Kia Sephia#First

{{Infobox automobile

| name = First generation

| image = 1997 Kia Mentor GLX hatchback (2015-07-09) 01.jpg

| caption = 1994–1997 Kia Mentor GLX Liftback (Australia)

| aka = Kia Mentor (Australia)
Timor S5 (Indonesia)

| production = September 1992–1997

| assembly = South Korea: Hwaseong (Hwaseong Plant)
Indonesia: Tambun, Bekasi (Indauda); Purwakarta (Kia Timor Motors)

| body_style = 4-door sedan
5-door liftback
5-door station wagon (Indonesia)

| engine = {{unbulleted list | 1.5  L B5-ME I4 | | 1.5  L B5-DE I4 | | 1.6  L B6D I4 | 1.8 L BP I4 }}

| transmission = {{unbulleted list | 5-speed manual | 4-speed F4A-EL automatic }}

| wheelbase = {{convert|2500|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| length = {{convert|4360|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| width = {{convert|1695|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| height = {{convert|1390|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| model_years = 1994–1997 (North America)

}}

The first-generation Kia Sephia is the first car that was actually designed by Kia with their own chassis.{{cite web | author = 서인경 | title = 기아자동차 세피아 발표회 | url = http://newslibrary.naver.com/viewer/index.nhn?articleId=1992092300099209009&editNo=2&printCount=1&publishDate=1992-09-23&officeId=00009&pageNo=9&printNo=8215&publishType=00020 | publisher = 매일경제 | date = 23 September 1992 | access-date = 30 November 2016}} Engines available were the B-series engines, with the 1.5-liter rated at {{convert|79|hp|kW|disp=flip}}, the 1.6-liter {{convert|105|hp|kW|adj=on|disp=flip}}, and the 1.8-liter BP engine at {{convert|122|hp|kW|adj=on|disp=flip}} from 1994. The car was presented in September 1992 to replace the aging Capital, which was rapidly losing market share. The Sephia proved quite successful, selling over 100,000 in its first full year in the home market (1993).{{cite web | last = Limb | first = Jae-un | title = Blast From the Past #26: First Korean car produced in Indonesia | url = http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2923022 | publisher = Korea JoongAng Daily | date = 12 July 2010 | access-date = 27 June 2011}} A total of 472,920 Sephias were sold over the life of the original Sephia.{{cite web | url = http://news.newsway.co.kr/view.php?tp=1&ud=2015031708305991256&md=20150317084058_AO | title = 기아차, 45년만에 승용차 500만대 판매…'피아트124'부터 'K5'까지 | trans-title = Kia Motors sells 5 million passenger cars in 45 years ... From the Fiat 124 to the K5 | language = ko | publisher = Newsway | date = 2015-03-17 }}

In the United States, sales began in late 1993 for the 1994 model year. This was the first Kia to be exported to the US. An update came in the 1995 model year when grille and tail lights were restyled and all US-market Sephias except California-market RS/LS models got upgraded to the new 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder BP engine as used in the Mazda Familia (BG). Kia licensed the engine design from Mazda, but manufactured it themselves.

It was launched in Europe in the spring of 1994 as the Kia Sephia in some markets and in others, including the United Kingdom, as the Kia Mentor. It was similar in size to best-selling European small family cars like the Ford Escort, but was priced similarly to smaller cars like the Ford Fiesta. Its key rivals in Europe were budget-priced Eastern European and Far Eastern imported products including the Daewoo Nexia, Hyundai Accent, Proton Persona and Skoda Felicia. In Brazil, the car went on the market in March 1994. It was only offered with the 1.5-liter twin cam engine with {{convert|112|PS|kW|abbr=on}} and was considered a competitor to the domestically built Chevrolet Omega and Volkswagen Santana.{{cite magazine | magazine = Quatro Rodas | url = http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BqQV098sHiU/UXaEtgk7IFI/AAAAAAAA8oQ/rAPq8ZGeYpw/s1600/405%252C161%252C34%252C04%252CTE.jpg | title = Um coreano em versão tropical | trans-title = A Korean of the tropical variety | language = pt | page = 160 | first = Luis | last = Bartolomais Junior | volume = 34 | issue = 405 | date = April 1994 }} To make a car suitable for the Brazilian market, Kia went through the trouble of studying Brazilian road surfacing and importing {{convert|1000|L|usgal|abbr=out}} of Brazilian gasoline to properly program the engine management.

Kia presented a conceptual convertible version of the first generation Sephia, which was named "Kia Sephia Cabrio" at some auto shows.

{{gallery | width = 200 | height = 139

| File:Kia Sephia front 20071205.jpg | 1992–1994 Kia Sephia GTX sedan (Germany)

| File:Kia Sephia rear 20071205.jpg | 1992–1994 Kia Sephia GTX sedan (Germany)

| File:Kia Sephia rear 20081125.jpg | 1994–1997 Kia Sephia GTX sedan (Germany)

| File:1997 Kia Mentor GLX hatchback (2015-07-09) 02.jpg | 1994–1997 Kia Mentor GLX Liftback (Australia)

}}

The Sephia was sold in Indonesia as the Timor S5 since 1996. It was sold by PT Timor Putra Nasional which was intended to be the national carmaker of Indonesia. {{citation|last=Nunn|first=Peter|title=Japanese Industry: Back on Track?|journal=Automobile Year|volume=44|issue=1996–97|page=99|year=1996|editor-last=Norris|editor-first=Ian|location=Lausanne, Switzerland|publisher=Editions JR, J.-R. Piccard|isbn=978-2-88324-043-8}} Due to Timor's status as a national carmaker, the Timor S5 was exempt from taxes and duties levied on other cars sold in the country despite being imported from South Korea. As the result, Timor S5 was sold at half the price of a comparable Toyota Corolla.

File:Timor S515 sedan (2007-07-09) 02.jpg

The Timor S5 range consisted of the "S515" (SOHC carbureted), "S515i" (DOHC, fuel injected), and "S516i LE" (sports-oriented limited edition, licensed by Prodrive). Timor also had produced the "SW516i" station wagon and a "SL516i" limousine in a limited number.

The Timor S5 was briefly assembled locally at the Timor assembly plant in Purwakarta, West Java with imported parts in 1998 before its discontinuation due to WTO disputes.{{Cite web|last=Sanjaya|first=Yongki|date=2020-07-07|title=Ketahui Kelemahan Sedan Timor, Mobil Kontroversial yang Bandel|url=https://www.carmudi.co.id/journal/ketahui-kelemahan-sedan-timor-mobil-kontroversial-yang-bandel/|access-date=2020-10-19|website=Carmudi Indonesia|language=id-ID}} Sales continued up to 2007, using inventory from vehicles produced up to 1998. {{Clear}}

{{Infobox automobile

| name = Second generation

| image = 1998-2000 Kia Mentor GLX sedan (2011-11-08).jpg

| caption = 1998–2000 Kia Mentor GLX sedan (Australia)

| aka = Kia Mentor
Kia Shuma
Kia Spectra

| production = 1997–2003
1997–2004 (export)

| assembly = South Korea: Hwaseong (Hwaseong Plant)
Egypt: Cairo (AAV)
Indonesia: Cikampek
Malaysia: Gurun (NAM)
Malaysia: Pekan (AMM)
Russia: Izhevsk (IzhAvto)
Pakistan: Sujawal (Dewan Farooque Motors)

| body_style = 4-door sedan
5-door liftback

| related = Kia Carens (RS){{Cite web |date=1999-11-16 |title=[카&드라이브] 미니밴 : 온가족의 '모빌홈' 시대 활짝 |trans-title=[Car&Drive] Minivan: The era of the ‘mobile home’ for the whole family |url=https://www.hankyung.com/news/article/1999111602711 |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=한경닷컴 |language=ko}}

| engine = {{unbulleted list | 1.5 L B5-DE I4 (gasoline) | 1.6 L B6 I4 (gasoline) | 1.8 L T8D I4 (gasoline)}}

| transmission = {{unbulleted list | 4-speed F4A-EL automatic|5-speed G5M manual}}

| wheelbase = {{convert|2560|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| length = Sedan (1997): {{convert|4530|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
Sedan (2001): {{convert|4510|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
Liftback: {{convert|4525|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| width = Sedan: {{convert|1700|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
Liftback: {{convert|1725|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| height = Sedan: {{convert|1410|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
Liftback: {{convert|1425|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| model_years = 1998–2001 (Sephia)
2000–2003 (Spectra)

}}

In 1997, the Sephia was completely redesigned as a four-door sedan and five-door liftback, this time in-house by Kia itself with help from Mazda. Kia used a DOHC 1.5-liter and its own new DOHC 1.8-liter engine (the T8D engine, originally developed for the Kia Elan) and an improved air conditioning system. In South Korea, the Sephia label was retired in 2000 and replaced by the Spectra. The Sephia production totals were 628,168.

The North American market received the Sephia sedan for the 1998 model year. For the 2000 model year, the liftback variant was launched, sold under the name "Kia Spectra". The Sephia (sedan) and Spectra (liftback) continued to be sold alongside one another until the 2002 model year updates were introduced. As part of this update, both body variants were facelifted, and the range was rationalized under the single "Kia Spectra" name. Three trim levels were available in the US: an entry-level "S", slightly upgraded "GS", and the top-of-the-range "GSX".

Arab American Vehicles (AAV) manufactured the Spectra in Cairo, Egypt, circa 2002.{{cite web|url=http://www.aav.com.eg/Pathtosuccess.html |title=Arab American Vehicles Co |publisher=Aav.com.eg |access-date=25 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209114707/http://www.aav.com.eg/Pathtosuccess.html |archive-date= 9 February 2010 }} In Russia production of the Spectra continued until 2011,{{cite web | url = http://wroom.ru/en/news/358 | title = Izhevsk Car Factory Stopped Production of Kia | publisher = Wroom.ru | date = 19 September 2011 | access-date = 30 November 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121113060256/http://wroom.ru/en/news/358 | archive-date = 13 November 2012 | url-status = dead }} produced by Izh-Avto. The Spectra liftback was also assembled in Malaysia between 2001 and 2010. Production began at the HICOM AMM plant in Pekan, and was later transferred to Naza's NAM plant in Gurun.{{cite web|url=http://www.hicom-automotive.com.my/about_milestones.php |title=HICOM Automotive - Milestones |publisher=hicom-automotive.com.my |date=16 February 2017 |access-date=16 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216112637/http://www.hicom-automotive.com.my/about_milestones.php |archive-date=16 February 2017 |url-status=live }}

The second generation Sephia sedan and liftback were badged "Mentor" in Australia{{cite web | url = http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/carfamilytree?ReadForm&ID=B7BF9351C1C212FACA25712A0024A07A | title = Kia Mentor (Mentor II) | work = GoAuto | publisher = John Mellor | access-date = 16 February 2011 | archive-date = 6 July 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110706104306/http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/carfamilytree?ReadForm&ID=B7BF9351C1C212FACA25712A0024A07A | url-status = dead }} when released in May 1998.{{cite web | url = http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/carfamilytree?ReadForm&make=Kia&model=Mentor | title = Kia Mentor | work = GoAuto | publisher = John Mellor | access-date = 14 November 2011 | archive-date = 21 August 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110821233931/http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/carfamilytree?ReadForm&make=Kia&model=Mentor | url-status = dead }} Kia offered an entry-level "SLX" with the 1.5-liter inline-four engine, standard with five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic, and equipped with power steering, air conditioning, and cloth trim. The higher-specification "GLX" added central locking, power windows and mirrors, more upmarket trim, plus the option of the larger 1.8-liter engine on the liftback variant.{{cite web | url = http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/9DE3B36CBAC3144FCA256A4E00078F29 | title = 1998 Kia Mentor SLX sedan – The Car | work = GoAuto | publisher = John Mellor | date = 26 May 1999 | access-date = 14 November 2011 }}{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

From June 2000, following the change of distributor in Australia to Ateco, Kia discontinued the sedan variant and rebadged the liftback "Shuma".{{cite web | url = http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/carfamilytree?ReadForm&ID=2643B70E096D55CECA25712A0024BB1A | title = Kia Shuma (Shuma) | work = GoAuto | publisher = John Mellor | access-date = 16 February 2011 | archive-date = 3 March 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303201924/http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/carfamilytree?ReadForm&ID=2643B70E096D55CECA25712A0024BB1A | url-status = dead }} Along with the sedan, Kia dispensed with the 1.5-liter engine and SLX/GLX model identifiers. In their place, Kia offered an entry-level "Shuma" and a limited edition "Shuma FX", which added alloy wheels, central locking, power windows and mirrors, improved audio and higher-grade trim to the base model's air-conditioning and power steering. The Shuma also benefited from a minor facelift, which changed the tail-lamp lenses, wheels and interior trimmings.

When the car was facelifted once more in May 2001, Kia rebranded it once more to "Spectra".{{cite web | url = http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/carfamilytree?ReadForm&ID=8D76ECBE573812A0CA25712A0024D181 | title = Kia Spectra (FB Spectra) | work = GoAuto | publisher = John Mellor | access-date = 16 February 2011 | archive-date = 3 March 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303200653/http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/carfamilytree?ReadForm&ID=8D76ECBE573812A0CA25712A0024D181 | url-status = dead }} This update brought redesigned headlights, a new front bumper, adjustments to suspension calibration, and an overhauled four-speed automatic. Equipment-wise, the single-specification "LS" offered a driver's airbag, seatbelt pretensioners and immobiliser were added, along with standard powered mirrors and windows and a host of minor trim upgrades.{{cite web | last = Martin | first = Terry | date = 26 August 2001 | url = http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/D3E581F41DD10FCACA256ABE0018B827 | title = 2001 Kia Spectra LS 5-dr hatch – Our Opinion | work = GoAuto | publisher = John Mellor | access-date = 14 November 2011 | archive-date = 10 January 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160110050056/http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/D3E581F41DD10FCACA256ABE0018B827 | url-status = dead }} Kia Australia discontinued the Spectra in 2004.

{{gallery | title = Sedan | width = 200 | height = 124

| File:1998-2000 Kia Mentor GLX sedan (2011-11-07).jpg|Pre-facelift Kia Mentor GLX (Australia)

| File:Kia Schuma-II.JPG|Facelift Kia Shuma (Germany)

| File:Kia Spectra -- 07-09-2009.jpg|Facelift Kia Spectra (U.S.)

| File:20110723 kia spectra 02.jpg|Facelift Kia Spectra (South Korea)

}}

{{gallery | title = Liftback | width = 200 | height = 128

| File:Kia Shuma.JPG|Pre-facelift Kia Shuma (Germany)

| File:Kia Shuma Heck.JPG|Pre-facelift Kia Shuma (Germany)

| File:2002-04 Kia Spectra hatchback.jpg|Facelift Kia Spectra (U.S.)

| File:Dublin, Co. Dublin - Ireland (9586944261).jpg|Facelift Kia Shuma LS (Ireland)

}}

{{main article|Kia Cerato#LD|l1=Kia Cerato (LD)}}

Although the Sephia's successor, the Kia Cerato, was released in 2003, this replacement vehicle was still named Sephia for Latin America until 2005,{{citation needed|date=May 2013}} when it was discontinued in favor of the name Spectra, as used in North America.{{Citation needed|date=May 2013}}

{{main article|Kia Rio#DC|l1=Kia Rio (DC)}}

Some models of the first generation Kia Rio were sold in certain countries of South America, such like Colombia, as "Sephia Taxi" already prepared with the legal requirements to work as Taxi cabs, including the yellow body paint. The Sephia Taxi came with the smaller displacement engine for that body (1.4-liter) and manual transmission.

File:Sephia Taxi Back.jpg

{{main article|Kia Rio#JB|l1=Kia Rio (JB)}}

The second generation Kia Rio also sold in certain countries of South America as "Sephia Taxi".

{{clear}}

File:Kia Grand Sephia 1.jpg

{{main article|Kia Forte#TD|l1=Kia Forte (TD)}}

Some models of the Kia Forte, were also prepared to be sold as taxi cabs for certain countries of Latin America. The Grand Sephia has the smaller displacement engine available for that body (1.6-liter), and manual transmission.

{{main article|Kia Pegas}}

The Sephia nameplate once again is used as a taxi nameplate in Colombia, this time it is based on the Chinese-built Kia Pegas/Soluto.{{Cite web|last=Mantilla|first=Óscar Julián Restrepo|date=2019-08-16|title=Kia Sephia Taxi 2020: Características y precio en Colombia|url=https://www.elcarrocolombiano.com/lanzamientos/kia-sephia-taxi-2020-caracteristicas-y-precios-en-colombia/|access-date=2020-10-18|website=El Carro Colombiano|language=es-CO}}{{clear}}

{{reflist|30em}}

• [https://www.carmanualsonline.info/kia-sephia-2000-1-g-owner-s-manual Kia Sephia Owner's Manual (1st generation)]
• {{Commons category-inline}}

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{{Kia timeline 1970–1999}}

{{Kia Motors}}

{{Kia North America}}

Sephia

Category:Compact cars

Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles

Category:Hatchbacks

Category:Sedans

Category:Cars introduced in 1992

Category:2000s cars

Category:1990s cars

Category:Cars discontinued in 2003