While Americans have been slow to embrace the hatchback - in contrast to the Europeans and Japanese - I've long been a fan of this practical, versatile body style.
2005 kia spectra hatchback full#
As it was, the cargo bay was stuffed so full that the rear shelf jutted upward. Another passenger or two, or a bit more baggage, would have been too much. I took the Spectra 5 on a five-day family vacation in California, and the space behind the back seat was adequate for our luggage (though, in truth, the three of us packed light). When that seat is completely folded - it is split, so you can leave part of it up for a passenger - capacity expands to an impressive 52.8 cubic feet. The Spectra 5 is six inches shorter than the sedan, but while it is more stubby, there is 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. Its trunk, at 12.2 cubic feet, is also larger. The Spectra sedan's wheelbase is two inches longer now, and the car is roomier. The influence of these young customizers has spread from Los Angeles across the country and around the world. The top-line sedan, the SX (there are also LX and EX versions) looks the sportiest, with a black mesh grille, fog lights and a rear spoiler.Īll Spectra 5's come with trim similar to the SX sedans', but these hatchbacks have an even bolder look inspired by the import-tuner crowd. A sharp crease along the sides gives the illusion of a wedge shape.
But even the sedan is more distinctive now, thanks to a complete redesign and re-engineering that relegates the unimpressive old Spectra to the backlot of automotive history. Kia expects 30 percent of Spectra buyers to choose the hatchback. Hyundai, Kia's corporate cousin, has its own sporty hatch, the Elantra GT. The Spectra 5 wades into a pool already brimming with similarly configured cars: Ford Focus ZX5, Pontiac Vibe, Scion xB, Suzuki Reno, Toyota Matrix and the hatchback version of the hot-selling Mazda 3.
While hatchbacks have never been big sellers in the American market, their numbers are growing. While the last-generation Spectra came only as a frumpy small sedan, Kia has thoroughly revamped the line for 2005 and added this five-passenger "five door" model - like many competitors, Kia counts the rear hatch as a door. Now they are adding some styling pizazz to the mix, which includes levels of refinement approaching that of well-regarded Japanese-brand cars.Ĭheck out the Kia Spectra 5, a sporty new hatchback. In addition, for the first time ever in a Kia a strut tower brace has been added, resulting in a stiffer chassis and improved control.LOS ANGELES - SOUTH KOREA'S automakers have made steady gains with American customers by selling low-price vehicles packed with features and supported by long warranties.
It is equipped with a 4-wheel independent sport-tuned setup, comprised of MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link design in the rear. The all-new 2005 model gets a new suspension system, making handling exponentially better. Countless improvements make the new Spectra so much better than the outgoing car that it's silly to try and compare. Model that replaces the outgoing 2004 GSX, was full of positive surprises. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) What an improvement! My test week in the 2005 Kia Spectra5, the 5-door liftbackĬountless improvements make the new Spectra so much better than the outgoing car that it's silly to try and compare. But all the above has gone out the window and made way for the 2005s. Perhaps this is why I only encountered two other Spectra's on the road. Handling wasn't great, the interior was so-so and the general feel of the car was not favorable. I previously test drove the 2003 Kia Spectra GSX which, in all honestly, I really didn't like. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)Įxterior lines to its well made, metallic-trim detailed interior, the Spectra's makeover was much needed. The completely redesigned from the ground up 2005 Kia Spectra is very impressive. The Spectra GSX is Dead, Long Live the Spectra5 The all new, completely redesigned from the ground up 2005 Kia Spectra model lineup is most impressive.
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