2005 Kia Spectra Review

A Well Dressed Korean

A few months back when Kia announced its new Spectra (Cerato outside of North America), its marketing division had released snippets of photos not unlike that of a supercar or luxury sedan. Piquing our interests with curvaceous body panels and graciously styled fenders eclipsing strategically placed back lighting, the photos did a good job garnering curiosity.

Now the real deal is exposed, prior to making its grand debut at the upcoming 2004 Detroit auto show. As far as Kias go the new car is certainly a looker! Never have I seen such a dramatic and boldly styled compact sedan from this marque. A great deal of the visual display comes from the cars bravely styled grille, which reminds me of past Mercedes-Benz models mashed up with a bit of Saab styling coming from the two intakes alongside the grille. Angular polycarbonate lens headlamps give the front end personality, while flush-mounted fog lights and smooth bumpers and valances complete the front end.

Moving past the grille the new Kia poses other impressive styling traits, ranging from puffed up arches at each fender to the sharp crease-line, which runs parallel to the window line. A low, rakish rear pillar combines to promote the very sporty yet clean look of a fastback, not unlike the outgoing GS-X model. The new Spectra will also offer a handy liftback in five-door trim, while the 4-door model will feature a conventional hinged trunk. From the rear three-quarter view, the short-tailed Spectra comes across as a four-door Hyundai Tiburon. Overall Im impressed with the styling of this compact model.

But it hardly looks compact. All this aesthetic punch is packed into a 176.4 inch long, 68.3 inch wide and 57.9 inch tall package. The new Spectras added dimensions compared to the outgoing model, makes it roomier inside too, improving comfort to driver and passengers, especially those in the rear.

Kia reportedly uses higher-quality plastics and materials in the cabin, endowing it with an upscale ambience said to be far more confidence inspiring than its price should allow. The list of optional equipment is highlighted by a hi-fi system with navigation, plus standard driver and passenger airbags.

Under the hood, Kia will be offering four engines that bring two firsts to the company name. Two gasoline engines, featuring variable valve timing (one of the firsts) can be had. A small 106 horsepower, 1.6 liter inline four is available, but our shores are more likely to see the 2.0 liter inline-four which produces 143 horsepower and 137 lb-ft of torque. This engine, when equipped with the standard five-speed manual, can reach a top speed of 129 mph.

The other two engines available are common-rail turbodiesels of 1.5 liters and 2.0 liters in displacement. The larger of the two produces an impressive 113 horsepower. If these come to North America at all, it wont be until 2006 when low sulfur diesel hits the pumps.

All four engines can be had with either a five speed manual or a four speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.

The new Spectra is the latest in an impressive line of 16 new models planned to be introduced by 2007, including the subcompact Picanto city car, a successor to the Rio sedan/5-door, as well as a junior-sized off-roader to slot in under the award-winning Sorento.

On this subject Kia COO Yong-Hwan Kim stated, “The Sorento has done an outstanding job of raising the profile of Kia around the world.” Kim continued, “The Cerato and the Picanto A-segment car, which we unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, will take that to the next level by building significant volumes, especially in the U.S. and Europe.”

As previously mentioned the next-generation Spectra will make its global premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month in 4-door trim. The 5-door model will be launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Both should prove to be yet another positive shot in the arm for this fast growing automaker.

With its 4 millionth export over a month behind them, and current export sales up 30 percent over last year, Kias plans to export 98,400 Spectra (Cerato) models in 2004, rising to 128,000 in 2005, seems easily attainable. For that matter so does its Hyundai-Kia parent companys goal of top 5 automaker by 2010. Obviously Kia is just another reason why U.S. domestic automakers had better pick up the pace.