KIA Sephia

LOOKS . Tidy
PERFORMANCE . Adequate
HANDLING . Soggy
AMBIANCE . Tasteful
COMFORT . Reasonable
QUALITY . Well Detailed
STEREO . Barely
FUN TO DRIVE . Modest
GADGET FACTOR. Moderato
HEADS TURNED . Shoppers
EMOTION . Likable
CACHET . Feature Rich

SPECIFICATIONS

VALUE DRIVEN

 

Modest ambitions are difficult to get excited about. Reality is less romantic than we like. Given its focus on low price and simple specification can we dig this car? Yes.

Kia is a relatively new player, building a little car with an attractive price and good value, trying to carve a niche in a very crowded market. Built in Korea, the Kia offers a little more content in lieu of a reputation. A pleasant bargain.

Derived from Mazda mechanicals, the Sephia is a sharp styled, pocket sedan done well, without going overboard. Attractive lines, snappy mags and slick finish set a quality impression on first acquaintance. Inside time is passable in modern surroundings and pleasing ambiance. Once rolling the pep is right-on, but the ride is pitchy and the corners too tippy for my tastes. Easy pace comes better, but this is no cush unit.

Getting back to the money, honey, we feel pretty happy. Style and substance are well done and the hidden bits seem reliable and durable. For under $13K we found a decent automatic, cool air and a fair AM/FM stereo cassette; don't bother to ask at the local Toyota dealer.

If you like the package and accept the limits of the bottom line I think you'll find the Kia a car worth keeping. Not state-of-the-art, but a very advanced state-of-the-cart at an attractive price.

REXX TAYLOR