About the Kia SephiaThe Kia Sephia was introduced to the North American market in 1993 and sold for 10 years before being discontinued in 2003. This compact car was available in two body styles: 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback. As the years passed, more options were added to the interior while the exterior received a few redesigns as well. Otherwise known as the Mentor and Timor, the Sephia hatchback version was sold as the Kia Spectra in 2000.The first and second generation Sephia was assembled in South Korea, with additional assembly for the second generation in Cairo, Egypt, and Izhevsk, Russia. The small 1.5 liter I4 four-cylinder engine produces 79 horsepower, but a larger 1.6 liter engine was available capable of producing 105 horsepower. To increase power and speed, a 5-speed manual transmission was optional over the standard 4-speed. The interior allows for a comfortable ride, and plenty of legroom is available in both the 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback. Although the Sephia was only on the market for 10 years, it had progressed for two generations.... View more During most of its production, the Sephia sedan and hatchback were marketed under the same name. By 2000, the hatchback had been sold as the Spectra, while the sedan was limited to the Sephia. The base level was the Sephia S and the upgraded trim levels were the SX and GSX. The first generation Kia Sephia ran from 1992 to 1997. By 1995 the grille and taillights were redesigned and a larger 1.8 liter I4 was added. The second generation body redesign offered a multitude of features including reclining bucket seats, driver footrest, AM/FM stereo and deluxe cloth seat trim. The exterior featured 14-inch wheels, full wheel covers, intermittent wipers and rear defogger. A list of safety features includes child seat anchors, electronic brakeforce distribution and rear door child safety locks. The Kia Sephia was well-received by the press, having been named a significant runner-up for Motor Trend Import Car of the Year" in 1998. Consumer Guide ranked the 1998 Sephia favorably for its fuel economy. In 1999 IntelliChoice gave the Sephia 4Dr Sedan the Best Overall Value of the Year Award. Motor Trend also reported that the 2001 Kia Sephia deserved an award for being the most improved automobile that year. Despite its hype from both drivers and the press, the Sephia was discontinued two years later as Kia embarked on new ventures. View less | |||
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