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2008 Kia Spectra Review
Solid value in a solid compact.
2008 Spectra Review Summary & Specifications
The 2008 Kia Spectra is a good quality compact with very good fit and finish. Styling is sharp and distinctive. Power and economy mesh well. Comfort and convenience are fully featured. We could drive one of these every day and be happy. The Spectra SX promises a sportier driving experience, while the Spectra5 delivers the added utility of a hatchback.NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Tom Lankard reported from Northern California, with Mitch McCullough reporting from Southern California.
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| Vehicle Category | Compact Cars |
| Editor | New Car Test Drive |
| Model Lineup | Kia Spectra LX ($12,895); EX ($14,895); SX ($15,995); Spectra5 ($15,995) |
| Engines (standard) | 2.0-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4 |
| Engines (optional) | 138-hp 2.0-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4 |
| Transmissions (standard) | four-speed automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) | five-speed manual; four-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual two-stage frontal airbags; dual front seat-mounted side-impact airbags; full coverage side-impact curtain airbags; three-point seatbelts at all five seating positions; height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters; rear-seat child safety seat anchors; internal emergency trunk release, tire pressure monitor |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | ABS |
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Hwasung, South Korea |
| Manufacturer Phone | 800-333-4542 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.kiaspectra.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 12895 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Kia Spectra EX ($14,895) |
| Standard Equipment | cloth upholstery; air conditioning; AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers and auxiliary input; six-way manually adjustable driver's seat; power windows, mirrors and central locking; tilt steering wheel; 60/40 split folding rear seat; delay-off interior lighting; heated outside mirrors |
| Destination Charge | 650 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | automatic transmission ($1,000); alloy wheels ($400); cruise control |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 17280 |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 138 @ 6000 |
| Torque | 136 @ 4500 |
| Fuel Economy | 24/32 |
| Wheelbase | 102.8 |
| Length/Width/Height | 177.2/68.3/57.9 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 33.3 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 40.0/52.4/42.8 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.2/53.9/35.4 |
| Trunk Volume | 12.2 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 1000 |
| Front Suspension | independent, MacPherson strut, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension | independent, multi-link with Chapman struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Ground Clearance | 6.3 |
| Curb Weight | 2767 |
| Stock Tires | P195/60R15 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/disc |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 |
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