2007 Kia Spectra Preview

2007 Kia Spectra – Preview: Kia and the annual SEMA show seem to go together like oil and water. However, this year Kia was announcing its new line of performance parts, many designed for its freshened 2007 Spectra sedan and Spectra5 wagon models. In addition to revised styling, the Spectra line offers a 138-horsepower engine returning up to 34 mpg, six standard airbags, and a variety of equipment depending on whether the LX, EX, or SX trim is chosen. The LX sedan gets the job done with a starting price of about $13,000, while the best-equipped SX retails for about $16,000. Kia suggests that with various performance parts added, including stiffer springs and unique wheels, the SX will stay south of the $20,000 barrier.

Why it matters

As repeatedly reported over the past several months, volatile gas prices have lead to a gradual shift from thirsty large cars and SUVs to smaller, more efficient vehicles. That's good news for companies with a healthy lineup of the latter, companies like Kia. One example is the freshened Spectra/Spectra5, which looks to provide a growing segment of buyers with promises of respectable fuel economy (up to 34 mpg on the highway), room for four or five passengers, safety features like side-curtain airbags, and prices ranging from the mid to high teens. Plus, Kia offers customers the backing of a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and powertrain coverage spanning 10 years or 100,000 miles.

What's under the hood

Kia powers the front-wheel-drive 2007 Spectra and Spectra5 with a 16-valve 2.0-liter, dual overhead cam four-cylinder engine with continuously-variable valve timing, recording up to 34 mpg on the highway. Horsepower rates 138 at 6,000 rpm, while 136 lb.-ft. of torque peaks at 4,500 rpm. Buyers can select either a standard five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. A rack-and-pinion steering unit works with MacPherson struts up front and a rear multi-link setup, along with 15-inch (LX, EX) or 16-inch (SX) wheels to maintain the Spectra's composure. All models are equipped with vented front disc brakes, though the rears are drums on the LX and solid discs on the EX and SX.

What it looks like

Available in either four-door sedan or five-door wagon variants, the 2007 Kia Spectra and Spectra5 boast a style that's attractive, yet is not so extreme as to be polarizing to buyers. The Spectra sedan, weighing in at about 2,900 pounds, includes a multitude of sculpted body features on the hood and flanks, as well as slight but noticeable flares around the front wheel wells. As is typical of the most new cars, front and rear overhangs are short; the rear taillights are simple and cleanly integrated with the flow of the trunk and rear quarter panels. The Spectra5 wagon swaps in a more vertical rear pillar, an upper spoiler that serves to extend the roofline, and unique rear lenses.

What's inside

Consider the Spectra and Spectra5's interior layout to be simple and logical. There are handy storage provisions on the doors and between the front seats, primary controls are placed within easy reach and feature mostly large clearly-marked dials, while the gauges are large and placed directly in the driver's view. The look is functional – a vertical instrument panel blends in with the soft contours of a rather plain dash. Among the features found standard on every Spectra/Spectra5 are a CD player, iPod jack, tilt steering wheel, tachometer, front center armrest, and six airbags. Other standard safety items include a tire pressure monitor and optional ABS (SX only).

When you can buy it

New Spectra and Spectra5 models are currently arriving at dealerships. The LX sedan carries a base price of $12,895, while the better equipped EX sedan starts at $14,895 and the SX sedan bottoms out at $15,995. Like the SX sedan, the 2007 Kia Spectra5 wagon starts the bidding at $15,995. A four-speed automatic transmission tacks $1,000 on to the base price. Options include antilock brakes, a power sunroof, an upgraded sound system with a six-disc CD changer and MP3 player.

What we think

There's much to like about many Kia models, including their impressive warranties, competitive pricing, standard safety features, and arguably attractive looks (in most cases). The 2007 Spectra and Spectra5 models appear to keep the brand's momentum moving forward, though the Spectra/Spectra5 face stiffer competition for the new model year, with strong rivals coming from the subcompact class (think Nissan Versa) and recently improved fellow compacts and midsize rides. Kia still betters much of the competition in terms of price, but it needs to match or exceed its counterparts with items such as standard ABS across the lineup (think Honda Civic). However, as an overall value, the updated Spectra line appears capable of running near the front of the pack.

Photos courtesy of Ron Perry and Kia Motors America