2005 Kia Spectra5 Review

Specifications

The Spectra GSX is Dead, Long Live the Spectra5

The all new, completely redesigned from the ground up 2005 Kia Spectra model lineup is most impressive. From its refined exterior lines to its well made, metallic-trim detailed interior, the Spectras makeover was much needed.

I previously test drove the 2003 Kia Spectra GSX which, in all honestly, I really didnt like. Handling wasnt great, the interior was so-so and the general feel of the car was not favorable. Perhaps this is why I only encountered two other Spectras on the road… ever. But all the above has gone out the window and made way for the 2005s.

What an improvement! My test week in the 2005 Kia Spectra5, the 5-door liftback model that replaces the outgoing 2004 GSX, was full of positive surprises. Countless improvements make the new Spectra so much better than the outgoing car that its silly to try and compare. The all-new 2005 model gets a new suspension system, making handling exponentially better. It is equipped with a 4-wheel independent sport-tuned setup, comprised of MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link design in the rear. In addition, for the first time ever in a Kia a strut tower brace has been added, resulting in a stiffer chassis and improved control.

For its class, the Kia handles marvelously, especially in the rain. Now that fall has encroached upon the Northwest, the typical weather forecast includes rain with a chance of more rain. I am sometimes hesitant to push entry level sedans and hatchbacks in the damp conditions, but not the Kia. The upgraded P205/50R16 all-season tires and 16-inch aluminum wheels gripped the wet streets very well. Not once did the tires spin out and not once did I lose traction, even while taking corners at higher speeds.

Speaking of speed, the latest generation Spectra came with a next generation engine; a 16-valve, DOHC, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder producing 138 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 136 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm, increasing from 124 and 119 respectively. Accompanying the new engine is a standard 5-speed manual gearbox (an optional 4-speed automatic is also available). Shifting is smooth and operating the clutch light and easy.

The braking system in the Spectra5 is also commendable, being that it comes standard with front ventilated disc brakes and rear solid discs. Most entry level sedans and hatchbacks typically offer only a front disc and rear drum setup, but not Kia. My test Spectra5 also came with the optional 4-sensor, 4-channel, 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) to further enhance what are already good brakes.

Keeping in tune with the Spectras now class-leading standards in safety, even base cars come with six standard airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, 3-point seatbelts for all five seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and child safety door latches. Thats a comforting thought.

The improvements dont stop with the Spectras safety features, brakes, engine and handling, mind you, they keep on going. The most obvious change is the completely remodeled exterior design. From its feathered lines to its new front and rear fascias, and then on to its black mesh grille and blacked out headlights, the Spectra5 only minimally echoes its predecessor. I especially like the way the front end of the Spectra looks. The headlights are classy and so is the grille. The interior mimics the exterior, with its clean finish and sporty styling. Its also simply laid out and comfortable overall. The metal-finish trim throughout is a nice touch, and similar to the Spectras bigger Sorento sibling the interior accents are tastefully executed, adding to the driving experience. The seats are also comfortable to sit in. Draped in sport fabric, no matter whether I sat up front or in the back I felt supported.

The Spectra5 also included an great sounding AM/FM/CD audio system with 6 speakers and door-mounted tweeters, plus air conditioning, a height-adjustable steering column, digital clock, front and rear cupholders, power windows and doors, keyless entry remote, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, map lamps with sunglass holder in the overhead console, cruise control and more.

While fiddling with all the gadgets I couldnt help notice how much room I had to move around in. After doing some research I found that the Spectra5 actually yields a best-in-class passenger volume of 98.1 cubic feet. Thats more room than its direct competitors, such as the Ford Focus ZX5, Mazda3 Sport and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix. In addition, cargo capacity behind the second row of seat has increased to 18.3 cubic feet, due to the new model offering a more wagon-like profile than the outgoing hatchback-like GSX. The extra room came in handy when out-of-town family friends came to visit, and needed to be driven to and from the airport with their many suitcases.

But I should mention that I wasnt only commissioned to drive to and from the airport. I took our Hungarian friends around town to sightsee, and then to sightsee some more. I didnt mind driving the distance because 1), the Spectra is very comfy to sit in and 2), fuel economy is quite good; an estimated 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. When I needed to back up or parallel park I found visibility only decent, but then again OK for this class of car. The rear hatch is quite tall while the glass isnt very deep, plus the C-pillars are quite wide, all common traits of hatchbacks and wagons.

Another characteristic that wasnt ideal and therefore could be improved upon was the tension, or lack thereof, in the Spectra5s steering wheel. Despite its responsiveness, I would have liked it to be a little stiffer, just enough so that it would feel more in tune with its rigid sport suspension.

But Im quibbling over minor details. As I mentioned at the start of this review, the 2005 Spectra5 is a major improvement from the now deceased Spectra GSX. And with a base Spectra5 price starting at only $14,995, the Kias sporty new 5-door entry definitely delivers a solid bang for the buck. I cant help but be impressed.