1999 Kia Sephia

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.

The first-generation Sephia of 1994-1997. 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. A diesel-powered alternative were not available.

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. However under the 15 year rule for importing out of market vehicles as of 2009 the 94 models can be imported (and each year will continue to be allowed as time progresses). This same rule is often used to import vehicles from Europe, Australia and Japan and presently applies to vehicles manufactured out of market (regardless of meeting emissions or safety regulations) in the year 1992 or before. Kia did not arrive in Canada until 1999....