Spectra fares poorly in test

Monday, Dec. 20, 2004 | 9:36 a.m.

DETROIT -- The Kia Spectra, a compact car from the Korean automaker Hyundai, was the first vehicle in three years to receive the lowest rating on a frontal crash test from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Adrian Lund, the chief operating officer of the institute, which is financed by car insurers, called the performance "a surprise."

"Most manufacturers have figured out how to design vehicles to do a good job of protecting people in frontal crashes," he said. "Kia lags behind its competitors."

Kim Custer, a Kia spokesman, said, "We're disappointed with the results and did not anticipate this."

He added that the company was considering changes to improve the cars' performance in the future. A redesigned Spectra was introduced this year and was among five small cars tested recently by the insurance group.

Hyundai's Elantra, which is similar in structure to the Kia Spectra, received the highest rating, but only after two initial tests uncovered design problems that led Hyundai to offer repairs to its customers.

Of the five vehicles tested, the best performer was the Mazda 3, which was designated a "best pick" for frontal crash protection.

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