CROSSOVERS, people carriers and other, more versatile, motors may be eating into sales of big saloons, but there is no stopping the flow of new models.

At the bargain end of the big saloon market comes the new Chevrolet Epica, which goes on sale in the UK on April 26.

It takes Chevrolet into an entirely new area of the market, yet falls into step with the brand's reputation for unbeatable value.

The 4.80-metres long car is larger than most family saloons, yet - here is the best bit - it costs from £13,595.

At that price, it will find favour who love to get a lot of car for their money, because Chevrolet claims there is no skimping on standard equipment with the Epica.

Power is supplied by a choice of 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines, and there are two trim levels, LS and LT.

All models get air conditioning, cruise control, electric front and rear windows, a CD-stereo with MP3 input, remote audio controls, front fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, front, side and curtain airbags, and powered door mirrors.

LT specification adds electronic climate control, rear parking sensors, leather seat trim, heated front seats, rain-sensitive wipers, a CD autochanger, a light-sensitive rear view mirror, power-adjustable driver's seat, a trip computer, electronic stability, and 17-inch alloys. With all that in, LT models will be diesel only, costing £16,595 for the five-speed manual, or £17,695 for the automatic.

Honda's new Accord saloon, which goes on sale in Britain on June 1 - the Tourer, or estate, model follows on September 1 - will provide more of a challenge to the premium saloons in the D-segment.

Three advanced, low-emissions engines - a 2.2-litre diesel, and 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre petrols - will provide the power, and all are matched to a six-speed manual transmission, with the petrols having the option of a five-speed automatic. An automatic gearbox for the diesel unit will be launched early in 2009. To improve the drive, the Accord development team used the highly-rated BMW 3 Series as a benchmark, and claims the new car has greater agility, thanks to a lowered centre of gravity, a wider track and all-new suspension.

Speed-sensitive electric power steering is standard on all models, and high-quality materials have been used throughout the new Accord for an outstanding fit and finish.

Honda's latest safety technology is fitted, and includes the option of CMBS - the Collision Mitigation Braking System.

CMBS monitors the distance and closing rate between the Accord and the car directly in front of it, warning the driver of a likely collision with alarms and tugs on the seatbelt. If the system detects that a collision is unavoidable, it automatically applies braking to reduce the effects of an impact.

Passive safety features include dual-stage front airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, and anchor points for secure child seat fixture on all models.