Positioning:
Affordable, practical transportation.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Nissan Sentra, Mitsubishi Lancer.
Design Philosophy:
Fuel efficiency, reliability, value for money.
Distinctive Features:
Often praised for its spacious interior for its class and distinctive styling for its time.
Geographic Coverage:
Global (primarily North America, Europe, Asia)
Region Specific Notes:
Manual may contain regional variations in specifications and equipment.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 500-700 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust, ignition, emissions control, engine electrical systems.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (MT) and automatic transmission (AT) overhaul and repair, clutch system, driveline (axles, driveshafts).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (hydraulic, parking), wheels, tires, wheel alignment.
Electrical:
Body electrical, lighting, instruments, gauges, power windows, power locks, wipers, horn, battery, charging system, starting system, basic wiring diagrams.
Body:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seats, HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system, body hardware.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections, lubrication.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) where applicable (OBD-I era).
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components.
Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds.
Adjustment:
Valve adjustment, clutch adjustment, parking brake adjustment.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Diagnostic Tools:
References common diagnostic procedures and tools for the era.
Specifications Detail:
Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, and electrical resistance values.
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Displacement:
1.5 L (1498 cc) and 1.6 L (1598 cc)
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 16 valves
Horsepower 1.5L:
Approx. 88-90 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque 1.5L:
Approx. 90-92 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 rpm
Horsepower 1.6L:
Approx. 105-112 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 1.6L:
Approx. 105-110 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Octane Rating Recommendation:
87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) or higher
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation).
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)
Transmission Fluid Type At:
Dexron-III (or equivalent)
Clutch Type:
Dry, single plate, diaphragm spring
Length:
Approx. 4320 mm (170.1 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1695 mm (66.7 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 inches)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2500 mm (98.4 inches)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 140-150 mm (5.5-5.9 inches)
Seating Capacity:
5 passengers
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 340 Liters (12.0 cu ft) with rear seats up
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1050-1150 kg (2315-2535 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Varies by specification, typically around 1500 kg (3300 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Not officially specified for general consumer use.
NHTSA Front Impact:
No specific ratings readily available for this model year, but generally considered basic for the era.
IIHS Ratings:
No specific ratings readily available for this model year.
ABS:
Optional on some higher trims, standard on later models in certain markets.
Traction Control:
Not available.
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard on most models, passenger airbag optional or unavailable.
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point with pretensioners (on most models), rear 3-point or lap belts.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and roof structure (basic).
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player available on some trims.
Display:
Analog gauges, basic digital odometer, climate control knobs.
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trims.
Anti Lock Brakes:
Optional on some trims.
Connectivity Options:
N/A (No integrated Bluetooth or USB ports).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (standard copper plugs).
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years, whichever comes first (critical component).
Engine Oil Type Capacity:
API SG/SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30. Capacity: Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water). Refer to manual for specific Kia coolant type.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron-II or equivalent.
Common Problems:
Timing belt failure (if not replaced per schedule), distributor issues, minor electrical gremlins, suspension wear, catalytic converter issues.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel wells, rocker panels, door bottoms, rear quarter panels.
Engine Wear:
Can experience oil consumption with high mileage.
Kia Introduction:
Kia Corporation, founded in 1944, initially produced motorcycles, then trucks before entering the passenger car market in the late 1980s.
Sephia Debut:
The Sephia was Kia's first globally marketed passenger car, launched in 1992 as a replacement for the aging Kia Concord/Capital. The 'Timor' name was used in some export markets, particularly Southeast Asia.
Generation 1 Facelift:
The Sephia underwent a significant facelift for the 1995 model year, featuring revised styling, updated interior, and improved engines, often referred to as the 'Sephia II' or 'Spectra' in some markets for subsequent generations.
Manufacturing Location:
South Korea (Kia manufacturing plants)
Production Years Global:
1992-1997 (First Generation)
Industry Awards:
The Sephia generally competed on value and affordability rather than winning major automotive awards.
Consumer Reports Rating:
Mixed reviews regarding reliability in early years, with improvements in later models. Specific ratings vary by year and test.
Emissions Certification:
Meets applicable US EPA and California emissions standards for its model year.
