The 5 is more of a 5-door hatch than an actual wagon, and should be extremely popular both with young trendsetters and budding families alike. Kia had one on hand at the press event, albeit this car was destined for the upcoming SEMA show in Las Vegas and was therefore tuned to 220+ horsepower via a supercharger and featured a stylish aero body kit painted in bright yellow - not an available paint scheme.

With the click of an electrically actuated button, the lid of the Spectra's accommodating trunk opens. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

What colors are available? The top-line EX Luxury version I drove for the first leg was coated in Radiant Red, a dark tone that gave the Spectra an upscale appearance. I grabbed the keys to a Clear Silver base LX automatic for the trip back to the hotel. Other colors include Black Orchid, Espresso, Sand Beige and Twilight Blue. Don't you love the marketing mavens that come up with names for colors these days?

With the new 2005 Spectra line-up, which will soon include this sporty 5-door hatchback, Kia definitely deserves a larger piece of the lucrative compact car pie. (Photo: Kia Canada)

Before signing off I have to say a word or two about the car's trunk. After pressing the electrically actuated button it popped open to reveal a large, accommodating cargo capacity - 345 L (12.2 cu ft) to be exact - that opens up for longer items if the 60/40 split rear seatbacks are folded forward. But it wasn't the space available that impressed the most, but the attention to detail Kia put into finishing it. The moulded carpet and cloth-like side panels fit perfectly, with no exposed wiring sticking through to catch on cargo or take away from the visual appeal. Kia has also included two handy pull levers under the top of the decklid, to drop either seatback. Most cars in this class make you walk around to the rear doors to fold the seatbacks forward, which can sometimes be a royal pain if carrying a heavy load.