1 Jul 2008
HOLDEN revised the Epica in the middle of 2008, with a number of changes including a diesel engine, the discontinuation of the slow-selling 2.0-litre in-line ‘6’, a six-speed automatic as the sole transmission choice, six airbags and standard ESC stability control.
The diesel engine is a 1991cc single overhead cam 16-valve four-cylinder unit featuring a Bosch common rail system with direct-injection, a variable geometry turbo-charger and a particulate filter.
It produces 110kW of power at 4000rpm and 320Nm of torque at 2000rpm, can return 7.6L/100km on the combined average fuel consumption cycle, and emits 210 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.
In contrast, the 2.5-litre petrol ‘6’ manages 9.3L/100km (exactly the same as the previous five-speed auto Epica, and still less than the Camry auto’s 9.9L/100km), and 221g/km of CO2 emissions, while its power and torque outputs (115kW at 5800 revs and 237Nm at 2600rpm) also remain the same.
You can spot the revised Epica by its smoother appearance, the upshot of a new grille and rear valance, while the alloy wheels have also come in for a restyle.
Drivers are more likely to appreciate a steering column that now telescopes and tilts.
A redesigned flip-out key fob, the inclusion of standard rear parking radar on the better-equipped CDXi models, and the introduction of heated front seats as part of the $2000 Leather Pack option, complete the MY09 Epica’s transformation.
Holden introduced longer front springs and a speed-sensitive power steering device to cope with the 70kg weightier diesel engine application.
