2005 Kia Spectra5 Preview

New 5-Door Targets Sport Compact Market

What's going on with Kia? The little automaker that could has definitely become the major player that can since arriving

Kia has come a long ways in only a few short years, and the new Spectra5 is proof they have no intention of slowing down. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

in Canada nearly five years ago. From its humble beginnings, featuring models like the Sephia sedan and Sportage compact SUV, to today's superb Sorento sport utility, Sedona minivan and all-new Spectra compact, the brand has morphed into a strong, mainstream competitor to traditional nameplates.

I drove the Spectra sedan a few months ago in Southern California, and can't remember being more shocked by how far a manufacturer can improve in a single generation. The old car is, well, seriously lacking in too

Kia teased us with this tricked out bright yellow SEMA-bound Spectra5 show car. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

many areas, while the new one is right up there with the best in the industry.

Kia teased us by parking a tricked out pre-production Spectra5 out in the lot where the sedans were waiting, this particularly example featuring custom made aerodynamic body skirts and a rear wing, all glowing in bright yellow paint. Under the hood was a supercharged version of the brand's 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder, no doubt making more than the 138 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque that the stock Spectra produces. The one-off car was destined for the SEMA aftermarket parts show in Las Vegas so there was no way Kia's staff would let us get behind the wheel, but at least I was able to get a sneak preview of a car that will go a long way to extending Kia's reach into the youth market.