It wasn't that long ago that cynics in the South African motor industry dismissed Kia as a silly upstart, a lightweight brand that had little hope of securing a slice of the new car pie. Today those cynics are very quiet. By Alan Duggan, motoring correspondent Another Kia model has made its way to the South African market, joining an impressive and rapidly growing line-up of affordable vehicles that find favour across a broad spectrum of the motoring public. The same car has established itself as Kia's top seller in the United States market, which may or may not be significant. Developed by Kia Motor Corporation specifically for the export market, the Spectra offers an appealing combination of bold, attractive styling, a large array of convenience features and ample power.
Power is transferred to the wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox.
Convenience features common to both versions include a tilt-adjustable steering wheel and central locking. In the cabin, consoles, storage places, cup holders, trays and pockets offer a place for absolutely everything. There's even a special receptacle for your sunglasses. De-powered air bags are fitted to better protect occupants of all sizes from injury. According to Kia's technicians, the reduced pressure in de-powered airbags allows the deployed airbag to fit the shape of the occupant's body, thereby reducing the risk of injury.