Time for a change

srobertson

Kia is getting new respect with new offerings

Change is in the wind at Kia -- change in perception, expectations -- even change in quality. Kia's U.S. sales grew 14 percent in 2004, but the South Korean automaker wants to be taken even more seriously, and is aggressively designing new vehicles.

Consider the new full-size SUV concept vehicle unveiled last week at the North American International Auto Show. Called "Mesa," it is a rugged body-on-frame design with three rows of seats, a pair of skylights that run the length of the vehicle, and running boards that automatically retract when the doors are closed. Like Hummer and Jeep, Kia has a history of building military vehicles, and drew on that legacy to build the Mesa. Among its most unique features is a powerful LED search light mounted above the windshield. Kia says the light is "perfect for lighting up the waves at a nighttime surfing session."

Although Mesa isn't in production yet, a far more practical model dubbed the Spectra5, which I test-drove for this review, is. Equipped with a front spoiler, black mesh grille, black headlight bezels, upgraded tires, 16-inch alloy wheels, side sills, rear valance panel and rear spoiler, the "5" competes with sport versions of the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, and recalls the number designation that BMW uses. But in this case, the "5" designates the handy rear fifth door, or hatchback, that rises to reveal the versatile carpeted cargo area.

Kia equipped the Spectra5 with sportier suspension settings and more aggressive trimmings than the standard Spectra. Buyers preferring a more traditional approach can opt for the SX sedan. Either model gives you a surprisingly well-appointed interior, including a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, gray sport cloth upholstery, metallic trim pieces and metal-trimmed pedals.

The 5 is powered by a 2.0-liter 16-valve dual overhead camshaft engine with variable valve timing producing 138 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque. Kia's literature brags that that's more power than a Corolla, Civic or Ford Focus. Four-wheel independent rear suspension provides modern handling and sporty performance, and standard 4-wheel power-assisted disc brakes promise sure stops.

Upholstery is soft to the touch and has an upscale look. The dashboard has a two-tone design, and includes a sunglasses holder, cupholders that can accommodate large-size drinks, and an AM/FM CD player with six speakers. The new Spectra also is the first compact four door in the segment with standard head curtain airbags. Side-mounted airbags for front-seat riders also are standard, bringing to six the number of airbags in this low-priced car.

Driving the Spectra

From the remote-entry key fob to the power windows and heated mirrors, the Spectra5 rewards its driver. My test vehicle had power rack and pinion steering, tilt steering wheel with cruise control, tachometer, air conditioning, and an automatic transmission. The 138-horsepower engine had no trouble pulling around the little 2800-pound front-wheel-driver. The transmission shifts were well suited to the engine's power curve, but I wish the shift lever stopped automatically in the "D" position when you pull it out of "Park," instead of in the "3" position. I think a lot of people will be driving around in third gear instead of overdrive. I occasionally did, and I noted that the owner's manual cautions you to carefully select "D." Some Japanese brands are also built this way, but I don't know why.

The new Spectra5 is almost devoid of wind noise at cruise speed. The engine gets a bit "buzzy" at higher RPMs during hard acceleration, but this diminishes when the transmission shifts into overdrive. At 70 miles per hour with the engine humming softly and the stereo singing happily, the Spectra5 is a stylish ride that provides confident handling and unexpected comfort. The handy storage spaces, 6-way adjustable driver's seat, front-door map pockets with bottle holders and seat back pockets, combine for a satisfying ride. The rear seat splits 60/40 and also tumbles forward to make the 98-cubic-feet interior even more versatile. College students will be able to stuff an entire dorm room of dirty clothes in there!

Kia says it will be the first automaker to offer side airbags on its entire lineup. It is offering my test vehicle, complete with a power moonroof, for a reasonable $17,540. It was rated at 24 city and 34 highway miles per gallon and carried Kia's standard 10-year/100,000-miles powertrain warranty.

Steve Robertson of Robertson's Creative Photography is a car enthusiast and former staff writer/photographer for the Southeast Missourian. Contact him at sjr1@robertsonsphotography.com.