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Acceleration
"Acceleration adequate for most needs. Not much highway passing power, but around-town
response is fine with manual transmission. Test manual-transmission Spectra5
did 8.9 sec 0-60 mph. Automatic saps enough energy to slow progress up steep
hills, but is generally smooth, responsive."
Value
"Though far from sporty feeling, Spectra is solidly class competitive for comfort,
room, and features. Kudos to Kia for including the safety bonus of front side
airbags and curtain side airbags among the many standard features. And the company's
long warranty is an added selling point. This Recommended compact car deserves
a look if your budget is tight."
Ride
"EX sedan places a premium on comfort, delivers one of the most absorbent rides
in class. Smothers most bumps well, aided by solid structure, soft-riding tires.
Downside is wayward ride motion over uneven and wavy surfaces. Sport-tuned Spectra5
choppier than EX over broken surfaces, more composed over moguls. No opportunity
to test SX. "
Economy
Test EX sedan with automatic transmission averaged 22.8 mpg in mixed driving. Test EX sedan with manual transmission averaged 28.1-28.5 mpg. Test Spectra5s averaged 20.1-22.9 in mostly city driving. Spectra uses regular-grade fuel.
Noise
"Wind, road ruckus nicely subdued. Engine a bit coarse and hoarse around 4000
rpm, but is acceptably refined for this price class. Road noise more pronounced
in Spectra5."
Comfort - Front
"Tilt wheel, lever-action seat-height adjuster are nice standard features in
this price range, but few testers found an ideal driving position. Seat comfort,
contour are subpar, and long-legged drivers will likely want more rearward seat
travel. Head room just OK for 6-footers. Aft visibility partially obscured by
Spectra5's rear pillars."
Comfort - Rear
"Good room for car's exterior size. Good under-seat foot clearance, OK knee and
shoulder space, though just adequate head room. Entry/exit easy enough for a
compact."
Controls
"Gauges easily read, controls easily reached. High-set audio unit and 3-dial
climate system are simple to adjust, and all switchgear works with smooth precision.
Seat fabric feels low budget, but cabin materials and finish otherwise exceed
anything in this price range. Poorly sealed right-rear window in one test sedan
rattled, generated highway wind whistle."
Cargo Room
"Sedan's usefully shaped trunk has slightly undersized opening but adequate volume
that's expandable via standard 60/40 folding rear seat. Good cabin storage with
various slots, bins, cubbies."
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