2008 KIA Spectra 5

Welcome to the Driving Range with Dave Jordan - Your Auto Guide to the South Shore of Nova Scotia. All you need to know about Nova Scotia's South Shore Auto scene.

This week, Dave Jordan checks the 2008 KIA Spectra 5:

It is a testament to modern technology and sound engineering that so many auto manufacturers can produce higher-quality vehicles year after year. Even more impressive are the younger companies that are producing some of the better products on the road today. KIA, now owned by Hyundai, is one of the fastest growing automakers in Canada (2007 increase in sales of 17.8 per cent outpacing the industry average of 2.4 per cent) and is producing reliable, well-designed, well-priced vehicles in almost all model ranges from fuel-efficient sub-compacts such as their RIO to SUVs and minivans. New products are on their way with KIA’s latest  midsize V8-powered SUV (called Borrego/Mohave) available later this summer, and future products are on the horizon such as their two-door KOUP which debuts in concept form at this year's New York auto show. KIA is on the move so stay tuned for more models in more segments down the road.

As you well know, our daily transport can take place in many forms, but unlike our American neighbours, hatchbacks are still a favourite choice for those consumers in Canada looking for versatility in a small, affordable package. The KIA Spectra 5 is, as the nomenclature implies, a five-door — well, four doors and a hatch — compact competing with other trunkless small cars and is the subject of this week's test. Thanks to Bridgewater KIA for the use of this spunky Spectra 5 SX.

Much like the Rondo, the Spectra 5 is a deceiving car in that the roominess inside is greater than it appears to be from the outside. With its high roofline and well-designed interior, this hatchback can accommodate five adults with little difficulty. Cargo volume is respectable at 518 litres with the rear seats up and a very useful 1,494 litres with both rear seatbacks lowered. The two front passengers are welcomed by comfortable sport seats, plenty of head and leg room, and a well laid out dash with large, easy to decipher controls that have a high-quality feel about them. The SX comes with extra shiny bits like the cool metal pedals and aluminum interior accents as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift. Fit and finish are very good with superior vinyl and plastics utilized throughout. One of the things Korean manufacturers are quickly becoming recognized for are their high-quality interiors. The Spectra impresses here with its overall ambience portraying that of a much more expensive vehicle. I have experienced this same level of quality in other KIA’s as well.

If you are a regular reader of this column you know that my driving preference tends toward the sporting end of the spectrum so, although there are a number of great vehicles out there that will waft you along in silky, silent smoothness, I’m not a big fan of cars that display exaggerated body movements at every corner or road irregularity. Thankfully the sport-tuned independent suspension of the Spectra 5 was right up my alley. This setup exhibits a firm yet compliant ride and great control in the corners with excellent composure over our increasingly common road imperfections. Highway cruising was equally impressive with great straight-line stability, a very quiet cabin and a solid, composed feeling similar to what you might expect from a much larger vehicle. The Spectra sedan has a softer suspension setup so ride and handling are sure to be more relaxed with sales of that model likely aimed at the cruiser crowd.

This KIA really presented itself well in the driving fun category even with the four-speed automatic transmission on hand. I do prefer a stick shift for the ultimate in control and enjoyment, especially in a four-cylinder car, but the Spectra’s slush-box was well mated to the engine with proper spacing of the gear ratios and well-executed progression up or down the shift pattern. The 138-horsepower four-cylinder has plenty of pep and, with 136 lb-ft of torque on tap, rapid acceleration and passing manoeuvres are accomplished easily. At least that’s the case with just one passenger on board. Fuel economy ratings are uncharacteristically better for the auto box than the manual at 6.2/8.6 litres/100 km (46/33 mpg) compared to the five-speed's 6.5/8.9 (43/32) ratings. Interesting, since the automatic-equipped Spectra weighs in at about 50 pounds heavier than the manual. Perhaps the tall gearing of the auto, which churns the engine at a leisurely 2,000 rpm or so at 100 kph, is the reason. I suspect the manual-shifted Spectra runs at higher rpms throughout the gear range causing it to suck more fuel through the injectors as a result.

In a sea of compact cars distinguishing yourself from the masses is not an easy task when trying to appeal to your target audience, but KIA has done a good job of instilling styling cues in their Spectra that make it uniquely KIA and recognizable as such. The front-end treatment is distinct and clutter-free with nice integration of the grill, headlight surrounds and bumper assembly.  A strong character line traverses all the way from the front fender flair to the rear taillight assembly which, in itself, is a simple yet elegant design. The overall look is fresh and attractive with enough individuality to ensure the Spectra 5 won’t be mistaken for any other make. You can of course purchase a Spectra four-door sedan if you prefer traditional transportation with a real trunk to boot (no pun intended), a different profile and, as mentioned, more relaxed suspension tuning.

The SX version of the Spectra 5 comes with an enhanced list of standard features such as the aforementioned sport-tuned suspension, four wheel disc brakes with ABS, 16-inch wheels, fog lights, a sunroof, keyless entry, heated mirrors, extra body cladding and a host of interior upgrades. Even with all of these goodies and an automatic transmission (you’ll pay about $1,200 less for the five-speed manual), this car can be had for around $22,000. A base Spectra 5 will cost just $16,500. Not bad. As with Hyundai the value for dollar formula is high so you get a lot of car for the money. And with an excellent five-year/100,000 km bumper-to-bumper warranty, any KIA purchase comes with great peace of mind.

Dave’s Auto Archive — KIA Motors Corporation was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. KIA Motors' 16 manufacturing and assembly operations in 13 countries produce more than 1.1 million vehicles a year that are sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 190 countries.