Pop the hatch and there's ample room, 328L (11.6 cu ft) of it to be exact, while the backseat is also, well, large enough to sleep in let alone bring along additional adult sized passengers.

The Kia Spectra GSX comes equipped with some neat features considering the price, such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a sensational 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system, cruise control and optional air conditioning. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

The rest of the cabin includes some pretty neat features too. The Spectra comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selection knob, an AM/FM/CD player with 6-speakers, a digital clock, cruise control, power windows and optional air conditioning.

Although smooth, if feels like the 4-speed automatic transmission is holding back the GSX's 124-hp 1.8L DOHC engine. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

Once again, Kia has equipped its car with another sensational sound system. It is one of the best systems I have come across in my share of economy car testing. I think listening to music is essential when driving, and I am sure most people my age would agree.

Powering the GSX is a 1.8L DOHC, iron block and aluminum head engine which produces 124-hp at 6,000 rpm and 119 lb-ft of torque at 4,900 rpm. While offering more horsepower and torque than some of its competitors, this particular Spectra was held up by its' 4-speed automatic transmission. I am not a huge fan of autoboxes, as I have mentioned previously, but the convenience was appreciated during city driving. While it lacked the jump of the standard 5-speed manual, the automatic transmission was very smooth without the jerkiness often associated with economy car auto gearboxes.