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Coming off a 63 percent increase in calendar ’99 sales, Kia of South Korea has added a new compact sedan for 2000, the Spectra, in base and top-of-the-line GSX version.

The Kia lineup now includes the compact Spectra and Sephia sedans and Sportage sport-utility. Still coming are the subcompact Rio sedan this fall as a 2001 model, the smallest and least expensive (less than $10,000) Kia; and a new midsize sedan that’s still unnamed and will be the largest and most expensive (less than $20,000) vehicle at Kia.

A mini-van and a larger SUV, built off a stretched Sportage platform, arrive for 2002.

For 2000, Kia forecasts sales to rise to 100,000 (up from 80,000) in the U.S., and eventually to reach 200,000 annually when the new models arrive.

The Spectra GSX we tested caters to consumers leery about that first South Korean car purchase.

Fearful of abhorrent styling? Not the case with Spectra, which is rather pleasant to look at and, depending on the angle of viewing, comes across as somewhat Infiniti-like.

Weary of new-car prices that force low-income buyers to opt for used vehicles? Not with Spectra GSX, with a base price of $12,995 and standard equipment that includes air conditioning, power door locks, AM/FM stereo with cassette, rear window defroster, dual air bags, tilt steering, body-side pinstripes and tinted glass.

And name one other four-door hatchback sedan in the market that offers a rear window wiper. Spectra has one, a $95 option.

But while concentrating on looks, equipment, low initial price and respectable mileage (23 m.p.g. city/29 m.p.g. highway from the 1.8-liter, 125-h.p., 16-valve 4-cylinder with 5-speed manual), Kia could have paid far more attention to ride, handling and performance.

Lotus Engineering tuned the suspension, but that doesn’t mean Spectra rides and handles like an Elan as much as it does a low-price, high-mileage Spectra economy sedan with a novel rear-window wiper.

And the 5-speed manual tended to resist attempts to slip into reverse in one, two or even three easy moves. Consider the 4-speed automatic–at a hefty $975.

Spectra is basic transportation, point-A-to-point-B mobility in a vehicle with a new-car smell. The 4-cylinder is underpowered. Very underpowered.

Because South Korean cars still aren’t up to the q uality and comfort levels of all the other nationalities on the road, you pay a low initial price to own one. But be prepared to accept low resale value, too.

Also of note, ABS is an $800 option and offered only on the GSX, and upgrading to an audio system with CD player will cost $295.

2000 Kia Spectra GSX
Wheelbase: 100.8 inches
Length: 176 inches
Engine: 1.8-liter, 125-h.p., 16-valve 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual Fuel economy: 23 m.p.g. city/29 m.p.g. highway
Pluses:Rather pleasant styling. Basic transportation with a good variety of st anda rd equipment, including air and power locks/windows, at low price. Good mileage. Rear window wiper on a four-door sedan!
Minuses: 4-cylinder more than a little underpowered. 5-speed manual more than a little fussy and not willing to slip into “R” quickly or smoothly. ABS only an option. Resale value?