2000 SEPHIA LS

The Sephia is a sub- being offered by its Korean builder, Kia, as an alternative to similar, mainly Japanese-built vehicles. A four-door , it is available in two trim levels, basic and LS.

Interior and trunk

The passenger cell is relatively easy to enter and exit, especially from the front. The front seats are comfortable but the top of the seatback curves too far forward. Drivers easily find a good driving position thanks among other things to the height-adjustable seat cushion.

The rear bench provides comfortable quarters for two. There is plenty of head room and surprisingly more leg room than in many other cars built on the same wheelbase.

The trunk is roomy but has a rather narrow opening. As the lid does not open high enough, many people will have to be careful not to hit their head and face on it.

Safety and convenience

If Kia really wants to compete with the Japanese car builders, it is going to have to improve the quality of finish in general and soundproofing in particular. None of the main sources of noise – engine, wind, and road – is sufficiently dampened, which is quite a feat.

Several failings will also have to be corrected in the interior layout. Even though the radio is placed above the heat/vent controls, it is still too low for easy use. The gearshift lever blocks access to the heating controls. Though there are lots of storage compartments in front, there is only one small receptacle in the rear.

The air conditioner is efficient, but in the VENT position, air flows continually through the centre vents onto the driver’s hands.

Safety equipment includes dual front air bags. Drivers have a clear view on all sides except to the rear, when backing up. The head restraints can be raised and locked in place but cannot be adjusted high enough to protect average-to-tall individuals. The headlights are not bright enough and the horn has just two small buttons.

Engine and transmission

The horsepower figure looks good on paper but on the road, it’s a different story. Acceleration is modest, both from a standing stop and passing, due mostly to the fact that 108 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm is too little, too late. In fact, below 3,500-4,000 rpm, performance is downright anaemic. The engine is noisy in acceleration and at highway speeds; at 100 km/h, the engine is already running at 3,000 rpm. The five-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly and is reasonably precise, but engine speed should be at least 500 rpm lower in fifth. The numb clutch pedal does not facilitate gear shifts.

On the road

The well-tuned independent suspension provides a smooth ride on good pavement. Most rough spots are firmly absorbed though on some, the reaction is quite harsh. The Sephia behaves well in turns and is generally stable and predictable. The suspension has an overall feeling of solidity.

Heavy at low and moderate speeds, the power steering is relatively quick and precise but with little road feel. Braking is generally good. Anti-lock brakes are unavailable.

An inspection at the CAA-Quebec test centre showed that the Sephia is well built overall. The various components underneath the vehicle are well protected, and lines and wires are solidly attached.

Conclusion

There is nothing revolutionary about the Sephia. A reasonably decent car, it will have to rely on price, not comfort, to attract buyers, good soundproofing being intrinsic to comfort. In fact, a number of Japanese models offer a higher level of refinement and proven reliability, for about the same price.

FOR AGAINST Smooth ride Soundproofing Road holding Modest performance Roomy interior Small trunk opening Roomy trunk Weak headlights Manoeuvrability Controls to be relocated Reasonably priced Dangerous trunk lid

2000

Engine: 16-valve, 1.8-litre 4 cylindre Horsepower: 125 h.p. @ 6,000 rpm Torque: 108 lb.-ft.@ 4,500 rpm Transmission: 5-speed man.; 4-speed auto. Suspension: fully independent Brakes: front disc/rear drum Length: 443 cm Width: 169.9 cm Height: 141 cm Wheelbase: 256 cm Weight: 1,124 to 1,182 kg Tires: 185/65R14 Towing capacity: non-recommended Air bags: standard dual

Fuel consumption: − Transport Canada rating: city: 9.8 L/100 km (29 mpg); highway: 7.8 L/100 km (36 mpg) − Test result: 11 L/100 (26 mpg) Fuel tank capacity: 50 litres

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h : 10.2 seconds 60-100 km/h : 7.5 seconds

Competition: Chevrolet Cavalier, Chrysler Neon,Daewoo Nubira, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda Protegé, Pontiac Sunfire, Nissan Sentra, Saturn SL, Suzuki Esteem, and Echo, Volkswagen Golf

Maintenance (amount may vary from dealer to dealer): Frequency: 3 months/5,000 km; total cost to 100,000 km: $1,095

Warranty: − Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km − Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km − Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000 km − Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited mileage − Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module and on-board diagnostic device)

Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $777 Front brake disk: $102 Brake pads: $89 Muffler: $337 Front fender: $232

Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim- free insurance record, female driver or male driver 30 to 40 years old): $420 - $792

Price according to trim line: Basic: $12,995 LS: $14,945

Main options: Automatic transmission: $950 Air conditioning: $950 Power group: $800 Power steering: $380 (basic model)

Price as tested: $16,195

Freight and preparation: $695

Dealers: Quebec: 11 Canada: 27

 CAA-Quebec, October 1999