![]() Spectra SX ($15,995) features a sport-tuned suspension with a strut-tower bar, 205/50R16 tires on 16-inch aluminum wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, upgraded upholstery, metallic interior accents, metal pedals, and other unique interior and exterior trim. Fifteen-inch aluminum wheels are optional ($400), as are cruise control ($250), a remote starter ($250), and a choice of rear spoilers ($375). Spectra EX ($14,895) adds air conditioning, power windows, heated power mirrors, power central locking, remote keyless entry, fog lights, map lights, a sunglasses holder, and some additional cupholders and bright trim. Outside mirrors are manually adjustable and windows have hand cranks. Tires are 195/60R15 on 15-inch steel wheels with full covers. Spectra LX ($12,895) comes with cloth upholstery, six-way adjustable driver's seat, tilt steering wheel, AM/FM/CD six-speaker stereo with auxiliary input jack (think iPod), auto-off headlights, tachometer, digital clock, dual 12-volt power outlets in the center console, tinted glass, and a rear window defroster. The standard transmission is a five-speed manual a four-speed automatic is optional ($1,000). All are front-wheel-drive compacts powered by a 138-horsepower four-cylinder engine. The 2008 Kia Spectra lineup features four models: LX, EX, and SX sedan, and Spectra5 SX hatchback. In addition to the mandatory dual frontal airbags, the Spectra's front-seat occupants are protected by seat-mounted side-impact airbags while full-coverage side curtain airbags protect both front- and rear-seat occupants. Safety features are plentiful: The Spectra comes with a full complement of airbag supplemental restraints. Spectra gets an EPA-estimated 24/32 mpg City/Highway with an automatic transmission, yet produces peppy performance. Inside is a modern cabin that's roomy and pleasant with quality materials and good fit and finish. Both present styling that is sharp and distinctive. The Spectra is available as a four-door sedan or as the Spectra5 five-door hatchback. More important for everyday driving, the Spectra is a nice little car. It represents one of the best values among compacts, with an impressive list of safety equipment for its modest price. ![]() The Spectra compact sedan and five-door hatchback offer excellent fuel economy along with Kia's strong warranty, which make for a compelling package for budget-minded buyers. Bottom line: The Spectra, with clean styling, good performance and one of the best warranties in the industry, is a solid entry in a very competitive class.The Kia Spectra is a good choice among a field of compact cars that offer few, if any, bad choices. The 2.0-liter engine is well-matched to the five-speed manual transmission, and fuel mileage - 23 mpg city, 30 mpg on the highway, on regular gas - isn’t bad, but the four-speed automatic transmission is actually rated a bit higher, at 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway. Handling isn’t up to the level of the Civic, but it’s close. On the road, the Spectra rides as well as any car in this class. Instruments and controls are well-placed and logical. Inside, the Spectra still shows a hint or two of its economy-car origins front seats seem a little downmarket, and there’s a lot of plastic, though the leather-covered steering wheel is a nice touch. Add an automatic transmission, and the price would have been another $1,000. With options and $600 in shipping, the total price was $17,995. The test car also had a power sunroof ($700), and an upgraded six-disc changer ($300). Safety equipment includes side and side-curtain airbags and power disc brakes. One of the ways Kia gained a foothold in the market is in offering more equipment than the competition for less money, and that continues with the Spectra: The $15,995 base price gets you air conditioning, power heated outside mirrors, fog lights, a six-speaker stereo with CD player, cruise control, power locks and windows, remote locking and a tilt steering wheel. Overall length is 177.2 inches, a little longer than a Honda Civic, a little shorter than a Toyota Corolla. Handsome, if not particularly distinctive, the SX test car was dressed up with handsome alloy wheels, shod with wider-than-usual P205/50R-16 radials, rear spoiler and side body cladding.īased on the same platform as the last-generation Hyundai Elantra, the Spectra is a right-sized car that’s comfortable for four, passable for five, with a decent-sized, 12.2-cubic-foot trunk. Like most of Kia’s lineup, there’s nothing spectacular about the Spectra, but there’s nothing wanting, either. Kia has come an awfully long way in a short period, moving from a brand that was pretty much nobody’s first choice - you bought a Kia if you couldn’t afford, or get a loan for, a Honda or a Toyota - to a brand that is a genuine no-excuses alternative.
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