Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Kia Sephia FA 1.5i 16V (105 Hp)
Overall Rating
Kia Sephia:
The Kia Sephia is a compact car that was manufactured by the South Korean automaker Kia Motors from September 1992 to 2003.
The first generation Sephia was badged Kia Mentor in some markets, and as the Timor S515/S516 in Indonesia. This convention continued on with the second generation version, which was also badged Kia Shuma and Kia Spectra.
The first-generation Kia Sephia is the first car that was actually designed by Kia with their own chassis. Engines available were the B-series engines, with the 1. 5-liter rated at 59 kilowatts , the 1. 6-liter 78-kilowatt , and the 1. 8-liter BP engine at 91-kilowatt 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. A total of 472,920 Sephias were sold over the life of the original Sephia....(Read more on Wikipedia)
FA Overview:
Kia Sephia (FA). With 147 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1055 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Kia Sephia FA generation was not tested by Euro NCAP. As an older, budget-focused vehicle, its passive safety features would likely be basic compared to modern standards.
1.5i 16V (105 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A balanced engine offering a good compromise between power and efficiency for daily use, making it a popular choice.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel economy for its power, making it an economical choice for those seeking a balance of performance and running costs.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Affordable purchase price and running costs
- • Good fuel economy on some trims
- • Simple and easy to maintain
- • Practical sedan body style with decent trunk space
- • Reasonable reliability for its segment and era
Cons:
- • Underpowered base engines, especially with automatic transmission
- • Basic interior and limited features compared to rivals
- • Lack of advanced safety features (no Euro NCAP rating)
- • Unrefined driving dynamics and noticeable road noise
- • Limited availability of parts for older models in some regions
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(FA: 1995 - 1998).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Kia |
| Model: | Sephia |
| Generation: | FA |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.5i 16V (105 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 105 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 70.1 Hp/l [80mm more] |
| Torque: | 147 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1498 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 78 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 78.4 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.3:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6.3 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 180 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10 kg/Hp, 99.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.2 kg/Nm, 139.3 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1055 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4360 mm mm [80mm more] |
| Width: | 1695 mm mm [3mm more] |
| Height: | 1390 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2500 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1440 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1435 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/60 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
Behind the wheel of the Kia Sephia. How does it handle on the road?