Since I realized I was spending more on gasoline than my mortgage payment, I decided it was finally time to get rid of my Chevy Venture Van and look for a vehicle that was more economical on gas usage. Since I no longer required a larger vehicle, I wanted something in a 4-door sedan style that wouldn’t break the bank at the gas pump.

Our local KIA dealership was running a promotion and I came away with a new 2008 KIA Spectra that looked like it was just the vehicle I had been looking for. Color choices are many but black was my favorite, orange or red never. After taking an extended trip over Mother’s Day weekend, I know now my decision was the correct one. Although they state it gets 24 MPG city driving and 32 MPG, we found it actually went a little over 40 MPG on our trip, even through the mountains of Virginia and West Virginia.

There is ample leg room, front and rear, for an extended trip. The front seats totally recline and I must admit I found it comfortable enough to grab a nice nap for about 200 miles.

The specifications on the car are:
Engine
~~2.0 liter, 4-cyclinder
~~iron block, aluminum head valve gear DOHC
~~4 valves per cyclinder
~~continuous variable valve timing
~~displacement ratio 1,975 cc
~~compression ratio 10:1:1
~~horsepower 138 bhp @ 6,000 rpm
~~torque 136 pounds/foot @ 4,5000 rpm
~~electronically controlled 4-speed automatic overdrive

Dimensions
~~wheelbase 102.8 in track front; 58.9 rear
~~ground clearance 6.3 in
~~headroom front 40 in, rear 38.2 in
~~legroom front 42.9 in, rear 35.4 in
~~cargo volume 12.2 cu ft

Body & Chassis
~~front wheel drive
~~steel unibody
~~front suspension Independent
~~MacPherson struts
~~coil springs
~~rack & pinion steering
~~power assisted turns

Brakes
~~hydraulic, power assisted vacuum
~~4 sensor, 4 channel ABS

Tires
P195/60R15

Protection
~~10 airbags
~~front seat belt pretension w/force limit
~~tire pressure monitoring system
~~controlled braking
~~10 year/100,000 mile warranty

Warning Lights that if each came on at the same time would drive me nuts. Already a light stays on telling me there is no passenger in the front seat so safety air bag is not engaged. Now this one may cause me concern if it was off and no-one was there.

~~ Oil pressure warning light
~~ Door ajar
~~ Charging system warning
~~ Safety belt warning
~~ Low tire pressure warning
~~ Air bag warning
~~ Antilock braking system warning
~~ High beam indicator
~~ Low washer fluid
~~ Check engine lamp
~~ Parking brake/Fluid warning
~~ Electronic stability Control/both on and off
~~ Low fuel
~~ Trunk lid open

A personal delight for me is the clock can be set by me and I don't have to have a Rhodes Scholar standing by, it is a snap to work.

My personal car
Wonderful cloth seats that are roomy without taking up a lot of space. The rear comfortably seats three adults with plenty of legroom. Center console in front has storage area with plug adapter for cell phone. Adapter for MP3 player in front console. AM/FM radio with CD player. Auto door locks when car is put in gear; child safety locks on rear. Dual front cup holders as well as cup holder built into the map pocket on the door. Cup holders are also found in the rear for back seat passengers. Power windows and side mirrors. Heated side mirrors. 60/40 split folding rear seat with trunk access. Remote fuel door, trunk and hood release. Air conditioning. Rear spoiler. To my surprise the dealer told me this car came with ashtray and cigarette lighter standard, otherwise it's another $50.

The difference between this car and my van
Naturally there is less room in this vehicle. My van had seating for 7-8 people plus luggage room. This vehicle seats five comfortably and there is a good sized trunk. The spare tire is in the trunk beneath a sturdy durable covering, and though it is one of those tiny tires they have made the room large enough to carry a full size spare and lose no trunk room. You cannot even compare the gas mileage between the two, this car is outstanding in that department. The van had larger front captain seats with fold down arm rests; the car has nice sized seats but you have to share the console to rest your arm. The van was getting up in years and was starting to need repairs; this car is new.

Driving and handling
I was very surprised at the ease of driving my KIA through the mountains. Even with a 4-cyclinder, it handled the grades quite well without seeming to strain the transmission. We ran into a bit of rain several times over the weekend and it had no problems with traction. As far as the twists and turns through the mountain, it was one of the easiest drives we’ve made in a long time. It is surprisingly quiet in the vehicle as well. With the windows up there is little outside noise, especially on the freeways. And did I mention that gas mileage? Outstanding.





Amount Paid (US$): 16,895
Condition: New
Model Year: 2008
Model and Options: EX