2005 Kia Spectra Program #2409

Korean small cars used to be a big joke. But after quantum leaps in quality, content, and performance, Korean makers like Hyundai, Kia, and Daewoo are selling us more sub-compact and compact cars than Toyota. And the latest little Korean to hit U.S. shores is the 2005 Kia Spectra. So who’s laughing now?

Well, we think it is indeed Kia, and all the way to the bank! That’s because the 2005 Kia Spectra now offers a serious leap in features, quality, and pure value over its predecessor. In fact, other than the Spectra’s name, and the borrowed platform from its cousin Hyundai Elantra, this subcompact sedan is completely redesigned and restyled. From its larger grille, gaping lower air intake, and expressive headlight housings across the front, to its deeply etched side panels and wedgie rear, the Spectra has grown in style and size from tip to tail. Cornered by 15-inch steel rims on the LX, and alloys on this EX, the Spectra’s wheelbase stretches two-inches to 102.8. But while overall length is down slightly, width and track widen for more interior room and stability. On that score, to match its clean-edge style, the Spectra provides an equally sharp driving experience.

The Spectra rides on struts and coil springs up front, and multi-link with struts and coils out back. Standard front and rear anti-roll bars are included, too. Speed sensitive power-rack-and-pinion steering, rare in this class, also adds to a fine list of equipment.

And motivating that ride is the Spectra’s new 2.0-liter, twin-cam, 16 valve, in-line 4 cylinder with Kia’s first variable valve timing system. At 138 horsepower, it surpasses the previous Spectra by 14 horses, and cranks out an elevated 136 pound-feet of torque a 17-point jump. This energetic little motor is mated to our test car’s standard 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic. Unfortunately, we found shifter action a little flabby, with the on-off clutch equally as lax with little feel. Though no road warrior, acceleration numbers do fit this sedan’s purpose of daily driving. The Spectra arrived at 60 in 8.7 seconds, and passed the quarter mile in 16.1 seconds at 85 miles-per-hour.

And though competing sedans like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic have quite a reputation to follow, the front drive Spectra earned its place next to them and proved nearly as nimble and quick. Save for some mild understeer, the Spectra hammers through even high speed lane changes. Overall the rear end stays planted nicely, and despite skinny tires, provides a quite acceptable amount of grip.

As for braking, even if average stops of 137 feet from 60-to-0 are a little long, the standard four-wheel-disc with available ABS and electronic brake-force distribution delivered a solid performance with a fair amount of pedal feedback.

And speaking of fair, the Spectra offers way more room and standards than you’d expect from a value priced sedan. Fit and finish take on an Audi-esq attitude with high quality materials and upgraded amenities. Interior space measures a healthy 97 cubic of passenger volume, and the front bucket seats include 6-way adjustments for the driver. Dash layout is clean and well organized. And of the two trim levels offered, the base LX includes a standard CD player, tilt steering, tachometer and map lights. Our EX trim adds air conditioning and power windows, mirrors and locks. Rear seating quarters feature a fabric covered 60/40 split folding rear seat with an inch more leg room than before.

But the Spectra’s most notable feature is its standard, class leading safety net a series of six airbags! In addition to the mandatory front bags, front-seat occupants are protected by seat-mounted side impact airbags while full-coverage side curtain airbags protect both front and rear seat occupants. That’s standard? Look-out Corolla and Civic this is serious business! And with its bigger dimensions comes more cargo room. Trunk space now measures a respectable capacity of 12.2 cubic feet. Not overwhelming, but workable

And another thing that’s not overwhelming for a small car is Spectra’s fuel economy. EPA estimates are 25 city and 32 highway for the manual transmission. Our test drive was right on track raking in 29 miles-per-gallon in mixed conditions.

But there are no mixed signals on pricing. Like other recent Kias, the all new Spectra sedan also proves to be a bargain. Base price for the manual LX is $13,160. Go for the base EX and pay only $14,290. A hatchback Spectra5 is also available. But wait, there’s more: Kia’s coveted warranty! The new Spectra has a 5-year/60,000 mile whole-car warranty, and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. And that’s no joke!

Competing in this industry is serious business and it takes serious companies to compete. It seems now with the 2005 Kia Spectra, this Korean automaker has realized its potential. It raises the bar for small car rivals with its top drawer safety equipment and quality, and the bargain basement price will have you laughing all the way home.