2005 Kia Spectra Test Drive

2005 Kia Spectra

This is one great little car. Reminds me a lot of the current Honda Civic. Except the 2005 Spectra's got a continuous variable valve timing (CVVT) engine, 4-wheel disc brakes and side curtain airbags as standard equipment. In other words, state-of-the-art mechanicals with a fresh new look. The 2005 Spectra recently shared my garage with a sedan costing twice as much. Know what? I preferred to drive the Spectra. MSRP $13,750; Warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles.

First Glance

Kia is owned by Hyundai - the Korean mega-corp. In 2003, 3-million Hyundai and Kia cars and light trucks were sold worldwide. Not satisfied to stand still, Hyundai-Kia expects to be the world's fifth largest carmaker by the end of this decade. Hyundai and Kia market closely similar but not identical passenger car lines. Each targets a slightly different buyer: Hyundai the more conservative and Kia the more performance-oriented. For 2005, the Spectra has been given a much more stylish, European appearance. Compared with the previous generation Spectra, it seems almost elegant. Certainly less immature and gawky, anyway. While the 2005's thick C-pillar looks like it might house the frame for a real European hatch, alas such is not the case. However, it is a nice design touch that lends both balance and substance to the car when viewed from side angles. The trunk itself is surprisingly capacious for a vehicle that to me appears smaller than it actually is. The rear seat backs fold flat to extend the trunk space. Dealers are still trying to get rid of 2004 Spectras before the 2005's superiority really hits home. So pay attention and make sure you get the real 2005. Hint: the 2004 models are GS and GLX; the 2005s are LX and EX.

In the Driver's Seat

The Spectra is based on the next generation Hyundai Elantra platform -- the one that's not even sold here yet. For anyone who has driven the current generation Elantra - an excellent vehicle by the way - that's a mighty good reason in itself to buy the Spectra. A second good reason is that dollar-for-dollar, you get more standard stuff on the 2005 Spectra EX as compared with virtually any other car in this price category, including the 2004 Elantra. The stuff includes side curtain air bags, active head restraints, height-adjustable driver's seat, tilt, and an exceptionally well-designed dash with a first rate AM/FM/CD sound system. ABS is a $400 option. Smart looking plastic trim with a trendy alloy look and feel highlights the center console. Adult-size back seat passengers have ample room both for their knees and for their feet. Of course, the trade-off is somewhat shorter seat cushions than you'd get in, say, a full size sedan like Kia's new Amanti. Rear seat headroom should be adequate for everyone except late cuts from the Pistons. The front-wheel-drive Spectra is available with either 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto ($975).

On the Road

The modern 4-cylinder 2.0L engine with continuous variable valve timing is the same engine as in the Elantra. It produces 138hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. With the CVVT, it produces exceptional performance in the 2700 lb Spectra. I found it to be quick off the mark and able easily to maintain high average freeway speeds even when called on to climb long grades, such as you find in the foothills of the coastal mountain range. The steering has a certain heft, which makes you think you're driving a much more expensive automobile. The EX seems extraordinarily quiet at higher highway speeds as well. Ride quality is very good for a car in this price category. It's not an extra firm European-type ride such as you get in a Jetta; it's rather more Japanese - softer but well controlled. This one really stands out in city driving conditions. Its compact size and very, very tight turning radius makes it a delight to pilot around frantic mall parking lots and tight parking spaces. Fuel economy is OK but frankly I didn't find it great. Perhaps, the engine on my new tester needed more breaking-in. Even the EPA estimates of 24/32 mpg are not all that high for this day and age. There should be a common rail diesel option.

Journey's End

Kia came to these shores from Korea barely 5 years ago. The company offered North Americans a very limited, slightly weird looking range of small cars that not too many industry people took all that seriously. However, a large number of car buyers began to look more closely at Kia when they realized they could get reasonably well-equipped transportation with exceptionally low sticker prices. The kicker was the best-in-industry 10-year warranty. The vehicle that focused everyone's attention on Kia was the Sorento, which is a large, stylish and very competent SUV that compares favourably with anything in its size category - at a price markedly lower. The Sorento appears to have had a halo effect on the company's other offerings here. All of a sudden a lot of people started looking to Kia for a compact car with quality and styling comparable to the Sorento. I predict the 2005 Spectra will exceed everyone's expectations. The quality and finish look to be equal to the best in class. It has turned out to be this reviewer's pleasant-surprise-of-the-month if not the year. By the way, the Spectra5 (a Euro-style station wagon) is coming soon. Check that one out too. It looks like a home run.