Kia Spektra Sedan 1.6i 16V LS

If we were to say that car lines from the Far East are attractive to European buyers, we would be lying. For example, the Spectra's low nose, which combines an almost elliptical, chrome-plated mask and an optically too small headlight, does not evoke overly positive emotions. Even the hips. This time around, however, it's not the side stripe that's to blame – it rises towards the rear, exactly in line with today's trends – but the too-small wheels.

Namely, European automakers put 14-inch wheels only on representatives of the lower and lower classes of cars. And it can confuse you in Specter. Thus, the rear end can pleasantly surprise you. Outwardly, it doesn't look too small, and the design of the interesting taillights and trunk lid, finished with a spoiler, can also satisfy European tastes.

But when you look at the Kio Spectro, would you believe it is a good four and a half meters long? The Renault Mégane Classic, for example, is 70 millimeters smaller, so the Spectra is not a real competitor. Even the Opel Vectra is still 15 millimeters shorter and the Škoda Octavia is pretty close to its European competitors. This means the Spectra is up 65mm over the Sephia II it actually replaced, which is pretty encouraging.

Much less reassuring is the fact that it has exactly the same long wheelbase. Feelings become even more encouraging when you open the lid of the sympathetically finished buttocks. Only 416 liters are available, the fabric it's covered in is below average, as is the workmanship, and the opening through which to push longer items into the cabin is too small. But the criticism of the trunk is not over yet. Instead of telescopic brackets, they are still classic here, the trunk lid is completely bare from the inside, and the perforated sheet metal, which with some fantasy could serve as a handle for closing the lid, has such sharp edges that fingers stick inside. this is not recommended. So, if you want to close the trunk, you have only one thing to do - grab the lid from the outside and get your hands dirty. But when you are already a little upset by this, another surprise awaits you. Color Mismatch! The rear bumper differs from other parts of the body in several shades. It can't be true, can it? !! This! Also in front.

It has long been known that Kiah does not have a remote control to operate the middle locks. At least for now, the usual interior of the passenger compartment. The plastic is still dark gray and pretty solid. The black accessories that liven up the center console and the area around the instruments remain smooth and feel the same quality (below average). The gauges are transparent, but too simple, the backlight is yellowish-green, and the speedometer still has both scales (mileage and mileage). Even the dashboard switches are still illogical, and many of them don't light up at night.

The feeling that not everything is the same as in the Sephia II is slightly corrected by the front seats. Especially for drivers who do not have a commendable side grip, but it is quite stiff, does not tire on long trips and, above all, is well regulated. The latter also applies to the steering wheel, if you do not take into account the depth setting. But that won't help you! The only acceptable position suitable for the average European driver is when the seat is at its lowest point and the steering wheel at its highest point, because otherwise - you will not believe - the legroom between them quickly runs out. Yet another proof that the Spectra is not fully custom-made for a European customer. This is evidenced by the spaciousness of the rear seat. There is enough space there, but not as much as one would expect from a four and a half meter long car.

For this car length, the engine range is also modest compared to its European competitors, as it only offers 1-, 5- and 1-liter four-cylinder engines. So, there are only two petrol engines, the more powerful of which can produce on average only 6 kW / 75 hp. and 102 Nm of torque. This means you won't be disappointed with the acceleration and of course the elasticity of the engine.

You will also be disappointed with the noise at the higher revs, the fuel consumption if you are riding it, and the inaccurate transmission and soft suspension. However, it should be recognized right away that at the legally limited speeds, you practically won't feel this. At the same time, the engine becomes moderately powerful and quiet, fuel consumption is quite acceptable, the suspension begins to swallow irregularities softly and comfortably, and it is also pleasant to feel in the cabin. Everything is beautifully positioned over the heads of the passengers. Illuminated lamp, two reading lamps, glasses drawer and cosmetic mirrors stored in umbrellas.

The similarities with Elantra and Matrix (Hyundai) are by no means accidental! This is further evidenced by the leather-wrapped gear shift lever and steering wheel, the real prop for the driver's left foot, while the right-hand prop in the Specter is provided by a drawer located between the front seats. Well, this is a completely different sensation than what you get when looking at the luggage compartment of a Specter or pushing it.

So, what we wrote in the title is correct - Spectra can evoke a very wide range of feelings. However, how wide depends primarily on you and your expectations.

Matevž Koroshec

PHOTO: Uro П Potoкnik

Kia Spektra Sedan 1.6i 16V LS

Basic data

Sales:	KMAG dd
Base model price:	10.369,18 €
Test model cost:	11.760,22 €
Power:	75kW (102 KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h):	11,5 with
Maximum speed:	186 km / h
Mixed flow ECE:	8,0l / 100km
Guarantee:	General warranty 3 years or 100.000 km, warranty 6 years against rust, 5 years or 160.000 km plus warranty (engine and transmission)

Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)

Technical information

engine:	4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - gasoline - front mounted transverse - bore and stroke 78,0 × 83,4 mm - displacement 1594 cm3 - compression 9,5:1 - maximum power 75 kW (102 hp .) at 5500 rpm - average piston speed at maximum power 15,3 m / s - specific power 47,1 kW / l (64,0 l. cylinder - light metal head - electronic multipoint injection and electronic ignition - liquid cooling 144 l - engine oil 4500 l - battery 5 V, 2 Ah - alternator 4 A - variable catalyst
Energy transfer:	engine drives front wheels - single dry clutch - 5 speed manual transmission - gear ratio I. 3,416 1,895; II. 1,276 hours; III. 0,968 hours; IV. 0,780; v. 3,272; reverse 4,167 – differential 5,5 – rims 14J × 185 – tires 65/14 R 18 T (Bridgestone Blizzak LM 1,80), rolling range 1000 m – speed at 33,2 gear XNUMX rpm XNUMX km / h
Capacity:	top speed 186 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h 11,5 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 10,7 / 6,5 / 8,0 l / 100 km (unleaded gasoline, elementary school 95)
Transportation and suspension:	sedan - 4 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - Cx = n/a - front single suspension, spring struts, cross rails, stabilizer - rear single suspension, spring struts, double wishbones, longitudinal guides, stabilizer - two-wheel brakes, front disc ( with forced cooling), rear disc, power steering, ABS, EBD, rear mechanical parking brake (lever between seats) - rack and pinion steering wheel, power steering, 3,1 turns between extreme points
Mass:	empty vehicle 1169 kg - permissible total weight 1600 kg - permissible trailer weight with brake 1250 kg, without brake 530 kg - permissible roof load 50 kg
External dimensions:	length 4510 mm - width 1720 mm - height 1415 mm - wheelbase 2560 mm - front track 1470 mm - rear 1455 mm - minimum ground clearance 150 mm - driving radius 8,5 m
Inner dimensions:	length (dashboard to rear seatback) 1670 mm - width (at the knees) front 1400 mm, rear 1410 mm - height above the seat front 930-960 mm, rear 900 mm - longitudinal front seat 920-1130 mm, rear seat 870 -650 mm - front seat length 490 mm, rear seat 450 mm - steering wheel diameter 380 mm - fuel tank 50 l
Box:	normal 416 l

Our measurements

T = -2 ° C, p = 1002 mbar, rel. vl. = 59%, odometer status = 2250 km
Acceleration 0-100km:	12,2s
1000m from the city:	34,4 years ( 150 km / h)
Flexibility 50-90km / h:	12,9 (IV.) S
Flexibility 80-120km / h:	22,5 (W) p
Maximum speed:	182km / h (V.)
Minimum consumption:	9,1l / 100km
Maximum consumption:	9,9l / 100km
test consumption:	9,5 l / 100km
Braking distance at 100 km / h:	61,0m
Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear	58dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear	57dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear	57dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear	68dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear	64dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear	62dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear	70dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear	68dB
Test errors:	unmistakable

Overall rating (294/420)

• With everything it has to offer, the Kia Spectra barely reaches three, but if we add in the bargain price and long warranty periods, it’s solid enough in the end.

• Exterior (10/15)

  The shape deserves a fairly average rating, but it is not clear that the color shades on the metal sheet and bumpers are different.

• Interior (93/140)

  The interior is gloomy gray, ergonomics are below average, and the switches are illogical, but the biggest criticism is certainly the small and raw trunk.

• Engine, transmission (25
  
  
  / 40)

  The 1,6-liter engine will satisfy the average demanding driver, but unfortunately this is not the case with the drivetrain, which is extremely inaccurate.

• Driving performance (64
  
  
  / 95)

  My biggest complaint is the overly soft suspension, so everything else works just fine.

• Performance (22/35)

  No major remarks on acceleration and top speed (within expectations!), And a small amount of torque signals in advance that this engine is not elastic.

• Security (42/45)

  As for the basic configuration, only two airbags are included in the kit, for everything else you just need to pay extra.

• Economy

  Reasonable price, fuel consumption and long warranty periods are definitely in Spectra's favor, but unfortunately, this does not apply to loss of value.

We praise and reproach

price

warranty periods

sufficiently rigid and well-adjustable driver's seat

nicely organized headspace

box between the front seats

small and below average luggage compartment

classic brackets and a bare sheet of metal (sharp edges!) on the inside of the trunk lid

measured space between steering wheel and driver's seat

loud motor in the upper operating range

inaccurate gearbox

(also) soft suspension