The improvements don't stop with the Spectra's safety features, brakes, engine and handling, mind you, they keep on going. The
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| The most obvious change is the completely remodeled exterior design, which only minimally echoes its predecessor. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
most obvious change is the completely remodeled exterior design. From its feathered lines to its new front and rear fascias, and then on to its black mesh grille and blacked out headlights, the Spectra5 only minimally echoes its predecessor. I especially like the way the front end of the Spectra looks. The headlights are classy and so is the grille. The interior mimics the exterior, with its clean finish and sporty styling. It's also simply laid out and comfortable overall. The metal-finish trim throughout is a nice touch, and similar to the Spectra's bigger Sorento sibling the interior accents are tastefully executed, adding to the driving experience. The seats are also comfortable to sit in. Draped in sport fabric, no matter whether I sat up front or in the back I felt supported. The Spectra5 also included an great sounding AM/FM/CD audio system with 6 speakers and door-mounted tweeters, plus air conditioning, a height-adjustable steering column, digital clock, front and rear cupholders, power windows and doors, keyless entry remote, a
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| The Spectra5's updated and sporty interior yields a best-in-class passenger volume of 2,779 liters (98.1 cubic feet). (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, map lamps with sunglass holder in the overhead console, cruise control and more. While fiddling with all the gadgets I couldn't help notice how much room I had to move around in. After doing some research I found that the Spectra5 actually yields a best-in-class passenger volume of 2,779 liters (98.1 cubic feet). That's more room than its direct competitors, such as the Ford Focus ZX5, Mazda3 Sport and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix. In addition, cargo capacity behind the second row of seat has increased to 518 liters (18.3 cubic feet), due to the new model offering a more wagon-like profile than the outgoing hatchback-like GSX. The extra room came in handy when out-of-town family friends came to visit, and needed to be driven to and from the airport with their many suitcases.
