THESE days, it’s all about getting value for money. In an ideal world we would all want to be seen behind the wheel of a premium-brand vehicle, kitted out with all mod-cons.

But as money becomes more of an issue, we are becoming increasingly happy to compromise.

The Chevrolet Epica is a case in point. Think Netto or Aldi to, say, Tesco or Sainsbury.

You pays your money and you takes your choice.

If you're a badge snob then perhaps you should stop reading here, as Chevrolet is just Daewoo by another name. In Korea, the Epica is marketed as the Tosca, but presumably they thought we were more likely to buy something with the famous bow tie on the front than the less memorable Daewoo badge.

Styling-wise, it’s rather uninspiring. It would be kind to describe it as unadventurous; more cutting critics might call it dated.

Whichever way you look at it, you are not going to be turning any heads in this.

No, the Epica’s main assets are not its looks, but its size and its price tag.

It is a big car – more than 15ft from bow to stern and fully five feet across. That’s bigger than a Ford Mondeo and closing in on BMW 5-Series territory.

That means there is plenty of room for everyone and everything.

Front-seat passengers can really stretch out without impinging on the space allocated to those in the rear.

The back is better suited to two, but you could seat three without any great headache.

The roofline does slope, so if you are tall you might find your head brushing the roof, but most need not worry.

There’s also a huge boot capable of soaking up pretty much everything you can think of.

For a car of its dimensions, visibility in every direction is excellent.

Based on the above, if someone told you you could get an entry-level Epica for a shade over £14,000 and could have the all-singing, all-dancing version for £18,500, you might be surprised. But it’s true and, what’s more, you won’t want for toys either.

Base LS trim comes with air-conditioning, electric windows, a CD player with MP3 capability, steering wheelmounted audio controls, cruise control, leather steering wheel, foglights, electrically operated door mirrors and 16ins alloys.

If you move up to the LT then you can brag about the climate control, leather seats, heated in the front and electrically adjustable on the driver’s side, rain-sensitive wipers, a six-CD stereo, chrome door handles, 17ins alloys and rear parking sensors.

Here, however, is where the good news ends and the payoff begins.

The Epica is not great to drive. It does feel akin to an oil tanker and, though I never put it to the test, I imagine it might be similar to stop as well.

Pitch it into a corner – and it doesn’t need to be a severe one – and the body will roll.

Admittedly, you’re not in seasick territory, but equally it’s not that pleasant either.

With the focus on comfort, the Epica’s ride is very soft and that means there is a tendency for it to bounce around a bit.

The steering was also a problem for me. Turn it and it feels as if there is a pendulum attached trying to pull it back the other way.

There is also a significant amount of play in the wheel before anything happens.

It is, for example, possible to drive in a straight line and turn several degrees left or right but continue on your trajectory.

Concessions are also made in the interior quality department as well, with some of the switchgear being decidedly flimsy to the touch.

The centre console is old-fashioned, but is all laid out practically and everything is within arms reach.

The Epica’s diesel engine is a little agricultural in sound when you start it up, but once up to speed it isn’t really an issue.

And while it’s not the quickest off the mark by any stretch of the imagination, it is also a willing cruiser on the motorway.

If you are bothered what the neighbours think, then this is probably not the car for you, but in these uncertain times we can’t all afford to be choosy.

Specification

Price as tested: £17,355
Engine: 2.0 litre diesel
Max power: 148bhp
Max torque: 236lb/ft
Max speed: 124mph
0-60mph: 9.7 secs
Average fuel consumption: 46.3mpg
Equipment includes: Airbags; fog lights; air conditioning; adjustable steering wheel; leather covered steering wheel with audio controls; electrically operated driver's seat; electrically operated door mirrors; 16ins alloys; CD/radio with MP3 capability; cruise control; leather seats.