We at WINDING ROAD are often blessed with great cars such as the Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG and Audi R8. Occasionally, we even have the chance to drive aftermarket performance cars like the Roush 427R Mustang and over-the-top haulers like GMC's TopKick. But lest we forget, the motoring majority toils about in more traditional (and less costly) transportation, and it's in the ultra-competitive everyday segments that it can be the toughest to stand out.

After spending a week with the Kia Spectra5 hatchback, we must say that we’re amazed at how good this little economy car is. We agree that the engine has plenty of power and that the overall package is very usable and affordable. No, the Spectra5 isn’t going to make our top-ten favorites list, but we must still commend the little Kia on being a pleasant surprise in our test pool. We’d still like to see standard anti-lock brakes and perhaps a better wheel/tire package, but we’re not going to complain too much.

Our as-tested price was just above the $18,000 mark, which included an upgraded stereo system, ABS, and a sunroof. With a base price around $16K, we’d definitely recommend the Spectra5 to enthusiasts who want to get maximum versatility out of a car, but don’t want to drain their wallets.

Click through the jump for our driving impressons of the Spectra5 and click the images below to open a high-resolution gallery.

Chris Paukert
Editor:

A surprisingly tidy little package, this Spectra5. I’ve always liked small wagons, and though I’d probably save a bit longer to stretch for a Mazda3, there’s really not much to quibble about with our Kia. Good pace and space, with better than expected levels of fit-and-finish and a great warranty. To my eyes, it’s even rather attractive looking.

Gripes? Well, the clutch uptake could be a bit more linear for my tastes (though who knows what kind of treatment the car received at the hands of the journalists before us), and I’d like to see anti-lock brakes as standard equipment at $15,995.

Phil Floraday
Managing News Editor:

This Spectra feels stronger than the 138 horsepower and 136 pound-feet suggests. I easily passed a vehicle on a two-lane today without downshifting, so the 40-60 time in top gear is adequate for my needs. I thought I’d have to drop a gear or two to pass safely.

I fail to understand why Kia can’t engineer a reasonably sharp suspension/tire combo. I thought I was headed straight for a ditch when I made a typical right-hand turn at 20 mph on wet pavement. The front end turned to a plow and caught just in time to keep me on the pavement. I wasn’t driving hard or trying to fool around when this happened, it was just a typical turn that most new vehicles could negotiate without any drama. Perhaps with some better rubber it would meet my expectations.

Aside from that, this Spectra offers decent room and features for the money. This wagon configuration appears to be gaining popularity in the U.S. and I’d much rather pilot a Spectra than a Dodge Caliber. The engine sounds much healthier than the Dodge and I think it looks better, too.

Steven Ewing
Production Assistant:

I must say, I didn’t have high expectations for the Spectra5. When I drove the sedan a few months back, it was a very mundane experience, so I expected the hatch to be the same. I was wrong. The manual Spectra5 is a very good little car.

Like Phil mentioned, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder feels much more powerful than the quoted 138 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque. I own a 2006 Scion xB and would love to see the Spectra5’s engine under the hood. The Kia’s gear throws seem a bit too long for my tastes, though any sort of short-throw shifter would feel out of place in this car. I noticed a bit of torque steer and Phil completely sums up my feelings about the wheel/tire package.

It’s good to see the Korean carmakers stepping up their product quality levels. In the past, Kias have been frowned upon for being reliable, long-lasting cars, but without any sort of fun-to-drive quotient. There’s still a lot to be done to make Kia a highly-desired automaker, but they’re doing much better than they ever have before. This Spectra5 is definite proof.

Kim Ewing
Business/Fleet Manager:

The Spectra5 is one of those little vehicles that pleasantly surprise you. Nice interior, nice ride, easy shifts, comfortable and quick. It’s also quite appealing to look at, too. For $18,020, this little package comes with everything one might need, and more.

After driving the Spectra5 over a weekend, I grew to enjoy the vehicle more and more. It’s quick about town and great for running errands. The back seats fold flat with a dual split which made for easy packing of grocery bags, a case of water and other necessities.

The shifts are long--but easily adjusted to--though I wish it was a six-speed manual. It takes a bit of pushing to get the Spectra5 up to speed, but once there, the little machine is quite peppy.

2007 Kia Spectra5 SX

Engine: Inline-4, 2.0 liters, 16v
Output: 138 hp / 136 lb-ft
Weight: 2950 lb
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Fuel economy, city / hwy: 27 / 33 mpg (est.)

Base price: $15,995

Antilock brakes: $400
6-disc in-dash CD changer: $300
Power sunroof: $700

Destination: $625
Price as tested: $18,020