2000 Kia Sephia/Spectra: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Now owned by South Korean compatriot Hyundai, Kia added a new version of its subcompact Sephia sedan for 2000. Called Spectra, it's a hatchback derivative with different front-end styling, sportier suspension tuning, more standard features, and slightly higher prices. Both models use a 115-horsepower 4-cylinder engine and manual or optional automatic transmissions.
Base and LS Sephias continues unchanged except for equipment. The base model keeps last year's price but adds power steering, AM/FM cassette, and a split-fold rear seatback that cost $855 extra before. The LS is hiked $600, but now includes power windows and locks, air conditioning, AM/FM cassette, and tachometer. Spectra comes in GS and better-equipped GSX models; the latter is equipped like the LS Sephia but also includes alloy wheels instead of steel rims, front and rear spoilers, and lower-body skirts.
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are optional on Sephia LS and Spectra GSX in place of non-ABS rear-drum brakes. Spectra GSX can also be ordered with cruise control, remote keyless entry, power mirrors, and intermittent wipers.

COMPETITION

This crowded segment is best represented by two exceptional cars--one a Best Buy and the other a Recommended. Our Best Buy is the Honda Civic, which offers a wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment levels. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and is very civilized.
Topping the Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys as they are better than the Civic in many ways. However, they are also the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Chevrolet Cavalier and Dodge Neon, the slightly-upscale Chevy Prizm and clone Toyota Corolla, and the roomy Mazda Protege.
If you are looking for a Budget Buy we recommend you stay away from the Hyundai or Daewoo models and take a look at the Ford Escort.