WHAT the Mentor loses in looks it more than gains in improved performance, dynamics, driveability, refinement, better use of space, a wider choice of models and a lot more pizzazz. It has come a long way since the relatively short-lived (in Australia) MK1 Mentor debuted here in late 1996. Pricing and equipment are reasonably generous and the car has plenty of well-thought out features you miss on rival South Korean cars.