Part of the reason the 2001 Kia Sephia can maintain its budget compact status is its lack of standard features.  It has enough to get you from A to Z in relative comfort, but it's more about saving money than building status.  The 2001 Kia Sephia STD is the base model, with a 1.8-liter, 125-hp I4 engine and choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.  It seats four, with plenty of headroom and a 10 cubic-foot trunk.  Rear seats split-fold 60/40.  

In terms of standard features, you have to pay extra for air conditioning, but the 2001 Sephia STD does come with dual front airbags, a cassette player, intermittent wipers, a rear defrost, and a clock.  New this year is an internal emergency trunk release.  Add-ons are few, but include wood interior trim and a rear spoiler for a sportier overall look.  High 23/32 mpg and a low price tag are the biggest draws for 2001 Sephia STD owners, who also like the performance and roominess.  There are numerous complaints about the brakes.