbox, the latter with an automatic transmission, also with five ratios. Performance is good without being outstanding as these are relatively small engines in a largish car. A slow seller, the 2.0-litre engine was pulled from the Australian market midway through 2008July 2008 saw the introduction of a turbo-diesel engine. This time with just four cylinders and a capacity of 2.0 litres, but with the advantage of a six-speed automatic transmission compared with the five-speed in the petrol autos. It has far too much turbo lag but once that has finally passed it works well when climbing hills, even with a load on board.Holden is well represented Australia wide, with dealers in even the smallest of towns. It’s unlikely country dealers will have spare parts of the Epica in stock, but bits can generally be delivered within a couple of business days. We have heard no real complaints about spare parts prices, or of shortages in the populated areas of Australia.Epica is easy to work on with a decent amount of underbonnet space. Good home mechanics can do most of their own work – but we advise they steer clear of any safety items.Insurance costs are generally low. As is sometimes the way with any car that’s a relatively small seller, there can be quite a variation in premium prices so it’s worth shopping around. Just be sure you are comparing apples with apples.WHAT TO LOOK FORBuild quality is generally good, but listen for squeaks and rattles when driving on rough roads, especially in the area behind the dashboard. This is unlikely to be a cause for breakdown, but can be irritating. Check under the bonnet for signs of weeping at the petrol pump.A petrol engine should start easily and idle very smoothly, anything else is a sign to be wary. Diesels that are overly noisy may be due for a major service, or an overhaul.Epicas with the 2.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine are underpowered by Australian drivers’ standards and may have been thrashed. Get a professional to check it if there’s the slightest doubt.Upholstery that gets a lot of work may be showing signs of wear. Check the rear seats as bored kids can knock them around. Look for damage to the front wheels as the Epica is a bigger car than some drivers realise and the wheels may have skimmed the kerb more than once.CAR BUYING TIPCars that were unpopular when new sometimes pick up in value as they age - note the word ‘sometimes’, though.