2009 Kia Spectra in San Antonio, TX - $4,981

The folks at Kia believe in endlessly pushing the envelope of value, performance and luxury -- as witnessed by the value-laden Kia Spectra sedan. Featuring sporty exterior styling wrapped around the roomiest interior in its class loaded with features, refinements and creature comforts, the Kia sedan is a well executed, simple and straightforward concept in a field filled with serious contenders.

The front-drive sedan is powered by a 2.0L engine joined to the standard five-speed manual gearbox with overdrive. An electronically controlled four-speed automatic with overdrive is an available option.

Available in LX, EX and SX trim levels, Kia updated the Spectra with a host of exterior and interior appointments for 2007. Exterior changes and upgrades include a revised front fascia, grille, bumper and headlights; revised rear fascia tail lights, decklid and bumper; new factory front spoiler, rear valance and bright exhaust finisher for SX; and an increase in overall length: 0.8 inches for LX/EX models and 1.2 inches for the SX. Motorists that desire more performance can opt for the Spectra SX.

Featuring a sport-tuned, four-wheel independent suspension, the SX is equipped with 16-inch wheels and tires for better steering response and turn-in and a strut bar -- for a stiffer chassis and better handling. Design touches include a rear spoiler, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob with perforated leather, sport fabric on the seats and door panels and metal-finish trim throughout the interior, including metal pedals.

On the road, the Spectra sedan is a strong performer at speed. Peppy and responsive, the Spectra is easy to drive and maneuver from rest or to a stop. The brakes are worthy of special mention. The Kia Spectra uses tried and true components for the suspension hardware -- a four-wheel independent setup with front and rear anti roll bars. MacPherson struts and coil springs complete the front suspension while a multi-link system with struts and stabilizer bar tie down the rear.

Inside the cabin, there is a decent amount of room, front and rear. The manual driver's seat adjustment provides a command view of the road. Storage nooks and crannies abound in the cabin while interior materials are surprisingly good. Displays and controls are straightforward and easy to read and use. The 60/40 split folding rear seat can carry two adults comfortably.

The Spectra sedan comes standard with auto-off headlights, power steering, power disc brakes, AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers and door-mounted tweeters, rear window defroster, height-adjustable steering column, tachometer, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, digital clock, tinted glass, rear window defroster and dual map lights with sunglasses holder.

Interior changes, upgrades and enhancements for the 2007 Spectra include a new design for the center stack; new tire pressure monitoring system; revised interior fabrics; new chrome accents for interior door handles; A/T shift lever button and handbrake lever for EX; and new auxiliary audio input jack. SX adds new metal-finish accents (interior door handles, door switch panels, gauge faces, M/T shift knob, A/T shift lever surround and button and handbrake lever button).

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 102.8; overall length: 177.2 (177.6 for SX); width: 68.3; height: 57.9 -â€" all vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder -- 138 hp at 6,000 rpm and 136 lbs-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm.

Transmission: five-speed manual with overdrive, electronically controlled four-speed automatic with overdrive.

EPA fuel economy: 25 city/33 hwy., (manual); 25 city/34 hwy., (automatic).

Cargo capacity: 12.2 cu. ft.

Parts content -â€" country of origin

Final assembly point: Korea.

US/Canadian: 6 percent; Korea: 88 percent.

Engine and transmission: Korea.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, full length side curtain side airbags, side-impact beams and tire monitoring system. EX adds remote keyless entry and four-wheel disc brakes. SX adds fog lights. Optional safety features include anti-lock brakes (SX) and remote control engine start.

Warranty

Basic: 5-year/60,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Powertrain: 10-year/100,000 mile.

Corrosion: 5-year/100,000 mile.

Roadside assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2007 Kia Spectra sedan starts from $12,895 for the LX up to $16,999 for the SX automatic. Destination charges add $600.

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