The Spectra 5, like the SX sedan, comes with a sport-tuned suspension for more responsive handling. In fact, Kia itself is playing around with ways to soup up the Spectra 5 with things like a supercharger. The Spectra 5 looks like an ideal canvas for the young import-tuners, who could probably squeeze more power out of the engine.
I was able to zip in and out of tight openings on congested California freeways.
While no racecar, the Spectra 5 was peppy enough, especially with a five-speed manual transmission. With sophisticated variable valve timing, just like the engines in a Toyota or Honda, it makes 138 horsepower. Like the Elantra, the Spectras are powered by a new 2-liter 4-cylinder engine. The various cup holders and molded storage bins proved useful for the many beverages and maps required for the trip. The seats proved comfortable on jaunts that often ended up taking a couple of hours. There are metal pedals, shared with the SX sedan large round gauges classy fabric on the seats and door panels and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Other touches, like the plastic trim around the stereo and climate controls in the center of the dash looked like a reasonable facsimile of a metallic finish. There are relatively few separate panels, and thus fairly few seams the lines that were evident fit snugly like puzzle pieces. The dashboard, for instance, is covered with a large expanse of a higher quality plastic than is found in many economy cars. Like the exterior, the cabin gives the impression that the Spectra is a far more expensive car - and a significant step up for a small Kia. Indeed, the Spectra 5 served as a comfy home for our California trip. The Spectra 5 starts at $15,455, and there are relatively few options. He was more impressed when I told him that this particular car carried a price around $16,000. Without prompting, he admired the silver Spectra 5's sporty lines and refined interior. We found the car particularly easy to load and unload at hotels from Santa Monica to Newport Beach to Venice.Īt a fancy private club in Newport Beach, the Spectra 5 caught the eye of a valet attendant who spends his days shuttling luxury cars from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus. While Americans have been slow to embrace the hatchback - in contrast to the Europeans and Japanese - I've long been a fan of this practical, versatile body style.