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2005 Kia Spectra Road Test

Most Improved Player Barr None

Kia hasnt been part of the American landscape for that long, but nonetheless the South Korean brand has gone from a mere curiosity to a major player. One thing seems pretty obvious, an awful lot of Americans like Kia.

And theres good reason. My brother was looking for a new sport utility and he asked for my recommendation. After having spent a week with the Sorento just previously, and being duly impressed, I relayed my positive experience. A few days later a two-tone fully-loaded Kia Sorento was parked in his driveway. He and his family love it.

Ive heard many similar stories over the last couple of years, especially now that the brands actual and perceived quality has improved to the point that

Over a very short duration Kia has gone from a novelty nameplate to a major player, and for good reason. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

it rivals most competitors, even the Japanese.

Thats true for just about all of Kias models. I mean, who would have thought the economy brand would produce a luxury sedan? But its here now as the Amanti. Just before the Sorento was brought to market Kia introduced the Sedona minivan, a great value next to its domestic and Asian counterparts especially when factoring in its refined, attractively

The one car in Kias lineup that didnt really measure up to the brands progressively improving image was the Spectra. Well, thats about to change in a major way. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

designed interior. The Optima offers a lot for the money too, with even the tiny, cheap as borscht Rio subcompact displaying better overall quality than some domestic competitors.

Currently only one of Kias cars doesnt really measure up to the majority of its rivals - the Spectra. But thats about to change, dramatically.

Kia just introduced

On Friday, March 26, Kia introduced the new 2005 Spectra to North American media in Santa Monica, while the this modified Spectra5 (shown), destined for SEMA, was an exciting sideshow. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

the new 2005 Spectra to the automotive media in Santa Monica, California last Friday, March 26, with most seeming a little surprised by how good it really is. I, for one, am impressed.

Its important to put things into perspective. While I still think the outgoing car is quite nice to look at, with the 5-door hatch actually quite attractive, the new car is much more stylish. While it has been designed to fit into the fairly

The arcing beltline crease that spans the Spectras profile from back to front is a particularly nice design element. (Photo: Kia Motors America)

conservative compact market, theres nothing bland or generic about it.

Large, uniquely styled headlamp clusters wrap around the front fenders on their outer most ends before melding in perfect alignment with the tapered and sculpted hood lines. These drop downward to integrate into the cars distinctive grille at both sides, part of a one piece front fascia that incorporates circular fog lamps at its corners in higher trim levels.

My favorite design detail is the arcing beltline crease that spans the Spectras profile

The rear decklid of the new Spectra, with its integrated spoiler, is nicely executed. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

from back to front before disappearing into the front wheel arch. It looks particularly nice from rear three-quarter view, giving the compact sedan a rakish yet fluid appearance. I also like the side molding just underneath, not just because its nicely styled but mostly for its protective applications. Too many cars today forget to include side moldings in the design, with parking lot door dings quickly obliterating any aesthetic benefits.

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