Kia Spectra: Specs, Engines, Performance, and Dimensions
The Kia Spectra catalogue covers four listed production stages from 2000 through 2011: the 1 generation, two restylings of that generation, and the 2 generation. Body styles include Liftback, Sedan, and Hatchback 5-door. Every listed version uses a Gasoline engine, FWD, distributed multi-point injection, and no boost.
The Kia Spectra catalogue covers four listed production stages from 2000 through 2011: the 1 generation, two restylings of that generation, and the 2 generation. Body styles include Liftback, Sedan, and Hatchback 5-door. Every listed version uses a Gasoline engine, FWD, distributed multi-point injection, and no boost. Engine capacities range from 1493 to 1998 cc, while output ranges from 88 to 140 hp.
Kia Spectra Generations
The Kia Spectra 1 generation ran from 2000 to 2002 as a Liftback with three versions: 1.8 MT, 1.8 AT, and 1.5 MT.
The first restyling ran from 2001 to 2004 and retained the Liftback body. Its ten entries cover 1.5 MT, 1.5 AT, 1.8 MT, and 1.8 AT specifications, with duplicate version names distinguished by output below.
The second restyling ran from 2004 to 2011 and changed to a Sedan body. Its six versions comprise 1.6 AT, 1.6 MT, 1.8 AT, 1.8 MT, 2.0 MT, and 2.0 AT.
The Kia Spectra 2 generation ran from 2004 to 2009 as a Hatchback 5-door. Its six catalogue entries are 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT variants, including versions with different power outputs and production periods.
Kia Spectra Engine and Specs
All engines are naturally aspirated Gasoline units with four cylinders, an Inline layout, and distributed multi-point injection. The gearbox is either Manual or Automatic, and every version is FWD.
| Production stage and version | Output | Torque | Capacity | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 generation — 1.8 MT | 127 hp | 167 Nm | 1793 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 1 generation — 1.8 AT | 127 hp | 167 Nm | 1793 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 1 generation — 1.5 MT | 88 hp | 135 Nm | 1498 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Restyling 1 — 1.8 AT, 127 hp | 127 hp | 146 Nm | 1793 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Restyling 1 — 1.8 MT, 127 hp | 127 hp | 146 Nm | 1793 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Restyling 1 — 1.5 MT, 96 hp | 96 hp | 132 Nm | 1493 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Restyling 1 — 1.5 AT, 96 hp | 96 hp | 132 Nm | 1493 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Restyling 1 — 1.5 MT, 108 hp | 108 hp | 136 Nm | 1493 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Restyling 1 — 1.5 AT, 108 hp | 108 hp | 136 Nm | 1493 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Restyling 1 — 1.8 MT, 127 hp | 127 hp | 146 Nm | 1793 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Restyling 1 — 1.8 AT, 127 hp | 127 hp | 146 Nm | 1793 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Restyling 1 — 1.8 MT, 130 hp | 130 hp | 158 Nm | 1793 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Restyling 1 — 1.8 AT, 130 hp | 130 hp | 158 Nm | 1793 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Restyling 2 — 1.6 AT | 101 hp | 145 Nm | 1591 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Restyling 2 — 1.6 MT | 101 hp | 145 Nm | 1591 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Restyling 2 — 1.8 AT | 126 hp | 162 Nm | 1793 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Restyling 2 — 1.8 MT | 126 hp | 162 Nm | 1793 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Restyling 2 — 2.0 MT | 140 hp | 181 Nm | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Restyling 2 — 2.0 AT | 140 hp | 181 Nm | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2 generation — 2.0 AT, 134 hp, 2004–2009 | 134 hp | 180 Nm | 1975 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2 generation — 2.0 MT, 140 hp, 2004–2009 | 140 hp | 184 Nm | 1975 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2 generation — 2.0 AT, 140 hp, 2004–2009 | 140 hp | 184 Nm | 1975 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2 generation — 2.0 AT, 134 hp, 2004–2008 | 134 hp | 180 Nm | 1975 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2 generation — 2.0 AT, 140 hp, 2004–2008 | 140 hp | 184 Nm | 1975 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2 generation — 2.0 MT, 140 hp, 2004–2008 | 140 hp | 184 Nm | 1975 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
Kia Spectra Performance and Fuel Economy
| Production stage and version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 generation — 1.8 MT | not measured | not measured | 9.8 L/100 km | 8.1 L/100 km | 9 L/100 km |
| 1 generation — 1.8 AT | not measured | not measured | 11.2 L/100 km | 7.8 L/100 km | 9.4 L/100 km |
| 1 generation — 1.5 MT | 13.8 s | 180 km/h | 10.5 L/100 km | 6.3 L/100 km | 7.9 L/100 km |
| Restyling 1 — 1.8 AT, 127 hp, 1243 kg | not measured | not measured | 10.7 L/100 km | 7.8 L/100 km | 9.4 L/100 km |
| Restyling 1 — 1.8 MT, 127 hp, 1218 kg | not measured | not measured | 9.8 L/100 km | 7.3 L/100 km | 8.7 L/100 km |
| Restyling 1 — 1.5 MT, 96 hp | not measured | 180 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Restyling 1 — 1.5 AT, 96 hp | not measured | 170 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Restyling 1 — 1.5 MT, 108 hp | not measured | 190 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Restyling 1 — 1.5 AT, 108 hp | not measured | 180 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Restyling 1 — 1.8 MT, 127 hp, 1207 kg | not measured | not measured | 9.8 L/100 km | 7.3 L/100 km | 8.7 L/100 km |
| Restyling 1 — 1.8 AT, 127 hp, 1232 kg | not measured | not measured | 10.7 L/100 km | 7.8 L/100 km | 9.4 L/100 km |
| Restyling 1 — 1.8 MT, 130 hp | not measured | 198 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Restyling 1 — 1.8 AT, 130 hp | not measured | 190 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Restyling 2 — 1.6 AT | 16 s | 175 km/h | 11.2 L/100 km | 6.2 L/100 km | 8.2 L/100 km |
| Restyling 2 — 1.6 MT | 11.6 s | 186 km/h | 10.2 L/100 km | 5.9 L/100 km | 7.1 L/100 km |
| Restyling 2 — 1.8 AT | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Restyling 2 — 1.8 MT | not measured | 196 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Restyling 2 — 2.0 MT | 12.2 s | 175 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Restyling 2 — 2.0 AT | 10.6 s | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 2 generation — 2.0 AT, 134 hp | not measured | not measured | 8.7 L/100 km | 6.7 L/100 km | 7.8 L/100 km |
| 2 generation — 2.0 MT, 140 hp | not measured | not measured | 9.4 L/100 km | 7.1 L/100 km | 8.4 L/100 km |
| 2 generation — 2.0 AT, 140 hp | not measured | not measured | 9.8 L/100 km | 6.9 L/100 km | 8.4 L/100 km |
The repeated 2 generation entries with matching power and transmission have the same listed consumption figures, so they are consolidated in this performance table without changing their specifications.
Kia Spectra Dimensions, Weight, and Capacity
Exterior length, width, and height are not measured in the supplied catalogue data. Kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, tank capacity, and wheel sizes are listed below; “not measured” identifies every missing value.
| Production stage and version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 generation — 1.8 MT | 1161 kg | not measured | not measured | 50 L | not measured |
| 1 generation — 1.8 AT | 1180 kg | not measured | not measured | 50 L | not measured |
| 1 generation — 1.5 MT | 1138 kg | 1590 kg | 150 mm | 50 L | not measured |
| Restyling 1 — 1.8 AT, 127 hp, 2002–2004 | 1243 kg | 1670 kg | not measured | 50 L | not measured |
| Restyling 1 — 1.8 MT, 127 hp, 2002–2004 | 1218 kg | 1670 kg | not measured | 50 L | not measured |
| Restyling 1 — 1.5 MT, 96 hp | 1150 kg | not measured | not measured | 50 L | not measured |
| Restyling 1 — 1.5 AT, 96 hp | 1170 kg | not measured | not measured | 50 L | not measured |
| Restyling 1 — 1.5 MT, 108 hp | 1150 kg | not measured | not measured | 50 L | not measured |
| Restyling 1 — 1.5 AT, 108 hp | 1170 kg | not measured | not measured | 50 L | not measured |
| Restyling 1 — 1.8 MT, 127 hp, 2001–2004 | 1207 kg | 1660 kg | not measured | 50 L | not measured |
| Restyling 1 — 1.8 AT, 127 hp, 2001–2004 | 1232 kg | 1660 kg | not measured | 50 L | not measured |
| Restyling 1 — 1.8 MT, 130 hp | 1200 kg | not measured | not measured | 50 L | 185/65 R14; 195/60 R14 |
| Restyling 1 — 1.8 AT, 130 hp | 1230 kg | not measured | not measured | 50 L | 185/65 R14; 195/60 R14 |
| Restyling 2 — 1.6 AT | 1125 kg | 1600 kg | 154 mm | 50 L | not measured |
| Restyling 2 — 1.6 MT | 1125 kg | 1600 kg | 156 mm | 50 L | not measured |
| Restyling 2 — 1.8 AT | not measured | not measured | 154 mm | 50 L | not measured |
| Restyling 2 — 1.8 MT | not measured | not measured | 154 mm | 50 L | not measured |
| Restyling 2 — 2.0 MT | not measured | not measured | 154 mm | 50 L | not measured |
| Restyling 2 — 2.0 AT | not measured | not measured | 154 mm | 50 L | not measured |
| 2 generation — 2.0 AT, 134 hp, 2004–2009 | 1309 kg | not measured | not measured | 53 L | not measured |
| 2 generation — 2.0 MT, 140 hp, 2004–2009 | 1290 kg | not measured | not measured | 53 L | not measured |
| 2 generation — 2.0 AT, 140 hp, 2004–2009 | 1320 kg | not measured | not measured | 53 L | not measured |
| 2 generation — 2.0 AT, 134 hp, 2004–2008 | 1312 kg | not measured | not measured | 53 L | 195/60 R15; 205/50 R16 |
| 2 generation — 2.0 AT, 140 hp, 2004–2008 | 1312 kg | not measured | not measured | 53 L | not measured |
| 2 generation — 2.0 MT, 140 hp, 2004–2008 | 1282 kg | not measured | not measured | 53 L | not measured |
All versions have Independent, spring front and rear suspension and Ventilated disc front brakes. Rear brakes are Drum on the 1 generation, its first restyling, and the 1.6 and 1.8 versions of the second restyling. The second-restyling 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT and every 2 generation version use Disc rear brakes.
Which Kia Spectra Version to Choose?
For the lowest measured combined fuel consumption, the second-restyling 1.6 MT records 7.1 L/100 km. That is 1.1 L/100 km less than the 1.6 AT, and it also reaches 100 km/h 4.4 seconds sooner while offering an 11 km/h higher top speed.
For maximum listed output, choose one of the 140 hp versions. In the second-restyling Sedan, the 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT both produce 181 Nm from 1998 cc. In the 2 generation Hatchback 5-door, the 140 hp versions produce 184 Nm from 1975 cc, giving them 3 Nm more torque despite 23 cc less capacity.
Among versions with a measured top speed, the first-restyling 1.8 MT with 130 hp is highest at 198 km/h. It is 8 km/h faster than the corresponding 1.8 AT with 130 hp.
Transmission choice also affects weight. In directly comparable first-restyling entries, the 1.5 AT is 20 kg heavier than the matching 1.5 MT, while the 130 hp 1.8 AT is 30 kg heavier than the 130 hp 1.8 MT. In the 2 generation 140 hp 2004–2008 pair, the 2.0 AT is 30 kg heavier than the 2.0 MT.