The quarter-mile arrived in 16.5 seconds at 84 mph-reasonable performance, we thought, for a budget sport hatch. Thus motivated, the Spectra5 reached 60 mph from rest in 8.2 seconds and would have managed it in less time were it not for the need to shift into third at 57 mph. Certainly, the extra mass is shrugged off fairly well by the new 2.0-liter inline four, which features variable intake-valve timing and a bit more useful power than its predecessor (138 horsepower versus 124). The wider body brings with it a wider track than that of those rivals, too, which promises dynamic advantages. But the extra avoirdupois shouldn't be a problem for safety-conscious Americans looking to put metal between themselves and any lurking peril that might come their way.īesides, the new Spectra boasts a larger interior, better headroom, and wider shoulder room than its competitors. A comparable Ford Focus ZX5 is about 2750. It has become clear to us that Kia gets some of its good structural rigidity with more generous allocations of material (the Sedona minivan is a real porker), and the Spectra5 duly tips the scales at 2860 pounds. Particularly as the hatchback's ride-motion control is on the boy-racer side of the scale. Considering that the five-door Spectra5 wears stiffer springs, tighter shocks, and thicker bars than its equally new four-door siblings (which are available as Spectra LX and EX sedans), this was a pleasant surprise. Still, this Kia Spectra5 arrives with a sticker that is pleasingly light on the budget for a car with a long list of amenities, which include six airbags and four disc brakes.Īlso included on the Spectra5's résumé is a degree of refinement and sophistication we weren't quite expecting from a car this low on the demographic radar. As it does, of course, the distinct price advantage enjoyed by the Koreans is shrinking. Power report confirms, Korean quality-at least from the jointly owned axis of Hyundai and Kia-is closing in on the other Asian brands.

(Groan here.)Įspecially to the Japanese imports. The Koreans learn fast, and their determination to succeed is, well, a Kia and present danger. Kia has a reputation for being a manufacturer of appliance vehicles-you know, nothing to fall in love with, just something that runs.

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