ALL-NEW 1998 KIA SEPHIA OFFERS
MORE COMFORT, CONVENIENCE

The 1998 Kia Sephia is bigger and better than ever. New from the ground up for 1998, the value-filled compact four-door sedan delivers improved ride, handling and creature comforts, while maintaining its place as one of the most affordable import sedans on the American market.

PLENTY OF ROOM - Buy The Sephia Here

In virtually every dimension the new Sephia is larger than the 1997 model it replaces. Wheelbase is up 2.4 inches to 100.8 inches; overall length is up 2.7 inches to 174.4 inches; and overall height is up 0.8 inch to 55.5 inches. In addition the car is wider than the previous model by 0.2 inch and front and rear track have been increased 1 inch and 0.8 inch, respectively. The result of the larger body is better straight-line and cornering stabiiity, more ride comfort and more usable passenger and cargo space.

EXTERIOR - Buy The Sephia Here

The new unit-construction body is also sleeker and more attractive. Its bold front end is accented by proj ector-type clear-lens headlights, and it features body-color bumpers, mirrors, door handles and grille. Body-color side moldings are optional. For 1998, Kia has reduced the model line to two trim levels from the three levels offered in 1997: Sephia and Sephia LS. The base trim level drops the "RS" designation, while the Sephia LS becomes the top trim level. A Power Package, available on LS models only, essentially replaces last year's top-of the-line GS trim level.

STANDARD AND OPTIONAL FEATURES - Buy The Sephia Here

Designed to provide affordable value to the entry-level buyer, the Sephia includes manual dual remote exterior mirrors, body-color front bumper, grille, door handles and mirrors, driver's footrest (dead pedal), and P185/65R14s - an upgrade from last year's 13-inch tires. A new wheel cover design improves the exterior styling as well. 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, remote trunk release 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.

ENGINE - Buy The Sephia Here

The improvement and simplification of the Sephia line continues in the drivetrain. The 1.6-liter four cylinder engine that was available last year has been eliminated in favor of a Kia-designed 1.8-liter DOHC four cylinder, which is the only engine available this year. Equipped with multi-port Bosch electronic fuel injection, the engine meets Transitional Low Emission Vehicle (TLEV) specifications and delivers 125 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 108 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm for good acceleration and passing ability. A more efficient stainless steel exhaust has been added to all models.

TRANSMISSIONS - Buy The Sephia Here

Two transmissions are available: a five-speed manual transmission and a four-speed electronically controlled automatic. The five-speed manual has been redesigned and features new gear ratios. The automatic transmission has been improved to minimize shift shock. The all-independent suspension has been engineered for responsive handling and ride comfort. Similar to the suspension in last year's Sephia, it uses MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link design in the rear. For 1998, the rear control arms have been lengthened for better wheel location. 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-speed-sensitive power assist on the Sephia LS.

BRAKES - Buy The Sephia Here

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 available as an option. Among additional mechanical improvements are a new muffler that offers better corrosion resistance and better sound reduction, a new double door sealing design that reduces wind noise and guards against water intrusion into the cabin and an upgraded air conditioning system with larger ducting and redesigned components for improved cooling and airflow.

COLORS - Buy The Sephia Here

The 1998 Sephia also offers a completely new exterior color palette with the exception of black, which is carried over. Eight exterior colors are available, teamed with coordinating interior colors. Seat fabric has been revised in both trim levels, and color matching of the various interior components has been improved.

INTERIOR - Buy The Sephia Here

Also improved are the interior ergonomics. The cabin offers more head room, leg room and shoulder room than the previous model. Driver's seat comfort has been enhanced with the addition of a driver's footrest and, on the LS model, a tilt-cushion feature and tilt steering column. On all models the front seatbelt anchors are now adjustable. The AM/FM/CD audio system has been mounted higher in the center console so it is more accessible to driver and passenger, and the console also contains a new dual cupholder.

WARRANTY - Buy The Sephia Here

In addition to offering outstanding quality, affordability and value, the Kia Sephia comes with 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 distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea.

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