Review: Kia S1 Mentor (1996-98)

Overview

Released in December 1996, the Kia S1 Mentor was small, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Hwasung, South Korea, the front-wheel drive Mentor was powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. Furthermore, the Mentor range consisted of two variants: the SLX and GLX.

Engine

The Mazda-sourced 1.5-litre B5-ME petrol engine had a cast iron block, a single overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.3:1.

Dimensions

The Kia Mentor hatchback was 4253 mm long, 1692 mm wide, 1390 mm tall and had a 2500 mm long wheelbase.

Suspension

The Mentor had MacPherson strut front suspension and dual lateral link rear suspension.

Features: Mentor SLX and GLX

Standard features for the entry-level Mentor SLX were limited to a two speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player.

The Mentor GLX was further equipped with 14-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system, central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height adjustable driver’s seat and power steering.

Review: Kia S2 Mentor and Shuma (1998-01)

Overview

Released in May 1998, the Kia S2 Mentor was available as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback. There was also a choice of 1.5- or 1.8-litre four-cylinder engines, mated to a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission, and two variants were initially offered: SLX and GLX. Compared to the 1.5-litre B-Series engine, the Mazda-sourced 1.8-litre ‘BP’ engine was distinguished by its double overhead camshafts and higher compression ratio (9.5:1 compared to 9.3:1).

In 2000, the ‘Shuma’ moniker was applied to Mentor hatchbacks, though the Shuma was available as a distinct model until April 2000.

Features: Mentor

Standard features for the Mentor SLX included a two speaker sound system with radio and cassette player, air conditioning and power steering. Beyond this, the GLX added a six speaker sound system, tilt adjustable steering wheel, central locking, power windows and power mirrors.

Features: Shuma

The Shuma was similarly equipped to the Mentor SLX but added a driver’s airbag. To coincide with the renaming, Limited Editions of the Shuma and short-lived Shuma FX were also released; compared to the standard Shuma, the Limited Edition added 14-inch alloy wheels and a CD player. The Shuma FX Limited Edition was further equipped with a six speaker sound system, remote central locking, power windows and power mirrors.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Kia Sephia

Recalls: Kia Mentor and Shuma

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally. 

Recalls: Kia Mentor and Shuma

• In July 2003, a recall was issued for Kia Mentor models manufactured from 30 July 1996 to 18 May 1998 due to the possibility that the front seatbelt may not fully latch and may become unlatched in the event of a collision (PRA 2003/6330).
• In October 2004, a recall was issued for Kia Mentor and Shuma models manufactured from 1 June 1998 to 31 May 2000 due to a seatbelt fault in which the front seatbelts may not latch correctly (PRA 2004/7307).

Problems and faults: Kia Mentor/Shuma

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Kia Mentor and Shuma

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the Kia Mentor and Shuma.

Released in December 1996, the Kia S1 Mentor was small, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Hwasung, South Korea, the front-wheel drive Mentor was powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. Furthermore, the Mentor range consisted of two variants: the SLX and GLX… Read full Kia Mentor and Shuma review

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Images: Kia S2 Mentor and Shuma (1998-01)

Released in May 1998, the Kia S2 Mentor was available as a sedan or five-door hatchback, powered by 1.5- or 1.8-litre four-cylinder engines. In 2000, the ‘Shuma’ moniker was applied to Mentor hatchbacks, though the Shuma was available as a distinct model until April 2000.

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