2008 Kia Spectra

NEW FOR 2008:

- Enhanced anti-theft engine immobilizer

- Map lamp with sunglass case, burglar alarm, passenger sun visor cover and rear ashtray deleted

- Spectra LX Premium adds power sunroof and fog lamps, and deletes alloy wheels

- Spectra5 SX trim line added

Having received a facelift in 2007, the Kia Spectra and Spectra5 undergo only trim changes; the Spectra5 SX, a late addition to the 2007 model year, was previously the Spectra5 Sport.

All Spectra models use a Hyundai-sourced 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, mated to a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic, except the Spectra LX Premium which uses the automatic transmission only. Spectra models are four-door sedans; the Spectra5 is a hatchback, so named because the company counts the liftgate as a fifth door.

Features on the Spectra LX include 15-inch steel wheels, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary jack and USB port, manual remote mirrors, front and rear mud guards, digital clock, cloth bucket seats, 60/40 split folding rear seat, tilt wheel, and three-speed variable intermittent wipers.

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

The LX Premium adds four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, fog lamps, and power sunroof.

Features on the Spectra5 LX and LX Convenience are similar to the Spectra sedan trim lines, but with the addition of a rear washer/wiper.

The SX adds 16-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, fog lamps, body kit, power sunroof, sport cloth seats, leather-wrapped wheel and metal pedals.

The Spectra remains an attractively-priced and sporty-styled vehicle, especially in hatchback configuration, although it previously had six airbags before its redesign. Having anti-lock brakes available on all trim lines would be nice, as well; at a time when automakers are adding more safety features, the Spectra's lack of them, even as extra-charge items, doesn't stack up well against some of the competition.