2005 Kia Spectra Road Test

Once on Wilshire Boulevard, the easiest way to Malibu would have been north on the Pacific Coast Highway 1, just down the slope from my hotel, but Kia had different plans. A route was chosen that included a little time on the PCH1 before veering off onto the

The Spectra's independent suspension and gas-charged shocks absorb bumps and blips on road surfaces with the grace of a midsize car. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

winding roadway that snakes through Topanga Canyon, followed by a stint on the 101 and then more time on circuitous mountain backroads. I've taken the route many times before, piloting everything from minivans and SUVs to top-tier sports cars and sedans, which gives me a bit of a reference point for comparing the Spectra. First off its ride is really refined, absorbing bumps and blips on road surfaces with the grace of a midsize car. This

In terms of driving dynamics, I'm almost willing to put the 2005 Spectra in the same class as the stellar Mazda3 and VW Golf. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

probably has a great deal to do with its fully independent suspension and gas-charged shocks all-round. Road noise is extremely low too, better than most in its class. So it rides nice but does it handle like a sports car? Yes and no, which is saying something considering my feelings about the outgoing model's less than ideal underpinnings. There isn't an entry-level compact car on the planet that drives like a well tuned sports car, but a few, including the Mazda3 and VW Golf come pretty close. I'll make a bold statement by going so far to say the new Spectra comes very close to this upper driving dynamic echelon. Say what?!