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2005 Kia Spectra5 Preview

New 5-Door Targets Sport Compact Market

Whats going on with Kia? The little automaker that could has definitely become the major player that can since arriving in the U.S. a short time ago. From its humble beginnings, featuring models like the Sephia sedan and Sportage compact SUV, to todays superb Sorento sport utility, Sedona minivan and all-new Spectra compact, the brand has morphed into a strong, mainstream competitor to traditional nameplates.

I drove the Spectra sedan a few months ago in Southern California, and cant remember being more shocked by how far a manufacturer can improve in a single generation. The old car is, well, seriously lacking in too many areas, while the new one is right up there with the best in the

Kia has come a long ways in only a few short years, and the new Spectra5 is proof they have no intention of slowing down. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

industry.

Kia teased us by parking a tricked out pre-production Spectra5 out in the lot where the sedans were waiting, this particularly example featuring custom made aerodynamic body skirts and a rear wing, all glowing in bright yellow paint. Under the hood was a supercharged version of the brands 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder, no doubt making more than the 138 horsepower and 136 lb-ft

Kia teased us with this tricked out bright yellow SEMA-bound Spectra5 show car. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

of torque that the stock Spectra produces. The one-off car was destined for the SEMA aftermarket parts show in Las Vegas so there was no way Kias staff would let us get behind the wheel, but at least I was able to get a sneak preview of a car that will go a long way to extending Kias reach into the youth market.

The Spectra5 received its official star-studded launch at the New York International Auto Show in Manhattan last April. Why do I say star-studded? Well, Kia Motors America president and CEO

The new car was officially launch at the New York International Auto Show in Manhattan last April, with the help of Kia CEO Peter Butterfield and hip-hop pop band Sugar Ray. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Peter Butterfield was on hand to deliver Kias message, and right on his heals was hip-hop pop band Sugar Ray - remember the 1999 mega-hit "Every Morning?" The Korean automaker and California group are doing a cross-country tour together, an effective way to get Kia into the spotlight. Banding together with a group that hasnt exactly been at the top of the charts in recent years may make tuning in and turning on North Americas youth a difficult job, but thats another point that has little to do with the new car.

While Im hardly in the target

While times and tastes have changed, I was assured that 5-doors are the hottest thing in the sport compact market by a few younger staff members. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

demographic, some of the younger writing staff assured me that 5-doors are the hottest thing in the sport compact market. OK, I can learn to accept the genres cool factor despite the fact that if you showed up on a date with moms 5-door (station wagon) back when I was a kid it was guaranteed to be a short night. The times change and so with them priorities, and of course style.

Some examples of top-sellers are the outgoing Mazda Protegé5, now the Mazda3 Sport, Hyundai Elantra GT, Subaru Impreza Wagon, and Ford Focus ZX5. A more recent entry includes the Suzuki Reno. At the top end of the scale theres the Lexus IS 300 SportCross, but that of course is in another

The Spectra5 was designed to be the sportiest Kia ever, and just one look will affirm that. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

league.

The Spectra5 wont be Americas least expensive car, with Kias Rio still filling that role, but just the same it will be much more affordable than Mazdas 3 Sport, for instance. Kia wont be offering a bare bones version either, as it isnt designed to be an economical family car, despite the fact that many families will use it as such.

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