If you've checked on the state of the economy car lately you'll notice that the Spectra5's output is much better than average. Sure a few, like the Mazda3, Chevy Cavalier/Pontiac Sunfire and Saturn ION offer more power, the latter two only slightly so, while the Hyundai Elantra delivers identical numbers. Why? Hyundai owns Kia outright and therefore shares the Elantra's engine with its Korean relative. Most competitors, however, offer base engines within the 120 to 130 horsepower range, with the majority not offering any relevant gains in fuel economy.
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| The sporty Spectra5 will go a long way to winning over younger buyers to the Kia brand. (Photo: Kia Canada) |
Par for the course, the Spectra5 follows its sedan sibling by offering a standard 5-speed manual transmission and optional 4-speed automatic. I tested both in sedan form and found they ran through the gears efficiently, with the manual especially to my liking. There was nothing particularly wrong with the automatic mind you, the manual just suits my person tastes more.
So how well will it do? Kia expects its sporty new 5-door will comprise about 30 percent of all Spectra sales. Whether they're right on the money or not doesn't really matter, as the new car will do its part in causing trendy, young buyers to do a double-take on Kia. And getting new faces into the showroom to drive a new Spectra5, or budget priced Rio, will go a long way to continuing the impressive sales trend initiated by the little carmaker that could.
Specifications:
- Price Range (estimated MSRP): $18,000 - $22,000
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: front engine, FWD
- Engine: 138 hp, 136 lb-ft of torque, 2.0-L, 16-valve, DOHC I-4
- Transmission: 5-spd man (opt 4-spd auto)
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc (optional ABS)
- Curb Weight: 1,290 - 1,317 kg (2,844 - 2,903 lbs)
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Cargo Volume (rear seats up): 518 L (18.3 cu ft)
- Fuel Economy (manual city/hwy): 9.4 / 7.4 L/100km (25 / 32 mpg)
- Warranty (mo/km): 60/100,000 comprehensive
- Direct Competitors: Chevrolet Optra5 / Wagon, Ford Focus ZX5 / Wagon, Hyundai Elantra GT, Mazda3 Sport, Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback, Pontiac Vibe, Subaru Impreza Wagon, Suzuki Aerio Fastback, Toyota Matrix, VW Jetta Wagon
- Web Site: www.kia.ca
Note: Additional larger photos are available in the photo album.
