Kia introduced the first generation of the Cerato/Spectra in 2004 on the same platform as the Hyundai Elantra.
Just three years later, the Korean carmaker refreshed the lineup.

It was designed mostly as a commuter car, with enough interior room, a decent-sized trunk, and not too many amenities to enhance the driver on long journeys. But, even on the base trim level, it featured air-conditioning, front power windows, and a stereo. For a budget vehicle with good fuel-efficiency, it was an excellent choice.

Since the new-edge design trend was closing to an end, Kia tried to enhance the car’s look with softer lines. But it couldn’t save the bland look of the vehicle nor the initial lines that defined the car. The headlights featured rounded corners and bigger turn-signals. The car’s front bumper was reshaped and featured a wider center grille and two side-scoops. Unlike its predecessor, the grille was chromed. The taillights were redesigned in the rear, and the reversing light’s area was installed on the bottom instead of the middle height.

Inside, the Spectra retained the same values that made it a good buy for most of its customers. It didn’t enhance the materials used, which proved to be very reliable. Its plastic molded dashboard and center stack were just carried over from the non-facelifted version.

Under the hood, Kia shrunk the engine choice from six to two engines. It kept only the most powerful gasoline engine and, for the European market, the newly developed 1.6-liter turbodiesel unit.