First Drive: 2008 Holden Epica CDX/CDXi Petrol & CDTi Diesel - The Camry Fighters!

[JoeT]

Holden Epica Targets Fleets... & Camry

Mike Sinclair
8 August 2008
www.carpoint.com.au

Can the diesel Epica pick up sales and fleets against a backdrop of midsize market domination by the Toyota Camry?

Holden says its revised Epica range, and in particular its turbodiesel flagship, has the credentials to take on Toyota's all-conquering Camry. And to prove it the Lion is spending up big on the midsizer's relaunch and targeting fleets seriously for the first time.

The Epica has been an underachiever in the VFACTS medium passenger car segment since it went on sale early last year. Despite impressive value and fuel economy, the six-cylinder petrol-engined has delivered lacklustre sales -- in effect leaving the segment to be sewn up by Japanese models that either cater to educated private buyers (Honda Accord Euro, Mazda6, Subaru Liberty) or the fleets (Toyota Camry).

In among the segment also-rans from Europe and America, despite its Holden badge, the Epica hasn't offered buyers cachet or emotional investment. At times it has failed to reach the sales volumes of the significantly more expensive Vectra, the Epica's predecessor in the segment.

Holden is keen to change that. And, recognising that the Epica will be unlikely to prosper on private buyers alone (even with the upgraded range now on sale), the Lion has resolved to mine fleets for additional sales growth... And with a diesel to boot!

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Holden Epica CDX/CDXi Petrol & CDTi Diesel

Joe Kenwright
8 August 2008
www.carpoint.com.au

The Holden Epica has remained invisible, even though it has been Holden's first medium entry to match or better the pricing of competitors.

Holden acknowledges that it was important to establish the new model and quickly follow through with upgrades to give it several points of distinction over the Toyota Camry market leader. This latest upgrade certainly achieves that.

Holden has dropped the 2.0-litre six-cylinder petrol Epica, retained the 2.5-litre petrol six and added a slick new 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel with an equally up-to-date six-speed auto. The company has been careful to point out that the new diesel is not just an alternative to a four-cylinder petrol engine, but can stand comparison with a number of larger-engined models, since it offers both performance and economy advantages.

This 'fighting above its weight' approach -- and lower landed cost for the entire Epica range -- allows the midsized Holden to neatly side-step the issue of a high initial purchase price premium and the extra fuel cost that a diesel normally incurs, relative to similar-sized petrol variants.

Instead, Holden is inviting buyers to take the Epica diesel and pitch it against any Medium or, indeed, Large car competitor. With its keen pricing and 1810mm width, the Epica can just as readily compete with larger petrol models as with smaller diesels.

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2008 Holden Epica First Steer

Australia Car Advice
8 August 2008
www.caradvice.com.au

Just over a year ago, General Motors Holden launched the Epica nameplate as a mid-size family sedan providing a value for money option in a growing category.

But the punters didn’t seem to warm to it, nor did many of Australia’s motoring writers. Subsequent sales of the car were anything but spectacular.

It’s true the 2007 Epica was not an attractive car. Not at all. The same cannot be said for the revised 2008 model car. From the rear, punters might even think it’s a new Saab 9-5, especially in Pearl White Metallic and Granada Black Metallic (two of seven exterior colours on offer). While I’m still not sold on the front styling, it’s more than a subtle improvement on the 2007 car.

After a decent steer in the revised car my first impressions are positive. As long as the marketing girls and boys at Fisherman’s Bend spend a few dollars on getting the name out there (and make no mistake, they are spending big) this car, especially the diesel, should find more than a few buyers here in Australia.

Nobody likes high fuel prices. They can have a catastrophic affect on your day-to-day quality of life. Essentially, you end up with less money in your pocket, and that’s never a good thing.

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Holden Dumps 2.0L Six, But Introduces Diesel & Six-Speed Auto With Epica Upgrade

[Aych Es Vee]

I find this new one FAR more appealing, even though the changes dont seem all that .... massive? I dont know, just seems like a decent car now.
6 speed auto? Diesel? ........ Holden, +1 to you for that
And I think it has potential to fight the Camry in the fleet, and I hope it does.

[Ttple]

It already has a Saturn rear end.

[ctsmo]

Originally Posted by Ttple

It already has a Saturn rear end.

i thought more lincoln mkz

[poncho1982]

I'd drive that.

Nice car.

I bet we'd get a nice "it won't meet US specs" as the reason it's not here.

[CamaroCrazy]

Originally Posted by poncho1982

I'd drive that.

Nice car.

I bet we'd get a nice "it won't meet US specs" as the reason it's not here.

You want that? I don't think it has the goods to compete in the US. The exterior is derivative of other cars on the market and the interior is what GM is getting away from. Looks like it should have been the last gen Malibu. Where would this fit in the GM US lineup?

[jbernie]

Given I should be moving back to Aussieland in about 2 years, I would say that the photos make it look an appealing option. I definately don't want a Toyota, but this would be an alternate to going with an Accord and a bit smaller than the good ole Commodore.

[GG_TECH]

The diesel is powerful add on in which should bring additional sales. However it's weak point are the exterior asthetics which is not quite as striking as the Camry. GM, a little more of an update to the exterior should do wonders in competing with a Camry.

[GMusa]

I really like the rear.. pretty good lookin car overall but i like the Malibu MUCH better!

[GMusa]

Originally Posted by CamaroCrazy

You want that? I don't think it has the goods to compete in the US. The exterior is derivative of other cars on the market and the interior is what GM is getting away from. Looks like it should have been the last gen Malibu. Where would this fit in the GM US lineup?

I totally agree!

[logansowner]

Why can't we have these? The unmolested Holden cars look good, then we ship them here and super glue some scoops and vents and dumb looking noses on them.

Shame.

[FenwickHockey65]

Is this a rebadge of anything?
It almost kinda looks like my '07 Malibu...

[RedVee8]

^^^
Fenwick, you would have seen other discussions on the Daewoo Tosca & Chevrolet Epica? They seem to be a solid, comfortable, middle class, style of car.

[mikmak]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Is this a rebadge of anything?
It almost kinda looks like my '07 Malibu...

It's a Suzuki Verona that has done some hard time in the gym in South Korea..with an Aussie coach

We saw a 07 Black CDXI the other day and I pointed to it to ask Mrs. mak what she thought.

"What is it? A Camry?" Close enough.

It's amazing how they start complementing interior appointments now, considering there was much of that talk going on during its first release.

Also:

Originally Posted by CarAdvice

From 29,990 for the 2.0-litre diesel, with six speed auto, six airbags, Electronic Stability Control, a host of creature comforts, tonnes of space and much improved European-like styling, the Epica CDX diesel is the value for money pick.

That said, for just $2000 more, you could upgrade to the CDXi 2.0 diesel and pick up 17-inch alloys (rather than 16-inch alloys), Rear Park Assist and the 8-speaker 6 CD changer, which also represents good buying.

2008 Epica range Recommended Retail Pricing

• Epica CDX 2.5-litre petrol (6 speed auto) from $27,990
• Epica CDX 2.0-litre diesel (6 speed auto) from $29,990
• Epica CDXi 2.5-litre petrol (6 speed auto) from $30,990
• Epica CDXi 2.0-litre diesel (6 speed auto) from 32, 990

Erm, that would be $3000 Anthony.

[strider]

Hey GM, where's the diesels for NA cars?