Teresa’s View: A sweet-ride with excellent value

When the all-new Kia Spectra5 arrived in my driveway, I knew it was going to be a good week. Not only would the 138-horsepower hottie be a terror on the road, but I also knew I would get a chance to mess with people’s minds.

You see, the Spectra5, a hatchback version of the Spectra sedan from Kia, is outfitted in the latest in automotive fashions — a black mesh grille with black-out headlights as nasty as anything worn by Christina Aguilera; 16-inch alloy wheels and low-profile tires; sculpted body parts; and front and rear spoilers your granny couldn’t miss. In short, the Spectra5 is a magnet for racer boys and girls.

I love to watch them eagerly clamoring to see who’s behind the wheel. When they get a glimpse of a middle-aged woman in the driver’s seat, the look on their face is priceless. Ha!

Powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder, “sport-tuned” engine, the Spectra5 is available with either an optional automatic or sporty five-speed manual transmission. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard on all Spectra models, a rarity in the economy classes. For better handling and a stiffer chassis, the Spectra5 adds a strut tower bar, a Kia first.

Class-leading safety equipment and best-in-class passenger room are unexpected benefits not usually found in entry-level cars for young, active types. The Spectra5 comes equipped with six airbags, including dual advanced front and front seat-mounted side air bags, and full-length side curtain airbags.

Inside, Kia has worked hard to improve quality and provide functional value. Metal accents, including aluminum pedals, imbue the Spectra5 with an edgy, youthful air.

There are a few missteps. Leading the way is the mediocre sound system and no MP3 capability. I guess Kia expects buyers to toss the standard audio components for custom gear.

What Is It?: The compact 5-door Spectra5 is priced at $15K plus destination charges. It’s offered in a single fully loaded trim.

Gadget Rating: 6.5 out of 10. Standard features include air conditioning, AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, power heated outside mirrors, rear wiper/washer and a height-adjustable steering column.

The Competition: The Spectra5 butts heads with the Mazda3, Ford Focus ZX5 and Toyota Matrix.

Cheat Sheet: Kia is owned by Hyundai Motor Co.

So, Where Are Ya From?: The Spectra5 is built in Hwasung, South Korea.

What’s Next?: Look for the new Spectra SX, a 4-door sedan version of the Spectra5.

Bottom Line: Spectra5 is a sweet ride at great value with safety features your parents will appreciate.