Holden Epica

The Holden Epica is actually a derivative of a vehicle known as the Daewoo Tosca. The reason for the different nomenclature is more concerned with marketing than design. The Tosca is sold as the Chevrolet Epica worldwide while it is primarily advertised as the Holden Epica throughout Australasian countries. Production of the Epica first began in 2006 although it was not until 2008 that the model was released into the Chinese market.

This middle-sized family vehicle is seen as offering a host of robust safety features and excellent handling capabilities due to the front-wheel drive system employed. However, it should be noted that one of the most striking characteristics of the Epica is its straight-six engine configuration. This type of engine allows for the production of considerable horsepower while the engine itself is quite compact, thus reducing the overall weight of the vehicle. Much of the design for this engine was performed by in-house technicians employed by General Motors (the parent company of Holden).

There are some questions as to whether the Holden Epica will continue to be marketed in Australia in the coming years. This is caused by the fact that the Daewoo Tosca will be discontinued in the Korean market; instead being replaced by the Chevrolet Malibu. While there has been no confirmation of the removal of the Epica, many believe that General Motors may introduce the Malibu into the Australasian marketplace as it intends to do in South Korea. Some patent filings have partially confirmed this potential move.