1999 KIA SEPHIA OFFERS COMFORT, CONVENIENCE

AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE

IRVINE, Calif., - Fresh from enjoying the most successful sales year in its history in 1998, the Kia Sephia returns for 1999 with the same high-value combination of comfort features and low price. New from the ground up last year, the four-door compact sedan delivers ride, handling and creature comforts on par with Japanese-brand models but for more than $1,000 less. Again this year, the Sephia will maintain its place as one of the most affordable import sedans on the American market.

For 1999, Kia will offer the Sephia in two trim levels: Sephia and Sephia LS. A Power Package, for LS models only, is available for those who seek top-of-the-line equipment levels.

Designed to provide affordable value to the entry-level buyer, the Sephia includes dual manual exterior mirrors, body-color front bumper, grille, door handles and mirrors, driver's footrest (dead pedal), rear window defroster and P185/65RI4 tires.

To those features, the Sephia LS adds a wide variety of additional equipment. Included are power steering, split-folding rear seat, rear-seat heater ducts, full wheelcovers and tilt steering column. Full cloth seating with a seat-cushion tilt mechanism on the driver's seat is also standard on the Sephia LS.

The Sephia LS Power Package adds several more comfort and convenience features such as air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, cruise control, power mirrors, tachometer, variable intermittent windshield wipers and AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers.

At 100.8 inches, the Sephia's wheelbase is nearly four inches longer than the competitive Toyota Corolla, and it is marginally (0.2 in.) wider as well. The result of the larger body is excellent straight-line and cornering stability, ride comfort and usable passenger and cargo space. Designed with the cooperation of Kia's Irvine, Calif.-based studio, the sleekly styled unit construction body is accented by projector-type clear-lens headlights. The well-integrated design also features body-color bumpers, mirrors, door handles and grille. Body-color side moldings are optional on the Sephia and standard on the Sephia LS.

The Sephia is powered by a sturdy Kia-designed 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that delivers good fuel economy and low maintenance. Equipped with multi-port Bosch electronic fuel injection, the engine meets Transitional Low Emission Vehicle (TLEV) specifications. It generates 125 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 108 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm for good acceleration and passing ability. The Sephia's stainless steel muffler offers excellent corrosion resistance and sound reduction.

Two transmissions are available: a five-speed manual transmission and a four-speed electronically controlled automatic. The five-speed manual, engineered by Getrag, was redesigned for the 1998 model year. Among the features of the sophisticated automatic transmission is a feedback mechanism designed to minimize shift shock.

Lotus participated in the engineering of the all-independent suspension for responsive handling and ride comfort. The sophisticated layout uses MacPherson struts in front and a multilink design in the rear. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard on all Sephia models. Aiding handling is a precise rack-and-pinion steering: system that is equipped with an engine-speedsensitive power assist on the Sephia LS.

Sephias are equipped with power-assisted vented front disc brakes and rear drums. A Kelsey-Hayes-designed four-sensor, four-channel antilock braking system (ABS) is optional.

The Sephia offers excellent interior ergonomics. Head room, leg room and shoulder room are substantially better than in most comparably priced models. Driver's seat comfort is enhanced with a driver's footrest and, on the LS model, a tilt-cushion feature and tilt steering column. On all models, the front seatbelts are: adjustable at the B-pillar. The AM/FM/CD audio system is mounted high in the center console, so it is accessible to driver and passenger, and the console also contains a dual cupholder.

Despite the fact that the Sephia enjoyed a record-breaking sales year in 1998, Kia has resisted the urge to raise base prices. The Sephia has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price starting at $9,995, while the Sephia LS has an MSRP starting at $10,995.

In addition to offering outstanding quality, affordability and value, the Kia Sephia includes two very impressive warranties: a three-year/36,000-mile basic limited vehicle warranty and five-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain coverage. All Sephia owners are protected by Kia Extra-Mile Care, a program that includes 24~hour roadside assistance, for the length of the basic limited warranty.

Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and service arm of Seoul, South Korea.