Kia Sephia

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Kia Sephia

Manufacturer	Kia Motors
Also called	Kia Spectra
Production	1994–2004 (1994-2001 in North America)
Assembly	Hwasung, South Korea
Successor	Kia Spectra Kia Rio
Class	Compact car / Small family car
Transmission	4-speed F-4EAT automatic 5-speed manual
Similar	Daewoo Nubira Honda Civic Toyota Corolla

First generation

Production	1994–1997
Body style	4-door sedan 2-door hatchback 5-door hatchback
Engine	1.6L 105 hp I4 1.8L 122 hp I4
Wheelbase	2500 mm (98.4 in)
Length	4360 mm (171.7 in)
Width	1695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1390 mm (54.7 in)
Related	Timor S515i Mazda 323/Protege`

Second generation

Production	1998–2004
Body style	4-door sedan
Engine	1.8L 125 hp I4
Wheelbase	2560 mm (100.8 in)
Length	4430 mm (174.4 in)
Width	1700 mm (66.9 in)
Height	1410 mm (55.5 in)

The Kia Sephia (known as the Mentor in some markets) was a compact car / small family car manufactured by the Korean automaker Kia Motors from 1994 to 2004. It was the marque's venture into mass production family cars for the overseas market and was sold as either a hatchback or a sedan. It was powered by 1.6 and 1.8 L fuel injected inline four-cylinder gasoline engines. In the United Kingdom, it had a starting price of less than £10,000.

The Mentor nameplate was dropped on hatchback models following the launch of the Kia Shuma in 1999, although the Mentor sedan was sold until the Kia Cerato range was launched in 2004. The Sephia/Mentor was also the basis of the Timor in Indonesia.

[edit] First generation (1991–1997)

The first-generation Sephia of 1991-1997. In the United States, a significant update came in 1995.5, when grilles and taillights were restyled and all Sephias except California-market RS/LS models got upgraded to the 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder found in the Mazda Protege and Miata.

While the build quality has been questioned and the effectiveness of the air conditioning system is marginal at best, the powertrain under the hood is surprisingly durable and the Sephia is a snappy car to drive, at least with the 1.8-liter engine.

It is important to note that due to safety regulations, this generation cannot be legally imported to Canada. They can be driven there by their US-owners but not registered in Canada. This mostly has to do with the fact that Kia did not meet Canadian crash testing standards and in some years, did not provide the correct safety equipment. Kia did not arrive in Canada until 1999.

[edit] Second generation (1998–2004)

In 1998 the Sephia was completely redesigned, this time by Kia itself. Kia's used its own new DOHC 1.8L engine and an improved air conditioning system. In 2000 Kia used the Sephia's mechanicals to make the Spectra, a hatchback version of the Sephia. The Sephia was discontinued in North America after 2001, making room for the smaller Rio and the Spectra sedan.