Kia Spectra

The Kia Spectra, Kia Cerato, or Kia Forte is a compact car / small family car produced by the Korean automaker Kia Motors since 2000, originally sold only as a hatchback. When the car was redesigned in 2004-05, it later became Kia's top-selling vehicle in the United States, which it remains.

First generation (2000-2004)

When introduced for the 2000 model year for Korea and the United States, it was a hatchback version of the Kia Sephia and Kia Shuma (pronounced Shü-mä´), and replaced the Sephia. It was developed from Kia's previous hatchback, the Mentor (Sephia Leo). Several years later, Kia reveals the minor redesigned model. Renamed as Spectra Wing / Shuma II. Its successor is also the Kia Cerato as the Spectra / Sephia II models. The Shuma was powered 1.5L and 1.8L fuel injected four-cylinder petrol engines and its £8,500 starting price was £3,000 less than the approximately equivalent Ford Focus. In 2002 it replaced the Sephia and Shuma completely, though it was the same vehicle. In Russia production of first-gen Spectra is continued by Izh-Avto.

• Kia Shuma/Spectra 2000-2004 performance:
• 1.6L DOHC engine 107hp 0-100km/h: 11 sec., top speed: 115mph (185km/h) MT
• 1.6L DOHC engine 107hp 0-100km/h: 13 sec., top speed: 111mph (178km/h) AT
• 1.8L DOHC engine 125hp 0.100km/h: 9.8 sec., top speed: 123mph (198km/h) MT
• 1.8L DOHC engine 125hp 0.100km/h: 10.9 sec., top speed: 118mph (190km/h) AT
• 2.0L DOHC engine 132hp 0.100km/h: 8.9 sec., top speed: 128mph (206km/h) MT
• 2.0L DOHC engine 132hp 0-100km/h: 10.0 sec., top speed: 125mph (201km/h) AT

Three trim levels were available: an entry level S, slightly upgraded SX, and the top-of-the-range GSX.

Second generation (2005-2008)

The 2005 redesign shares the platform of the Hyundai Elantra. The hatchback version is called the Spectra5, and is known as the Kia Cerato in Korea and Australia. The car is offered in the European and North American markets, and has a wide range of engines: four for Europe and two for the other markets. Is also sold in China, Chile and in Brazil.