The Kia Spectra was a compact car that Kia built between 2000 and 2009 in two generations. It took most of its design from the Sephia, which had gone out of production in most countries in 2000, and it was replaced by the Forte, known as the Cerato in some markets.
Kia Spectra at a glance
| Maker | Kia Motors |
|---|---|
| Production | 2000–2009 |
| Predecessor | Kia Sephia |
| Successor | Kia Forte/Cerato |
| First generation | 2000–2004 |
| First engine | 1.8-litre DOHC four, 125 hp |
| Second generation | from 2005 |
| Second engine | 2.0-litre Beta II with dual CVVT, 138 hp |
| Gearbox | five-speed manual or four-speed automatic |
| Russian production | 2000–2011 |
History of the Kia Spectra
The Spectra was a front-engine, front-wheel-drive subcompact saloon designed for affordability and versatility, making the most of the space it had. The first generation used a 125 hp 1.8-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, and came in G, GX and GX-S versions. Reviewers noted a quiet interior, a smooth ride and materials that were good for the price, and sales were healthy, yet the car lasted only two years before being redesigned. A slight facelift changed its appearance in 2001.
Second generation (2005)
The second Spectra updated the body styling, added power and improved practicality. Its engine was Hyundai’s 2.0-litre DOHC Beta II four with dual continuously variable valve timing, producing 138 hp and 136 lb-ft, up from 125 hp and 108 lb-ft. The gearbox choices stayed the same, and the trims were renamed EX, LX and SX: the EX was the basic car, the LX added luxury equipment and the SX brought sportier styling.
Production and replacement
The Spectra was also built in Russia from 2000 to 2011, which gave the model a longer life there than in most markets. It was replaced by the Forte, sold as the Cerato in some countries, and that car carried the compact Kia saloon line into its next generation.
Design and features
- Sephia heritage: much of the first Spectra’s design came from the previous model.
- Simple range: one engine and a choice of manual or automatic in each generation.
- More power in 2005: the Beta II engine raised output from 125 to 138 hp.
- Long Russian run: production there lasted until 2011.
Kia Spectra versions
- Spectra first generation (2000–2004): 1.8-litre, G, GX and GX-S trims.
- Second generation (2005–2009): 2.0 Beta II, EX, LX and SX trims.
- Russian-built Spectra (2000–2011): the longest-running version.
The Spectra followed the Kia Sephia and was replaced by the Kia Cerato, also sold as the Forte. More Kia models are in the Kia collection.
Sources
- Kia Spectra, English Wikipedia: both generations, engines, trims, production
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