Kia repackages Spectra
Not many months after launching a new and much improved version of its Spectra subcompact for 2005 with higher sticker prices, Kia Canada is re-positioning the vehicle with the inclusion of six airbags in every model.
The Mississauga firm is also shifting stickers prices and has dropped a model offering from the 2005 Spectra line.
Kia Canada is making much of the fact that it is ''raising the safety bar by becoming the first manufacturer in the compact segment to offer six airbags as standard equipment.''
That means each Spectra, regardless of price, comes with the traditional front airbags, two front-seat-mounted side airbags, and two full-length side curtain airbags.
In the view of Bill Porter, president and CEO of Kia Canada, ''In just a few short years, Kia Canada has delivered on a promise to offer Canadian consumers high-quality, competitively priced vehicles that are equipped with an impressive array of safety equipment.''
Porter says, ''This is a safety commitment that no other manufacturer has dared to do in this segment in the Canadian marketplace. In most instances manufacturers associate safety with a cost to the consumer, but in typical Kia fashion we are pleased to announce this is not the case for us.''
The base price of the 2005 Spectra LX has risen by $100 to $15,995, however, while the LX Convenience model has gone up $300 to $17,995, though that does include the addition of cruise control as well as the six airbags.
Porter says the EX model of the Spectra becomes the ''conglomeration of the previous EX and EX Luxury model, as we trim one model from the lineup, while providing the 6 airbag feature with no price increase,'' meaning the LX remains at $19,995.
''We're confident that this pricing, combined with a generous list of standard equipment and a priority on safety, will set the Spectra apart from other compact sedans in the market,'' Porter says. ''Kia has now taken safety to another level.''
In Porter's view, ''new generation products such as the Sedona minivan, the Sorento mid-size SUV, the Amanti large premium sedan, 2005 Spectra sedan, and the soon to be released 2005 Spectra5 hatchback are confirmations that the Kia brand is an excellent choice for car buyers who place a high priority on safety.''
On top of those airbags, Spectra will also still come with what Kia likes to call ''Canada's Best Ownership Coverage,'' which includes 100,000 km or five years of a comprehensive warranty, a powertrain warranty, and roadside assistance, as well as a reasonable number of oil and filter changes for as long as you own your Kia.
Hyundai has better warranty coverage, but that oil change feature will save you more out-of-pocket cash while you own the car.
Kia Canada currently has a network of 150 dealers across the country, but that number might grow if the company's sales do.