Seoul Ride: Kia Spectra5 SX Reviewed

It’s been a long time since I liked an economy hatch as well as the Kia Spectra5 SX. Like most people who have been around since the Korean automakers came the U.S., I haven’t gotten over the expectation that the cars will be cheaply made and underpowered - until now.

I had few preconceived notions about the Kia Spectra5, but I expected it to be about like the Kia Rio5 SX I had last fall - a decent entry-level car that you might buy for your kid to take to college.  In short, not a car that I’d ever consider for myself.  But after a week in the Spectra, I would class it with the Mazda3 or any other Japanese or domestic hatchback in the sub-20K price range. The Kia Spectra is definitely worth your consideration if you’re shopping that segment.

Driving the Spectra is fun - it’s got some go, it handles nicely, and it’s comfortable. The Spectra comes with a crisp, sporty 5-speed transmission and a 2.0-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine that makes 138 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque - about on par with any other normally-aspirated two liter engine. The engine makes most of its power in higher revs - the Spectra doesn’t reveal its power in the low end, but that just enhances the sports car feel. Veterans of small-displacement engines from years past will know how to drive it for best results.

With gas set to push $4 a gallon, you can also be happy with the Spectra’s 27/33 fuel economy figures, and the fact that it runs on regular. Again, this is comparable to the 2.0-liter Mazda3i’s 24/32 figures.

The interior is basic, functional, and perfectly acceptable. The switches and controls are large, easy to use, and don’t feel like they’ll snap off in your hands. The seats are comfortable, and the steering wheel is leather-wrapped, which is a nice touch even for an option, but Kia gives it to you as part of the base car.

On the outside, the Spectra looks pretty much like every other import hatch. That’s no slam - the automakers know how to make a nice looking economy car. You’ll never be embarrassed to be seen in it, and I think it’s got some nice customization potential. A set of nice wheels and sport tires and drop the suspension by an inch and the Spectra will be a very cool ride.

But what you’ll really like about the Spectra is its price - $15,995 for the basic car. This includes air, cruise, CD, 4 wheel disc brakes, power everything, and all the usual stuff. Options on the test car included $700 for the sunroof, $300 for the 6-disc CD changer, and $400 for anti-lock brakes. 

As always, charging extra for fundamental safety features annoys me, and if you add in the $400 to the base price, the Spectra5 has the same base price as a Mazda3i hatchback. And when you consider that the car comes with full side curtain airbags and front seat side-mount airbags, you have to wonder why they’re charging for ABS?  Also on the safety front, one item not available on the Spectra that you can get on the Mazda is traction control - which I don’t miss, but others do.

Looking at the option list, if I was buying a Spectra I’d leave the 6-disc changer and the Sunroof on the option book - the stereo doesn’t sound that good and I don’t care for sunroofs. I’d save a grand and have a car that’s just as nice at a total out-the-door price of about $17,000.

The bottom line is that if you’re shopping for an economy hatchback, put away any negative impressions you’ve had about Kia in the past. The Spectra is worth a look, and I think you’ll be impressed with the value.