2004 KIA Cerato / Spectra Hatchback 2.0L 4AT FWD (143 HP)

Vehicle Overview

In 2004, Kia launched the second generation for its compact hatchback Cerato, also known as Spectra 5 in the U.S.

While it didn’t have a long life since it was replaced in 2008, the Cerato hatchback was an important step ahead for the Korean carmaker. An action required before the launch of one of the most important cars from its lineup, later on, the cee’d. It was built as an alternative for the pricier Civics.

There was a new design language for the Korean carmaker, but it didn’t know exactly which one. It was a combination between the sharp lines of the headlights and the fluid ones on the sides plus a Nissan Almera hatchback inspired rear end, with a different shape for the taillights.

The interior was even more mesmerizing. It featured a clean and rounded dashboard design and an assorted instrument cluster, but then it was the center stack, which didn’t look like it belonged there. It looked like it was dismantled from a bigger vehicle and just snapped into place. And if you’d turn it upside down, it looked like a sad robot.

For the drivetrain, Kia installed only one engine for the U.S. market and four for the European customers. It seems like the carmaker didn’t know where it should be its primary market. All versions were paired to a 5-speed manual as standard, and the automatic transmissions were available just for the gasoline-powered versions. Fortunately, the cee’d come only in time four years later to save the brand’s image. Not even the 2006 facelifted Cerato hatchback could keep the Korean compact vehicle.