2005 KIA New Vehicle Model Guide by Bob Plunkett : ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine

Kia Sedona

The minivan from Kia looks good in terms of its package size, the functionality of cabin space and seat arrangements, plus on-board safety systems and lots of preferred features as standard. Sized between minivans with short and long wheelbases, Sedona contains all of the favored minivan features, from twin sliding side doors to three rows of seats for seven, deluxe appointments in a spacious cabin, and ample power flowing from a V6 engine, the same V6 that powers Sorento and Amanti. That twin-cam plant -- a 3.5-liter V6 -- produces 195 hp for Sedona and ties to a five-speed automatic transmission.

Sedona's standards include air conditioning; power-operated controls for doors, locks and mirrors; cruise control; variable intermittent front wipers and rear intermittent wipers; even rear flip-out quarter windows and a stereo system with six speakers. On 2005 issues, two captain's chairs fit in the second row on the LX edition in place of the standard bench.

Kia Optima

Kia's mid-size sedan appears stylish, stocks comfy seats in a cabin that's as spacious as best-selling mid-size sedans, then brings two engine choices including a V6 teamed to a select-shift automatic. Optima's structural and mechanical elements -- platform, suspension system and engines -- come from Hyundai's Sonata. Although the two cars share these essential components, each looks different, with Optima dressed in conservative exterior style and the cabin containing equipment unique to Kia.

All issues have standard equipment like air conditioning, a stereo sound system with six speakers, and power controls for windows, locks and mirrors. The Optima LX uses a four-cylinder engine and a four-speed automatic with optional Sportmatic mode for clutch-less shift control. The Optima LX V6 and EX V6 bring a 2.7-liter aluminum V6 that makes 178 hp through the automatic with Sportmatic shifting. For 2005, the EX V6 adds a sunroof with one-touch toggle for opening and closing, and a new paint shade shows up called Radiant Red.

Kia Rio

Best-selling subcompacts from Kia are promoted as bottom-dollar cars with feisty power and too-cool styling, inside and out. Rio is a four-door sedan, while the hatchback version is called Cinco -- a word in Spanish that translates into English as the number five, which happens to be the count for all doors. Both models share the same 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which delivers 105 hp and links to a manual five-speed or optional automatic four-speed transmission. Alloy wheels go to the Cinco, along with body-colored exterior trim. For both cars the cabin structure is tall so driver and passenger ride high in front buckets, followed by a rear bench with indentions for two. Optional gear loads the bottom line, but not severely. The extra items include an automatic transmission, air conditioning, upgrade package and ABS.

Kia Spectra

Kia rolled out a new rendition of the front-wheel-drive (FWD) Spectra late in 2004 as a shapely four-door sedan for the compact class with respectable power, noteworthy safety systems and price points honed to a competitive edge. It continues in 2005 with a new AM/FM/CD audio system added. Trim classification shows a base-level Spectra LX price leader and the deluxe EX edition with luxury gear aboard. Layout of the cabin appears conventional with two buckets up front and a bench for up to three riders in back, although personal space for heads, shoulders and legs is definitely not conventional for a car in the compact mold -- there's room to stretch out.

Spectra also exceeds convention for safety systems - multi-stage frontal and side-impact air bags, curtain-style air bags for outboard seats in front and back, and four-wheel disc brakes. Further, there's a strong engine aboard that displaces 2.0 liters and comes with continuously variable valve timing (CVVT). It produces 138hp with a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. The standards on the Spectra LX extends to power steering, a tachometer, rear folding seatback with 60/40 split and dual map lights.

Kia Spectra5

The compact-size Spectra series expands to include a sporty five-door hatchback variation in the 2005 class. It carries the same engine and running gear as the sedan version of Spectra, but scores taut suspension tuning and 16-inch alloy wheels. Extra exterior adornments range from blackout headlamps plus fog lamps and black mesh insert for the grille to an aggressive spoiler on the tail. In the cockpit, Spectra5 shows perforated leather on the steering wheel and shifter knob, metal-finish trim on dash and doors and metal pedals on the floor.

Kia Sportage

Kia's first SUV, absent from the line while undergoing a new generational design, lands in North America in 2005 in a contemporary package that brings SUV functionality but the smooth ride quality of a compact-class sedan. The Sportage in this new treatment promises class-leading space in the five-seat cabin with generous headroom and legroom, plus maximum cargo space. Safety equipment also expands with six air bags as standard issue including curtain-style air bags stretching the length of the cabin. Sportage will offer FWD and 4WD traction options and two different powertrains. The base plant, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, ties to a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. The up level 2.7-liter V6 worth 175 hp uses the automatic shifter exclusively.

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