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Kia Spectra

First released in 2000, the Spectra has a different name in Korea and Europe - the Cerato. The first generation model went around on sale till 2004, and came with a hatchback. The performance was commendable and it had already set the shaping for the second generation models which were the redesigned versions that were rolled out in 2004. Amongst American buyers, the second generation model has become the highest selling Kia car. The model has seen a number of modifications over the years ever since it came around. The arrival of the model was seen as a bright mark in the history of Kia Motors, since it coincided with the Hyundai phase after its slump in the late '90s.

First generation

The Spectra models used a series of cars between 2000 and 2004, providing Spectra buyers with different options each year. 1.6L was the minimum engine size, and variations came with 1.8 and 2.0L engines - all of them using the DOHC design. The available top speed in these cars would be something between 115 - 125 mph (185 - 201 km/hr), which made the cars all the more family friendly. The cars' size and design was also made with family buyers in mind. If you remember the Spectra hatchback, it is a feature that was laid across all the cars in the model.

Competition

The equivalent car in the market was the Ford Focus. However, the Shuma, which is a particular variation of the first generation Spectra models powered by 1.6 and 1,8L engines were found to cost lesser than the Ford competitor. Hyundai had yet another influence when it came to the designing of the second generation models were done in a similar manner to the Hyundai Elantra. Most of the second generation Spectra models were released with 1.6L engines until 2007, when the 2.0L had come in with a 143 bhp.

Second generation Kia

The second generation Spectra had done away with the hatchback, except for one of the models which is the Spectra5 variation. This has also been a commonly popular American car, with favorable feedbacks. GEMA engines were used as part of a new modification when a facelift was also implemented by restyling the bumper and head lamps giving it a more smoothened appearance.

The 'Spectral' versatility

The Spectra has been one of America's favorite models and the European Cerato is no less, one of the most popular KIA Cars. The Cee'd has been one of Europe's favorite cars and it looks quite similar to the Spectra5 in America. These cars would be ideal for family vacations and cars nowadays being used mainly for leisure and cargo purposes, Kia Motors' launch of these models have had their business flowing like never before. If you are worried about the performance of these hatchbacks, you may as well try out the models for a test drive in a store down in you area. Kia store locators are available on the company website. You would be required to give in your state and pin code only.