Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Kia miserly with gas not comfort, performance



The teeter-totter of a few cents every week at the gas pump is enough to drive anybody crazy.

But if you're a proud owner of a 2009 Kia Spectra - a vehicle that offers as much in terms of amenities as it does for economical factors like fuel-efficiency and reliability - there isn't a whole lot that you're going to be worried about.

With sleek style rolled up in an affordable package, the Spectra has easily become Kia's top-selling vehicle in a campaign that has secured a customer base that runs the gamut from commuters to first-time buyers to those who just don't want to spend an arm and a leg every time they head to the pump for a fill up.

"Right now, people are definitely concerned about fuel-economy, and with the Spectra they know that they're getting an efficient vehicle," said Kia Country Sales Manager Dan Espino. "It's reliable and it has one of the best warranties in the business.

"That's why it remains our best-selling vehicle by far."

If it's style that you're in the market for, the Spectra is available in two different models - including the ground-hugging and easily customizable Spectra5 that brings a different look to the traditional compact hatchback.

Even the standard Spectra sedan is something that will attract attention - especially with the EX package that includes a rear spoiler, customized exhaust, and interior accents that keep the car looking new long after it's driven off the lot.

The best benefits of being a Kia owner, however, are the ones that you can't see.

While most other new car purchases included standard base warranties with optional upgrades at an inflated cost, every new Kia comes standard with a 10-year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, and a five-year, 60,000-mile roadside assistance program that adds the comfort of knowing that you'll be taken care of if anything ever goes wrong.

And to safeguard against the unthinkable, Kia has outfitted the Spectra with a coveted safety system anchored by an Anti-Lock Braking System that gives the vehicle more control on wet or uneven surfaces, and an advanced airbag system that includes six strategically placed airbags throughout the car to protect passengers in the event of the extremely-dangerous side collision or a rollover.

Adding to the total package, the Kia-Hyundai Corporation announced earlier this year that they had formed a partnership with Microsoft to incorporate the software giant's technology into future models. They will add systems that will only enhance the driving experience, and add another selling point for what has become one of America's most cost-effective cars.

"Right now we have a lot of models in stock, and there are big savings available," Espino said. "With gas prices the way that they are, it's a perfect choice for somebody who drives a lot."

New Spectra models are available with rebates up to $2,000 and financing as low as 2.5 percent for 60 months.

Jason Campbell

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