How did they get the Spectra to this level? Kia's Canadian division actually hired an ex-Toyota engineer to check tolerances at the Korean plant, according to Bill Porter, president and CEO of Kia Canada, and only accept cars that met this high standard. Amazingly enough, a mere 8,000 unit allotment (Kia would love to get more if they only could) has resulted in a better Spectra for all markets.

Kia Canada hired an ex-Toyota engineer to check tolerances at the Korean plant, to ensure all cars met a high level of fit and finish. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

This theme of higher than expected quality continues over to the inside of the Spectra as well. But Kia really didn't have much of a choice than to step up to the plate and deliver top quality, as its top rivals, which include the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra (the next generation that incidentally will share the Spectra's architecture), Mitsubishi Lancer, and new Mazda3, among others, are doing a fantastic job making entry-level buyers feel like they've arrived.

The new Spectra's high quality theme spills into the interior as well, with above average plastics and workmanship. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

So does the Spectra measure up? Absolutely! Its plastics quality is at the better end of the scale, switchgear and controls above average, and fit and finish top-notch just like on the outside. The standard cloth seats feature much nicer fabric than some competitors' top-grade materials, plus comfortable and supportive cushions that incorporate something Kia calls foam-flex lumbar supports. These automatically adjust to the proportions of the back depending on body shape and weight. My guess is they're similar to contoured office chair pads, and during my daylong test worked just as effectively. Those in the back should find similar levels of comfort, with ample headroom even for my six-plus foot co-driver. Compare the actual interior volume to its rivals and the new Spectra comes out ahead of most of the rest, at 2,748 L (97.0 cu ft).