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2008 Kia Spectra And Spectra5
Kia’s Compact Entry Offers Class-Leading Safety,
Spaciousness and a Host of Standard Features
In an ever-growing and increasingly competitive segment, the Kia Spectra and
Spectra5 continue to prove their mettle and gain ground on long-standing class
leaders such as the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. Style, substance and
class-leading safety features combined with exceptional value have garnered the
Spectra model line numerous awards since being redesigned in 2006.
Considered a 2007 “Best Bet” by The Car Book in the Compact category and
receiving two distinctions from Edmunds.com (“Consumers Most-Wanted – Wagons
under $25,000” and “Top 10 Cars under $15,000”), the Spectra sedan and five-door
will only continue to further impress consumers and media in 2008.
Following Kia’s core philosophies of providing value, safety, warranty and
fun to the driving experience, the Spectra lineup is available in several trim
levels (LX, EX, and SX four-door; SX five-door) and offers a host of standard
amenities to appeal to a wide range of consumers.
Polished Performance
Spectra and Spectra5 vehicles are powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder
engine, which features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port
electronic fuel injection. Producing 138 horsepower and 136 lb.-ft of torque ,
the Spectra lineup offers a more powerful punch than stable mates Toyota Corolla
and Ford Focus. Outfitted with a standard five-speed manual transmission for
2008, the option of an automatic transmission extends to the LX four-door sedan
making the electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission available
for all trim levels.
Built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame, standard equipment coil springs
and stabilizer bars complement an independent front suspension featuring
MacPherson struts and an independent dual link rear suspension to provide the
optimal balance of ride comfort and engine responsiveness. An
engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system adds the
finishing touch for precise handling. In keeping with the sporty essence of the
SX model line, a sport-tuned suspension and strut tower bar come standard to
offer a tighter grip for more spirited driving.
Stylish Surface
Larger than Kia’s entry level Rio, the Spectra lineup personifies a more
grown-up exterior body with smooth, clean lines yet hints at the
below-the-surface complexity of youthful spirit. All trim levels feature
body-color exterior door handles, body side moldings and rear garnishes to
create a sleek canvas on which to outfit aggressive subtleties such as
clear-lens halogen headlights.
LX and EX models smile at onlookers with a newly designed front grille, which
is presented with a sportier blend of black and chrome. SX models are fitted
with an aggressive black mesh grille and the addition of fog lights, a wing-type
rear spoiler (SX four-door models only), side sills as well as unique front and
rear fascias. Sixteen-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels matched with 205/50R16-sized
premium tires complete the bold SX look. Fifteen-inch wheels and 195/60R15-sized
tires are standard on LX and EX equipped models.
Inviting Interior
High-quality full cloth-trimmed seats are merely quiet echoes to the Spectra and
Spectra5’s host of standard features that scream behind-the-wheel comfort and
convenience. A six-way adjustable driver’s seat, tilt steering column, 60/40
split-folding rear seat, rear defroster and dual 12-volt power outlets in the
center console are driver-conscious luxuries standard on every vehicle. Music
aficionados are not forgotten either with an AM/FM/CD stereo featuring six
speakers and an auxiliary audio input jack (new for 2008) for MP3 player
connectivity as standard features. EX and SX models offer additional touches
such as: power windows and door locks; remote keyless entry; air conditioning;
dual front and rear cup holders; and floor mats.
Upgrades for the Spectra and Spectra5 SX models include an interior fashioned
with metal-finish trim and sport-cloth seats with matching door panel inserts. A
leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped gearshift knob, metal sport
pedals and cruise control are other standard features. An AM/FM/MP3 stereo with
a six-disc in-dash CD changer and a power sunroof also are available as SX-only
options.
Comfortably Cavernous
Considered compact by its overall dimensions, small does not equate to the
Spectra and Spectra5’s true sense of size. With the four-door sedan boasting
97.0 cubic feet of passenger volume and the five-door providing a welcoming 98.1
cubic feet of passenger volume, the Spectra line offers more breathing room than
the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Ford Focus. Storage space does not take a
backseat either with an ample 12.2 cubic feet of cargo volume available in the
Spectra, while 18.3 cubic feet is offered in the Spectra5. When the 60/40-split
rear seats are folded flat, storage capacity in the five-door expands to 52.8
cubic feet.
Superior Safety
Earning a five-star frontal crash safety rating by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) , Spectra and Spectra5 provide class-leading
safety with an extensive, across-the-board list of standard technology, which
includes: dual front advanced airbags, dual front seat-mounted side airbags,
full-length side curtain airbags, front and rear three-point seatbelts, front
seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters; Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children
(LATCH), and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Four-wheel solid disc brakes also are standard on EX and SX models while a
four-sensor, four-channel antilock brake system (ABS) is an available option on
SX four-door and five-door vehicle.
To complement its standard safety features, the 2008 Spectra and Spectra5 are
backed by Kia’s comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented
consumer protection with a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a
five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, a five-year/100,000 mile limited
anti-perforation warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile 24-hour roadside
assistance plan.
Kia Motors America – the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors
Corporation in Seoul, South Korea – offers a complete line of vehicles through
more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For more information,
including photography, visit www.kia.com.
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