Good NHTSA and Poor IIHS Kia Spectra Ratings Raises Questions about Crash Test Methods

Unfortunately for Kia, however, the damaging news will put some potential Spectra

Changes made to Spectra sedan will no doubt affect the brand's sporty 5-door Spectra too. (Photo: Kia Canada)

buyers off the sporty little sedan, a model that is good enough to have won the Automobile Journalist's Association of Canada's (AJAC) coveted "Best New Economy Car" award for 2005 model year vehicles. Of course, AJAC doesn't test for collision worthiness.

A good IIHS test result will go a long way to changing peoples' perceptions, as long as Kia spreads the word via advertising and doesn't expect the mainstream press to report something positive.