Buyer’s Guide: 2007 Kia Spectra/Spectra5

For 2007, the Kia Spectra and Spectra5 receive a facelift, with new headlamps, bumpers, grille, wheels, taillights and trunk lid, and new gauge cluster, centre console and seat patterns. MP3 compatibility and an auxiliary jack are now standard, as are floor mats and exterior mudguards.

The trim line-up has also been streamlined: Spectra models are now the LX, LX Convenience and LX Premium, while the Spectra5 comes as the LX and LX Convenience. The Spectra5 Sport is now the SX, which will be available later in the model year.

All Spectra models use a Hyundai-sourced 2.0-litre engine with continuously variable valve timing. It’s mated to a five-speed manual in the LX and LX Convenience that can be optioned to a four-speed automatic; the LX Premium is automatic only.

Features on the LX include 15-inch steel wheels, front and rear mud guards, CD/MP3 stereo with four speakers and auxiliary audio jack, front and rear floor mats, six-way manual driver’s seat, 60/40 folding rear seat, auto-off headlamps, and variable intermittent wipers.

The LX Convenience adds power heated mirrors, air conditioning, power windows, and power locks with keyless entry.

The LX Premium adds 15-inch alloy wheels and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS.

The Spectra5 LX and LX Convenience have the same features as the sedan trim lines, but with the addition of a rear washer/wiper.

The Spectra’s price point is an attractive one and it’s a well-done little car, but when it was redesigned in 2005, it had six airbags; now, it has only the mandatory driver and front passenger front bags. You also have to move up to the LX Premium to get anti-lock brakes. At a time when manufacturers are using safety as a major selling point, it’s a very strange step backwards indeed.