Britain’s fastest-growing value car brand is about to offer even more for your money with the introduction of the new Chevrolet Epica saloon, bringing the brand into an entirely new area of the market.

Set to appear in Chevrolet showrooms from April 26, the Chevrolet Epica offers unbeatable value for money for a car of its size. At 4,805mm long, it is larger than most family saloons, yet from just £13,595 (yes, that’s £13,595 – the same price as some low-spec compact hatchbacks) the prices are anything but huge.

Yet the bargain price tag doesn’t mean Chevrolet Epica skimps on standard equipment, nor on what’s under the bonnet. Petrol models even get a six-cylinder engine – the least expensive six-pot on the British market – designed to be smooth and efficient, yet also incredibly compact. The petrol unit will be joined by a 2.0-litre 150PS four-cylinder diesel engine, which will have the option of automatic transmission.

Chevrolet Epica will be available in two trim levels, LS and LT. Both versions have exceptional standard equipment, with the entry-level 2.0LS petrol getting air conditioning, cruise control, electric front and rear windows, a CD-stereo with MP3 input socket, remote audio controls, front fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, front, side and curtain airbags and power-adjustable mirrors.

That’s an incredible list of kit for just £13,595, irrespective of the fact that Epica is a large saloon car with a six-cylinder engine.

The LS diesel offers the same specification as the petrol at £14,595, while LT spec cars add electronic climate control, rear parking sensors, leather Seat trim, heated front seats, rain sensitive wipers, a CD autochanger, electrochromatic rear view mirror, power-adjustable driver’s seat, trip computer, electronic stability control and 17-inch alloys. LT models will be diesel only and will cost £16,595 with a five-speed manual gearbox, or £17,695 as an automatic.

The launch of the Epica will go even further towards strengthening Chevrolet’s reputation for providing great value cars at honest prices – a formula that saw the company grow its sales by an incredible 27.6 per cent in 2007. The growth was helped by the launch of the Captiva SUV which, like Epica, put the Chevrolet badge in a new area of the market.

And the Chevrolet brand is set to grow even more diverse over the coming months, with the introduction of the new Aveo in May 2008, and more new models to come in 2009.