With several well-established choices thriving in the same economy or compact class, the Kia Spectra will likely have a difficult time finding its way among legions of Honda, Toyota and Ford counterparts.

But the Spectra, at least during my weekly test drive of the well- equipped and stylish EX model, should not be overlooked as a formidable option as a well-appointed, four-door sedan in the $15,000 price range.

Introduced well into 2004 calendar year, the new Spectra's exterior has well-designed, clean lines resembling more expensive vehicles rather than inexpensive cars that reek of cheapness.

As such, the Spectra's designation as a compact is a misnomer. Its sleek exterior warrants design compliments and the interior provides spacious surprises.

Four adults have ample head and leg room and both the back and front seats are spacious and efficiently positioned. Likewise, since the rear seat has a 60-40 split fold-down option, the trunk can easily expand for cargo. If fact, a 6x8-foot rug I rolled up and took in for cleaning fit without issue.

While earlier Spectra models were criticized as noisy and underpowered, my vehicle performed surprisingly well. Steering and handling were smooth and responsive and the vehicle moved well in varied driving conditions.

Exceedingly tight turning situations were also conquered without issue, and the car maneuvered in different parking scenarios with a hint of European confidence.

Braking was satisfactory, and while the Spectra is not a sports car, it accelerated evenly and adeptly for a four-cylinder vehicle with 138 horsepower and a four-speed automatic transmission.

Many manufacturers continue to offer an excessive supplies of red vehicles, many of which are brightly shaded and appear overtly flashy. My Spectra likewise had a red exterior, but its shade, called Radiant Red, was nicely toned and sharply complemented by a beige interior.

Again, considering its classification as a compact or economy vehicle, the Spectra's color scheme was further accentuated by the vehicle's healthy list of standard features.

Consider: air conditioning, dual-heated outside mirrors, AM/FM/CD with six speakers, eight-way adjustable driver's seat and power windows and doors.

The Spectra's instrumentation - radio controls to speedometer dials are clean and efficient. The vehicles three option featured included alloy wheels ($360), cruise control ($200) and carpeted floor mats ($80). With a $540 charge for inland friend and handling, my test vehicle's price increased to $15,905.

Kia, owned by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai, doesn't have the resale value of the well-established offerings of its dominating rivals, most notably Honda and Toyota.

But with the Spectra and the industry-leading 10-years, 100,000-mile warranty offered by Kia, its less-than $16,000 sedan could find a substantial market if given a fair chance.

2004 Kia Spectra

Safety features -- Dual front, dual front and side curtain and front seat mounted side airbags, front and rear crumple zones and side-door impact beams.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 24 mpg (city), 34 mpg (highway).

Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 5 years/60,000 miles; Power Train, 10 years/100,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years, 100,000 miles. Roadside assistance, 3 years/36,000 miles.

Base price -- $14,725.00

James Raia is a syndicated journalist in Sacramento, California, who writes about sports, fitness, travel and lifestyle topics as well as the car review colum, The Weekly Driver.

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