2006 Kia Spectra Hatchback

As the old saying goes, turnabout is fair play. For some two decades now the Japanese manufacturers have engendered fear among those trying to compete with them in affordable segments of the car market, but now the Japanese have reason to fear the Koreans. We're not talking geopolitics here, but automotive politics. At risk is the long-established lock upon the affordable, reliable and well-equipped compact car. Once the domain of Toyota, Honda and Nissan, the segment is now a comfortable home for companies like Kia and Hyundai who are redefining the meaning of "entry-level." Kia's Spectra5 five-door hatchback is a perfect example. It comes loaded to the gills with equipment and safety features, yet it costs thousands less than its competition. The Spectra5's fit and finish is edging ever-closer to class-leading models like the Mazda3 and Honda Civic. And no Japanese manufacturer can match the Spectra's 10-year/100,000 mile warranty.