FOR a four-cylinder car, it's really quite creamy and quiet. In fact, I can't recall anything that revs as cleanly.

That was what went through my mind as I drove Chevrolet's new Camry-challenger: the Epica.

Only thing was, I had forgotten that the car had a six-cylinder inline engine. BMWs aside, inline-sixes are rare. In the Chevy's price range, they are unicorns.

That's my excuse for temporary amnesia. It could happen to anyone who has driven around 1,000 cars over 20 years.

But back to the Epica. Its engine configuration is not the only thing that reminds you of BMW. Its side profile and its headlamps are more than a hint of the Bavarian marque's 5-series.

Size-wise, the car has a decent presence. Exterior measurements are slightly shy of the massive Toyota Camry's. With a wheelbase of 2,770mm (just 5mm shorter than the Camry's), the Epica offers adequate leg-room for rear occupants.

Despite the presence of a sunroof, head-room is not an issue either, even for tall people.

Its boot is the only thing that falls slightly short of expectations, no thanks to a sizeable intrusion from the rear suspension. Thankfully, the stowage is deep.

Its illustrious engine and Beemer-ish styling notwithstanding, the Epica is an everyman's car. Its cabin is an expanse of plain easy-to-clean surfaces, and there are not many hints of luxury other than the rear air-con vent and digital compass.

The 2.5-litre model comes with four airbags, cruise control (with nifty steering-mounted button controls), anti-dazzle rear-view mirror, sunroof and 17-inch alloy rims.

The 2.0-litre base model makes do without these niceties, but shares other features like steering-mounted hi-fi controls, electrically-adjustable driver's seat, automatic air-con and automatic wipers.

All in all, not a bad package for around $80,000.

It would be sweeter if the car had some BMW driving traits. As it is, the Epica is even more detached than the Camry. Its steering has as much feel as a games arcade machine.

The car also lacks beef, which is a pity considering that it has a pleasant ride (when fully occupied) and creditable handling. On paper, it is quicker than the Camry to 100kmh. But it feels slower in reality.

The made-in-Korea car has a heavier body and a more modest engine output than the 2.4-litre Toyota.

On the flipside, it doesn't feel as barge-like as the Camry, which should be a plus point for drivers who prefer a more compact chariot.

And those shapely eyes on the new Chevy are really something else. When lit, they make the car look as if it could get up at any moment and join an inter-galactic war.

Price: $85,888 with COE
Engine: 2,492cc 24-valve inline-6
Transmission: Five-speed automatic
Power: 156hp at 5,800rpm
Torque: 237Nm at 4,000rpm
0-100kmh: 9.9 seconds
Top speed: 208kmh
Fuel consumption: 14.4 litres/100km (city)
Agent: Starsauto; Alpine Motors