The second generation of the Cerato/Spectra sedan appeared in 2004, and Kia built it on top of the Hyundai Accent platform.
While Kia was little known in the world, the Korean carmaker continued its path and targeted the top-10 carmaker’s list in the world, along with its partner Hyundai. The Cerato, or Spectra as it was known on several markets, followed a modern car concept designed to provide adequate performances and low running costs.

Maybe it wasn’t the best-looking car in its class, but it wasn’t on the bottom of the list either. Its curved lines combined in sharp or straight angles followed the new-edge design trends introduced by Ford on the market. The car’s proportions were good, and it looked like the Koreans got it right this time. Maybe it was a bland design, but it wasn’t bad anymore.

Inside, Kia took its inspiration from the 2003 Hyundai Accent with dual vents on the dashboard sides and another pair on the center stack. Like its sibling, it showed the speedometer in the middle of the instrument panel, flanked on the sides by the tachometer on the left and the fuel and temperature gauges on the right. It offered good access to the rear seats as a sedan, but just like the Accent, it provided little room for three passengers.

Under the hood, Kia installed a wide choice of gasoline or turbo-diesel engines, depending on the market.