Four-Door Sedan Offers Best-In-Class Standard Safety Features, Interior Volume

    DETROIT, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) unveiled the
all-new 2004 Kia Spectra* four-door compact sedan today at the North American
International Auto Show.  The best selling, most recognized nameplate from Kia
in the U.S. market, the all-new Spectra features dynamic styling and a longer
wheelbase, a wider track and more horsepower than its predecessor for better
handling characteristics and improved performance.  The new Spectra also
delivers best-in-class standard safety features, including six airbags with
full-length side-curtain airbags, and four-wheel disc brakes.
    Already a segment leader in value and warranty coverage in a hyper-
competitive segment, the all-new Spectra's longer wheelbase and increased
width and height contribute to the sedan's class-leading 97 cubic feet of
passenger room.  Add in the fact that the Spectra will be the lowest priced
vehicle in the U.S. to offer a side-curtain air bag system and it is easy to
see why the new more desirable, more substantial Spectra will stand out from
the competition.
    "The 2004 Kia Spectra is another excellent example of Kia's continued
commitment to move beyond our traditional strengths of high value by
delivering stylish, fun-to-drive vehicles featuring high levels of comfort,
roominess and a class-leading array of safety features," said Peter M.
Butterfield, president, Kia Motors America.  "The Kia brand appeals to
consumers' desire to find the best value for the money, and the new Spectra
will exceed expectations with its high levels of quality and comprehensive
equipment not traditionally found in a compact sedan."

    A New Design, Inside & Out
    Kia believes the redesigned 2004 Spectra will stand out from the crowd
with styling elements and character not normally associated with the compact
segment.  Built on a new platform with a longer wheelbase and increased
overall width and height from its predecessor, the all-new Spectra offers a
more agile, athletic stance and a more substantial, yet modern, appearance
with its sculpted exterior design and class-leading interior volume.

    -- With total interior room of 97 cubic feet, the Spectra has the roomiest
       cabin in its segment, and features as much or more interior space than
       many larger sedans.
    -- The 2004 Spectra's trunk capacity is significantly larger than ever
       before.  At 12.2 cubic feet of storage space, the larger trunk volume
       is a gain of nearly 2 cubic feet over the previous generation vehicle.

    Ultimate Safety and Security at a Tremendous Value
    One of the biggest stories about the all-new Spectra is its unprecedented
level of safety features for a vehicle in its class.  The Spectra is equipped
with a high level of safety equipment that moves the four-door sedan to the
head of the compact class.

    --  The all-new Spectra features six standard air bags, including dual
        advanced front and front seat-mounted side air bags, and full-length
        side curtain air bags.  To ensure that the front air bags are deployed
        properly, sensors controlling the front supplemental restraints
        determine whether the seat belt is buckled and gauge the severity of a
        frontal impact before deployment.
    --  Spectra is only vehicle in its segment with standard full-length side
        curtain air bags, and is the lowest priced car in the U.S. to offer
        this feature as standard equipment.
    --  The 2004 Spectra comes equipped with standard four-wheel disc brakes.
        Anti-lock brakes are optional on the EX trim level.

    Additional safety features include: front seatbelt pre-tensioners and
force limiters, 3-point seatbelts for all five seating positions, Lower
Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and child safety door latches.

    More Power + More Torque = Increased Performance
    For 2004, all Spectra models feature increased horsepower and torque,
better fuel economy and reduced emissions from the previous generation
vehicle.

    --  Spectra's new 2.0-liter DOHC engine, which now incorporates
        continuously variable valve timing, produces 14 more horsepower for a
        total of 138 hp, and 16 lbs.-ft. more torque for a total of 135
        lbs.-ft.
    --  Featuring multi-port electronic fuel injection, the new engine
        provides more standard horsepower than many of the competing vehicles
        in the segment, including the Honda Civic LX, Toyota Corolla LE,
        Nissan Sentra S and Ford Focus SE.
    --  Spectra's new engine can be mated to either a five-speed manual or an
        optional, electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.
    --  Fuel economy for vehicles equipped with the four-speed automatic
        transmission is expected to improve from 22-mpg city and 30-mpg
        highway to 25-mpg city and 34-mpg highway.

    Improved Ride, Handling & Responsiveness
    Unlike many compact sedans that offer low-tech, entry-level suspension
layouts, the 2004 Spectra features an all-independent suspension for
responsive handling and ride comfort.

    --  Spectra's suspension layout uses MacPherson struts in front and a
        multi-link design in the rear and was carefully tuned to achieve the
        optimum balance between a comfortable ride and responsive handling.
    --  Unlike several competitors, front and rear stabilizer bars are
        standard on all Spectra models. Aiding handling is a precise
        rack-and-pinion steering system equipped with engine-speed-sensitive
        power assist.

    Packaged for Comfort and Convenience at the Right Price

    The all-new four-door Spectra is available in two trim levels: LX and EX.
    Like all of Kia's vehicles, each model features an impressive list of
standard features inside and out, including: auto-off headlights, AM/FM/CD
audio system with six speakers and door-mounted tweeters, height adjustable
steering column, tachometer, eight-way adjustable driver's seat, digital
clock, tinted glass, rear window defroster and dual map lights with sunglasses
holder.
    Major options for the LX trim level include four-speed automatic
transmission with overdrive, air conditioning, rear spoiler and carpeted floor
mats.
    The Spectra EX model offers additional standard equipment, including: air
conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, dual
body-color heated power outside mirrors and front fog lights.  Optional
equipment includes four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, cruise
control, alloy wheels, power moonroof with tilt, rear spoiler, carpeted floor
mats and a body kit that adds a front spoiler and rear valence.
    The 2004 Kia Spectra is built in Hwasung, South Korea, and will be
available in showrooms in late spring.  Pricing will be announced closer to
launch.

    Kia Motors America is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia
Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea.  For more information, including vehicle
photography and specifications visit http://www.kiamedia.com.

    * The Spectra will be sold as "Cerato" in Asian and European markets

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