Test drive Kia Spectra 2004 - 2009 sedan

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

In 2002, Kia Spectra was recognized as a car of the year in the USA, where dealers gave a 10-year guarantee for this model. And at the end of August 2005, Spectra stood on the IL-Avo conveyor.

Prior to the start of production, KIA Spectra was familiar to our consumer only by hearsay. Someone has heard something somewhere. We put the points over I. At one time, this car was nothing more than Mazda 323. In 1993, it began to be assembled in Kia under the name Sephia. In 2002, the model was rethought and, having received a new, increased platform from Kia Rio, began to be called Spectra and, by the way, in America, a real bestseller. That is why this car was interested in a group of companies SOK, which at one time revived the IZH-AUTO plant. It was she who proposed to curtail the production of folk, but, alas, an obsolete Izh car and his entire family. So Spectra has become another Russian foreign car at an affordable price.

Outwardly, the machine does not make a strong impression. There is nothing to catch on the eye. The usual remnant, which, in the distant 90s hundreds of thousands, stamped in the country of the rising sun. They could not seriously change the appearance of the car and a huge number of plastic surgery, which, during their triumphant procession in the North American market, was Spectra. However, with all this, the car looks neat and even solid. Its size affects: the car is extended in length, and not as it is now accepted in height.

There are also no design delights inside, the situation is unpretentious and even boring. However, this does not make the salon uncomfortable or non -functional. Being Japanese at one time, Spectra has not lost these features until now, and ergonomics are in the first place. In general, everything is simple, reliable and functional.

Perplexity is only double, in miles and kilometers per hour, digitizing a speedometer: the American heritage of the model affects. It is just as incomprehensible that the warning inscriptions are made not in Russian, but in English: the car is now domestic.

As Russians, we did not fail to examine the trunk. Our everything satisfied with its size, although, of course, 440 liters are already impressive not like ten years ago. For example, another domestic foreign car, namely Renault Logan, which is slightly smaller than Spectra, the luggage of the trunk is 510 liters, but the KIA can increase the freight volume by folding the back of the rear seat entirely or partially.

Unlike their overseas brothers, who have at the disposal of three power units, our Spectra is equipped with a single engine of 1.6 liters and a capacity of 101 hp. Apparently, according to the plans of the Izhevites, he must fully satisfy the requests of the general population. Probably, it is, because during the test we did not have to particularly complain about the capabilities of the car with this engine. The car is quite dynamic: 11.5 seconds to hundreds are the average that 70% of cars can boast today. Did not go beyond decency and fuel consumption; In any case, in the city we fit 10 liters per hundred. He did not annoy the engine and noise. By the way, with noise insulation, the car has everything at a fairly decent level.

Pleasant Spectra in management. Nothing outstanding, of course, but quite acceptable. The presence of an independent suspension is affected both in front and behind. The car writes turns easily, without special rolls and, most pleasant, without unprofitable demolitions. Moreover, the suspension itself provides a comfort sufficient for our roads. Soveting the brakes of disk front and behind. It is only a pity that not all trim levels in Spectra provides for the presence of ABS.

Since it came to configuration, we note that there are four of them. The first, basic, implies the presence of a steering column and a central lock adjustable along the corner of the slope. The second will be completed by the seat belts, two air pillows, the power steering and electric windows. The third, in addition, includes air conditioning, heated mirrors and fog lights, in the fourth 4-speed automatic, and in the fifth ABC, heating the front seats and an electric antenna.

Accordingly, the equipment also varies the price of the car. So, in the cheapest version, the SPectra rate costs about $ 11,500, the standard is 12,220, a machine with a machine gun 14,320, and the richest, suite will cost $ 14,700.

Is it a little expensive? We, too, were puzzled by this question, but there is definitely no reason to answer it. Sales will be shown. In any case, the hopes for Kia Spectra have large dealers.

+ Build quality, dynamics, driving comfort.
Overcharge.

Technical characteristics Kia Spectra

The body carrier, all -metal.
The number of places 5
Equipped mass, kg 1094
Full mass, kg 1600
Dimensions, mm:
- length 4510
- Width 1720
- Height 1415
Base, mm 2560
Trunk volume, l 440780
Maximum speed, km/h 180
Acceleration time to 100 km/h, from 11.5
Control consumption of fuel, l/100 km:
- City cycle 11.0
- Zagorodny 6.5
- Mixed N.D.
Fuel tank volume, l 50
Engine:
- Type in order, 4-cylinder
- working volume, cm3 1594
- Power, L.S. at min-1 101/5500
- torque, NM at min-1 144/4500
Mechanical transmission, 5-speed
Tire size 195/60r14
Wheel suspension (front and rear) independent
Brakes:
- front disk, ventilated
- rear disc
Steering gear-rake, with gur
Price, $ 13,320

Text: Oleg Kalaushin
 
 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [02/2006]