#2002 kia spectra ls mpg plus#
Otherwise mirroring the Spectra LS sedans 6-speaker CD audio system, intermittent wipers, cruise control, air conditioning, plus power windows and door locks (without remote), the GS-X adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, as well as distinct cloth seats and 'metal grain' accents for an up-market ambiance. What the GS-X lacks in get-up-and-go it makes up for with standard equipment. The automatic changes gears crisply, however, with immediate downshift response to throttle input.
#2002 kia spectra ls mpg manual#
Nevertheless, the engine is not overly harsh under 4,500 rpm - where most people will keep it - and does meet current ULEV specifications, making it a clean and relatively quiet compromise.Įither a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission is offered, with the latter benefiting acceleration at the expense of rather long throws and a fairly loose and spongy shifter. Sure, the 125-hp 1.8-L 4-cylinder moves the GS-X forward at an adequate pace to keep up with traffic, but the car looks like it should be quicker.
That said most GS-X owners probably won't drive their cars very far beyond posted speed limits as it is.įor that reason most won't be concerned about its only moderate braking capabilities, due to non-ABS equipped front discs and rear drums, and less than exhilarating straight-line performance. The sad thing is, if it weren't for the wheel and tire package, the Kia's fully-independent suspension with MacPherson struts up front and a multilink setup at the rear is probably capable of far greater performance. Through the corners the GS-X leans beyond comfort levels while at high speed it bounces over uneven highway joints, especially disconcerting if experienced during a long sweeping corner. Skinny and undersized, they not only detract from the cars otherwise athletic design but also hinder its handling. Truly, the only weak link in this visual package is the standard 185/65R-14 inch all-season tires and 14-inch alloy wheels. The entire package looks distinctive and more valuable than its entry price suggests. At the rear, a sloping hatch flows into a tall deck lid, which at its terminus crisply drops off into a rounded tail section flanked by large, wraparound triangular-shaped rear light clusters. These sit above rectangular fog lamps that surround a triple-vent air dam, seamlessly molded into the front bumper. At its outer edges four round headlamps join wraparound turn signals under plastic covers. Its sculpted hood melds neatly into a wide and deep trapezoidal grille. Move up to the Spectra GS-X, and its $17,595 gets you more creature comforts plus European inspired 5-door styling. At $14,595 it undercuts most 4-door compacts by $500 to $1,500, while offering at least as many standard features. The 4-door Spectra, that replaces last year's Sephia sedan, is a good case in point. If styling, features, warranty and price are important to you then Kia should definitely make your short list. How do they rate? That depends on your priorities. I've driven almost every Kia available to Canadians over the last two years and have had chance to compare their models to almost every other manufacturer of entry level vehicles. Or maybe, just maybe, it's the cars themselves? Maybe it's their 'unbeatable' service? At least I've heard it's pretty good. So why do we have a sudden fondness for the brand? It must be their witty marketing. They wouldn't have grown so quickly if we hadn't bought their cars. Where the heck did Kia come from anyway? Only two years ago most Canadians had never heard of the Korean manufacturer and now over 150 dealers dot the landscape from sea to shining sea. 2002 Kia Spectra GS-X - Driving a Good Looking, Good Buy
0 kommentar(er)
