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Stepping
up a level in size, comfort and quality is the Spectra. This compact comes as
either a four-door sedan or hatchback and is designed to compete against top selling
imports like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. That's a tall order, but the
Spectra strikes a nice balance between affordability, safety and value with a
starting price of $11,455.
The
exterior is unremarkable, but that's par for the course in this segment. Clear
lens headlights, fog lamps and a chrome grill do add some flash, but how much
excitement can you expect from a vehicle that Kia's own website calls "a
car that looks sporty, but acts responsibly."
Inside,
comfort levels are quite good with a manual, eight-way adjustable driver's seat,
center storage console with padded armrest, adjustable cup holders and plenty
of spots to tuck away maps and other odds and ends. Overall, visibility is good
with the exception of the hatchback, which features a rather tall seatback restricting
the rear view.
Under
the hood, the Spectra is powered by Kia's 1.8 litre engine producing 124 horsepower.
Four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars in the front and back provide
a suitably smooth ride. As with most of Kia's other models, ABS brakes are available
only as an option, but the Spectra does come with dual airbags, side-impact beams,
child restraint anchors and door locks. And, from the "here's something you
hope you never need" category, the Spectra also includes an emergency, interior
trunk release for that curious child or mob informant in the family.
Immediate
competitors include the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra,
Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunfire.
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