Kia Sephia

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The Kia Sephia (known as the Mentor in some markets) was a family car manufactured by Kia of South Korea from 1994 to 2004.

It was the Korean 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 UK, 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 car in Indonesia.

The 1996 and 1997 versions of the Kia Sephia sold outside of California were equipped with a 120 horsepower Mazda BP series 1.8l engine, which is the same engine used in the Mazda Miata of that time. Aside from minor differences in the head castings the engine assembly is essentially the same. California versions of the Kia prior to 1998 received a Mazda 1.6l 105 horsepower engine. The 1.8l engine is a DOHC (Dual Overhead Cam) design, which is managed by a Denso engine management computer that is a derivitive of a Bosch fuel injection system. Several sensors on Kia vehicles bear Mazda badges.

While the build quality of the 1997 models has been questioned and the effectiveness of the Air Conditioning system is marginal at best, the powertrain under the hood is surprisingly durable and with minor ignition timing adjustments the Kia Sephia is a snappy car to drive, turning mid-16 runs in the 1/4 completely stock. In 1998 the Sephia was completely redesigned with a new 1.8 litre engine built by Kia, and an improved Air Conditioning system. The body style was also revised extensively.

The Kia Sephia suffers from a negative persona because of the poor impression many folks have of Korean manufactured cars. As a result, resale values have suffered tremendously.

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