2009 Kia Spectra

KBB Editors' Overview

Whereas earlier hatchbacks, such as the Honda Civic and Volkswagen GTI, had only two doors, today's hot hatches have four (five if you count the hatch itself). The 2009 Kia Spectra5 follows this logic, providing the interior room and accessibility of the Spectra sedan in a sportier package that closely mimics the hottest of hot hatches, the Mazda MAZDA3s. While the Spectra5 can't yet match the Mazda in the areas of performance, features and resale, it does offer an inexpensive alternative with a lot of aftermarket potential. Don't forget that Kia's incredible 10-year/100,000 powertrain warranty comes standard, too.

You'll Like This Car If...	You May Not Like This Car If...
If your brain says no frills, but your gut says go for more than just value and versatility, the sporty 2009 Kia Spectra5 SX should win a slot on your shopping list.	If you think good handling is wasted without the proper horsepower to back it up, the Spectra5's four-cylinder engine isn't going to win you over.

The Kia Spectra sees no major changes for 2009.