Kia Introduces 2000 Spectra Hatchback Sedan, See The Press Intro For Yourself Here On TACH
7 January 2000
SEE THE INTRO OF THE 2000 KIA SPECTRA FROM KIA MOTORS AMERICAIRVINE, Calif., Jan. 7 -- Kia Motors America today officially unveiled its fourth model to the public. The all-new 2000 Kia Spectra is a hatchback sport sedan designed for people on the go. It is slated to be available in dealerships this spring, and it is expected to further boost Kia's already rapid sales growth. The company's sales increased nearly 60 percent in 1999. Being introduced to the public in consecutive debuts at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show and the North American International Auto Show, the Spectra will maintain Kia's reputation for high-value, well-built vehicles in a strikingly contemporary four-door hatchback silhouette. Despite an expectedly low sticker price, the Spectra is equipped with a high-tech 1.8-liter DOHC engine and sophisticated suspension set-up, which gives the car surprising performance. In addition, it can be easily and affordably modified to give just the level of performance and appearance its buyers desire. The Spectra offers the versatility and convenience of a hatchback configuration with the sleek, modern look of a four-door sedan. Its standard split-folding rear seat and wide, easy-opening rear hatch allows the Spectra to accommodate a variety of passenger and cargo combinations. Its exterior styling includes such upscale touches as clear-lens headlights, body-color bumpers, remote-control body-color mirrors, and multi-speed windshield wipers, yet its base price is expected to be close to $10,000. The Spectra will be available in both GS and GSX trim levels, and it is expected to be a popular platform for affordable performance modifications. The 1.8-liter DOHC puts out 125 horsepower through a slick-shifting five-speed manual transmission, giving the Spectra a level of acceleration that belies its low price and makes it a good candidate for performance tuning. The all-independent suspension was tuned by Lotus Engineering for responsive handling and ride comfort. The sophisticated layout uses MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link design in the rear. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard on both Spectra models. Aiding handling is the precise rack-and-pinion steering system equipped with an engine-speed-sensitive power assist. Both Spectra trim levels are equipped with power-assisted vented front disc brakes and rear drums. A Kelsey-Hayes-designed four-sensor, four-channel antilock braking system (ABS) is optional. Like the high-style exterior, the Spectra interior has the look and feel of a more expensive car. The ergonomically designed instrument panel puts gauges and controls right where you'd expect them. The adjustable seats are covered in a rich, durable fabric, and the interior offers more head, hip and leg room than its Japanese nameplate competition. Despite its entry-level price, the Spectra GS features a wide variety of standard items, including full fabric interior, split-folding rear seat, console/armrest, AM/FM/cassette stereo sound system, tinted glass and tachometer. On the exterior, the GS offers upscale touches that include body-color bumpers, remote-control mirrors and door handles, full wheel covers, bright exhaust tip, rear defroster and two-speed windshield wipers. The GSX trim level offers all these standard features plus a broad range of additions. On the exterior, the GSX adds alloy wheels, front and rear air dams, body skirts, rear spoiler, and a bodyside pinstripe treatment. Inside, the additions are even more extensive: sport fabric seats, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, leather-wrapped gearshift knob, air conditioning, power windows and power door locks. A sophisticated four-speed automatic transmission, cruise control, AM/FM/CD stereo sound system, door-mounted tweeter speakers, variable intermittent wipers, power mirrors, and keyless entry are on the option list. Like all the hot-selling Kia models, which include the Sephia compact sedan, Sportage sport-utility vehicle and Sportage 2-Door Convertible, the Spectra will be covered by two very impressive warranties: a three-year/36,000-mile basic limited vehicle warranty and five-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain coverage. Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and service arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000107/LAF043 )