Two sedans developed in Korea and produced in Russian production - Kia Spectra and Hyundai Accent, still drive on the roads in large numbers. C-class cars, suitable for families and singles, trips around the city or to the country, not ideal, but attractive for their low price and availability of all the options necessary for today.

The first release of KIA sedans was developed on the basis of Mazda, which immediately provided them with a reputation as a "workhorse", comfortable enough and not too capricious. The KIA Spectra model was released in the 2000s, and from 2004 to 2010 it was assembled at IzhAvto. Two body types were offered - sedan and liftback.

The most popular in the Russian Federation is the sedan, which has:

• Spacious interior for this class of cars.
• Volumetric trunk, increased by folding the rear seats.
• High quality soundproofing.
• Powerful engine.
• Stylish sporty design for this price point.

KIA Spectra is a reliable front wheel drive vehicle with independent spring suspension, its top speed 186 km / h, fuel consumption on the highway - 6.2 l... The body is elongated, with smoothed lines, its dimensions: 4510х1720х1415 mm... The KIA Spectra engine has the power 101 hp... and has a volume 1.6 l... The sedan is positioned as a family sedan, so the cabin space for passengers of the second row of seats is increased, and the trunk volume is increased up to 440 l.

One of the advantages is the presence of an anti-roll bar. The model was adapted for Russia, since 2005 the car has received a power steering and the ability to adjust the steering column by tilt, power windows, 6 airbags, air conditioning, fog lights. The top-end equipment has heated seats and ABS. Of the little things - electric heated mirrors and pre-installed wheel covers.

Almost the same age as Spectra - Hyundai Accent. Designed and produced since 1994 in South Korea, later its assembly was placed in the Russian Federation at the Taganrog Automobile Plant. The design of the Hyundai Accent has pronounced sports features: smoothed outlines, a windshield with a high level of inclination, a predatory sloping hood.

Hyundai Accent was produced with two body options: a three- and five-door hatchback and a traditional sedan. Dimensions 4370 × 1700x1450 (hatchback) and 4045x1695x1470 mm (sedan). The dashboard, which smoothly blends into the doors, makes the interior particularly attractive. Thanks to this solution, the interior space in front is increased. The model had excellent noise insulation, a system for reducing fuel consumption and was produced in three versions:

• Basic equipment L.
• Improved LS with protection against accidental door opening and air conditioning.
• top-end GLS with ABS, an armrest for the driver's seat, heated rear window, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, central locking.

The engine on the Hyundai Accent was installed in two versions, 1.3 l and 1.5 liters, the power was 70 hp... and 91 hp... respectively. Suspension - independent rigid, improved thanks to anti-roll bars. After updating the model, the version with a 1.3 liter engine became more powerful - 84 hp, and 1.5 liters slowed down a little "horses" up to 8.2 l... The minimum fuel consumption is about 5 liters per 100 km, the maximum speed is 173 km / h. Trunk volume 375 l, but increased thanks to the folding seats in the top version.

What are the similarities between KIA Spectra and Hyundai Accent

Both cars were developed in South Korea, but they were assembled in Russia for a long time, and both models were very popular due to their dimensions, driving characteristics and orientation as a family car. The KIA Spectra, as well as the Hyundai Accent, had two transmission options:

• Mechanical 5-speed.
• Automatic 4-speed.

Buyers could choose a complete set to their taste with both automatic transmission and mechanics. The dimensions are about the same, but the Accent sedan is slightly smaller than the hatchback. On the road, they behave similarly, preferring highway and asphalt, but they can also overcome a dirt road. The speed in the range of 175-185 km / h is quite sufficient to satisfy both the everyday ambitions of a lone traveler and a family.

How KIA Spectra and Hyundai Accent differ

The differences between Koreans are not too great, but the KIA Spectra wins a few points due to better equipment. For many, especially inexperienced drivers, the presence of a power steering is of great importance, which Hyundai Accent does not have in the original version, it is included specifically for buyers in the Russian Federation. The KIA engine is more powerful - 101 hp. against 86-84 hp from Hyundai.

The Accent is a bit smaller, making it easier to fit into a small parking space. It consumes gasoline lighter and more economically - only 5 liters versus 6 liters for the Spectra, and in a traffic jam the Spectra's fuel consumption reaches 8.6 liters.

Korean cars on the Russian market initially had the main problem of low ground clearance, but the KIA Spectra's ground clearance is large enough - 154 mm, which allows you to move not only on the highway, but also on a country road. Hyundai has even higher ground clearance - 165 mm.

Selection features

KIA Spectra is more suitable for those who prefer a less aggressive driving style or travel in a large company. Practical yet conservative, it is a great family car in the mid-range. The car continues to be very popular, both due to its performance and the fact that its prices are very democratic. KIA Spectra is often chosen after obtaining the license by those who decided to purchase their first car. It is easy to operate, economical, with negligible repair and spare parts costs.

Its close brother Hyundai Accent is similarly adapted to the operating conditions in the Russian Federation, for which a power steering, air conditioning, immobilizer and car radio have been added to the basic configuration. A big plus is the anti-corrosion treatment of the underbody and galvanizing of the body, which protect the car from damage from gravel and rust. It is good for a young couple without children or those who do not like to carry a lot of luggage with them. It will not let summer residents down either, since the tailgate is designed so that every cubic centimeter of area can be used.

Today we will find out which is better: Hyundai Accent or Kia Spectra. At least let's try to find out - the differences between these Korean cars, in my opinion, are not very clear.

We will compare cars from the first decade. It was at this time that the production of these models was established at Russian enterprises. Therefore, it will be interesting to compare the build quality as well.

The first thing we see is the exterior. Therefore, let's start the comparison with the body.

Body

Appearance

Well, the appearance of the cars is so-so, on the C grade, I would say. I think the majority will agree with me. There is neither kind nor greatness in them. A sort of gray mouse.

The exterior design is typically Korean, in our very real sense. The companies didn't bother investing in the design of the models. So they sold like hot cakes: Accent - in Russia, Spectra - in the USA.

Due to the fact that none of the cars liked the score, the score remains 0-0.

Dimensions

The body of the Kia Spectra is 4.51 m long, 1.725 m wide, and 1.415 m high. The wheelbase is 2.56 m long.

Hyundai Accent is shorter, narrower and lower. I would say that he is clearly lower class. Its length is 4.235 m (-28 cm in relation to the competitor !!!), width is 1.67 m (-5 cm), height is 1.395 m (-2 cm). The wheelbase is 2.44 m (-12 cm).

Judging by the size, for sure the legroom of the rear passengers and the volume of the trunk are significantly greater in the Spectrum than in the Accent. But this is precisely the case when cars of different classes cost the same - therefore they are compared with each other.

By the way, he gave a hint about the trunks, but did not announce the numbers of their volumes. The trunk of a sedan from Hyundai has a volume of only 375 liters, the trunk of a sedan from Kia is 416 liters. The difference of 40 liters, of course, is not essential for large volumes, but in our case it is very even.

Spectra opens a bill for the trunk. 1-0 in his favor.

Quality

The body metal of the Kia Spectra is likely to have a good thickness. This becomes clear at the moment when you press on the door trim: it does not slip. The paintwork on most vehicles is still in very good condition after so many years. One feels that they did it conscientiously. It is very difficult to find rust - the body is galvanized.

With regard to Hyundai Accent - how lucky. Many cars with bodies in good condition, many rusty and rotten. Perhaps, who looks after how, what roads he drives and how many times he was in an accident. Some owners note that under the powerful pressure of water when washing a car, paint peels off the bumpers.

Spectra wins again in quality. The score is 2-0.

Interior

Design

Like the exterior, the interiors of the models do not shine with graceful lines. In the Spectrum, the "stick" of the center console is annoying:

In the Accent - cheap rusticity:

However, according to the reviews of the owners, the interior design of the Accent is not worse than that of the same VAZs, and in terms of quality it clearly wins. Based on the fact that the cost of the car lies in the same price range as the cost of VAZ products of the same years of production (+/- a couple of years), the sedan from Hyundai seems to me preferable. But I got distracted ...

Let's get back to the comparison. If we talk about interior design, then I don't like either one or the other. But if, nevertheless, I had to choose, then I would probably stop at the Hyundai Accent - the asymmetrical design of the Kia Spectra console annoys me. Besides, I like the simple, but perfectly readable instrument panel of the first one more than the “tidy” of the second one. The accent gets the first point. The score is 2-1.

Quality of materials

The quality of the materials used for the interior trim of the Kia Spectra is definitely higher. Although the plastic of the console and door trim is nondescript, it is soft. Albeit of average quality. But this is definitely better than the "wooden" plastic Hyundai Accent.

In principle, it was immediately clear that the latter belonged to a lower "estate". Therefore, one should not expect any revelations from him. But the quality of the interior of the first sedan clearly corresponds to its class.

Fabric inserts are good in both cars. But the quality of the seat filler seems to be better in the Accent - in the Spectra, the sidewalls of the front seats are often squeezed, this is definitely a "jamb" of the developers.

Noise isolation is definitely better in Spectra - to match the class. Not to say that it is good, but there is a little. But regarding the "Shumka" Accent, it seems that the designers did not bother about it. Like, you have to - do it yourself. And so the car is nowhere cheaper.

In general, if you do not take into account the problem with the sidewalls of the front seats, then the overall impression of the interior materials and sound insulation is better in the Kia sedan. He gets a point. The score is 3-1.

Ergonomics

The salon is definitely more spacious in the Kia Spectra - remember how much its body is larger than the Hyundai Accent body. The Spectra has a wider and longer cabin. More space is felt both in the front and in the back.

Landing is comfortable, in principle, both there and there. In the sense - for the front riders. However, the front Accent seats have more developed lateral support, judging by the reviews, it is more pleasant to sit than in Russian cars.

Behind, as expected, there is more space in the Kia - both for the legs and above the head.

In Hyundai, this is a problem - in fact, it will be convenient only for small people or children.

Driving performance

Both models have a fairly comfortable suspension. The reason is McPherson strut front and multi-link rear. "Multi-link". At the Accent. For a sedan of a higher class, like the Spectra, this is logical, but for a car like the Accent, I think it's cool. In this perspective, both cars are noteworthy, but the score does not change.

The most common engines on the market are:

• the Spectra 1.6 with 101 hp. at 5500 rpm and a torque of 145 Nm at 4500 rpm
• accent 1.5 with 102 hp. at 5800 rpm and a torque of 134 at 3000 rpm.

Judging by the reviews, the automatic transmission when buying the Spectra cannot be considered as an option in any case - in most cars it is already worn out and will require replacement in the very near future. In principle, the "automatic" of these machines from the very beginning showed itself from the worst side, because demanded "surgical intervention" often after 30 thousand kilometers. It's just a fiasco.

Accent does not notice such a problem, but its engine is definitely not the power unit for which it is more expedient to choose an automatic transmission than "mechanics". To be honest, he is weak. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h with an automatic gearbox takes 4 seconds longer.

In principle, the owners of Kia also speak of the sluggish nature of the engine. But here, it seems, the opinion is unanimous, in contrast to the different opinions of Hyundai owners. Judging by the reviews of the latter, some people like the Accent dynamics, some don't. For reference: According to official data, the Spectra on "mechanics" accelerates from zero to 100 km / h in 11.6 seconds, and Accent with manual transmission - in 10.5 seconds. Even VAZs are capable of more ... For the best dynamics, the last gets a point. The score now stands at 3-2.

Consumption. The passport data says that the Kia Spectra "eats" 7.1 liters in mixed mode. But the owners talk about 9-10 liters, even at a leisurely pace. With regard to the Hyundai Accent, the official data are closer to the truth: the declared 7.5 liters. in the combined cycle are confirmed by the owners of this model. For this, the Accent gets one more point. The score was equal, 3-3.

conclusions

Let's summarize. If there is a question of choosing between Kia Spectra and Hyundai Accent, then I see only one point here, on which you need to decide in order to understand what to take. Moreover, the cars scored an equal number of points. In general, if you need a larger interior, a larger trunk, then it is better to buy a Spectrum. If you need a car, as they say, "for the driver" - more frolic, lower consumption, more convenient landing - then the choice must definitely be made in favor of the Accent.

Video reviews and test drives

On specialized automotive forums, they often ask the question - which budget car should be purchased as the first after the domestic car - Hyundai Accent or Kia Spectra? causes a significant number of answers, but most of them boil down to the statement - cars are built on the same platform, so there is no significant difference between them. Is it really possible to put an equal sign between Hyundai Accent and KIA Spectra?

Hyundai Accent and KIA Spectra - comparison of Korean state employees

A quick glance

Honored workers

If you put the cars next to each other, their relationship becomes clearly visible - indeed, the KIA and Hyundai brands are part of the same concern. However, it will not be difficult to find the older one among the two "brothers" - the Spectra, as well as wheels with an increased diameter compared to the Accent. Otherwise, they are very similar - the same flowing lines, fashionable in the automotive design of the 90s, narrow radiator grilles and rounded headlights. But the KIA Spectra has a slightly more distinct trunk, while the Accent has it lowered down in the manner of liftbacks.

Choosing a budget class car, many people ask: which is better - Kia Spectra or Hyundai Accent? Their price is quite comparable, the technical characteristics are approximately the same, the external design is in one key. And if there are no personal claims (or, on the contrary, gratitude) to one of the manufacturers, then the choice is really very difficult.

It would seem - take the one that is sold closer to home or you liked the color. But most of us buy a long-range car. Few are going to change it to a new one in 3-4 years, unless extreme indicators force it. So, taking a model at random, you risk that for a decade, or even longer, you will latently reproach yourself for a bad purchase.

Consumables, efficiency, convenience - everything should be assessed, and meticulously and harshly. In the case of Kia Spectra and Hyundai Accent, it is not necessary to be guided by what compatriots buy more. Both models are equally common on our streets. And the statistics confirm: their sales volumes are equal.

Which is better, Kia Spectra or Hyundai Accent, both owners and those who have just set their sights on buying, but have already acquired their point of view, argue. Let's try to compare the models impartially.

Visual impressions

Outwardly, both models are very similar: smooth outlines, headlights of soft outlines, a narrow radiator grill. However, there are also certain differences:

• The Spectra has a more pronounced, slightly raised trunk, the Accent is slightly in this respect;
• Accent is more compact in comparison with the competitor. Spectra is larger (almost 25 cm longer and 6.5 wider), and the wheels have a larger diameter;
• With almost equal ground clearance, the Spectra will nod more not only due to a centimeter lag in ground clearance, but also due to the elongated front overhang. The owners of Hyundai Accent assure that they can easily overcome not very high curbs, Kia Spectra is in most cases unavailable.

Inside the salon

If you evaluate the models from the inside, then the difference is more noticeable.

• In terms of visibility, Spectra confidently outperforms its rival, which has smaller mirrors, and even narrower. In dense city traffic, this is a significant observation;
• In the design of the dashboard, the model of authorship of the Hyundai concern looks more elegant. The opponent's scales are too small, and additional indicators in miles are only confusing;
• But for convenience, Spectra again takes the lead. The successful backrest profile is also adjustable, the seat is moderately soft and does not sag under the weight. Again, the legs are roomy enough. The Accent is frankly cramped: the knees rest against both the front riders and the rear ones. Yes, and the width of the rear sofa for three is cramped - slightly smaller dimensions affect;
• Oddly enough, for its size, the Accent surpasses its competitor by as much as 30 liters in boot volume. For family travel, this can be important.

Let's move on to the possibilities of motion models.

Technical features

Let's start with the fact that the considered rivals have different engines: the Accent has a volume of 1.5 liters and produces 102 horses, the Spectra has a 1.6-liter unit with a power of 105 hp on board. However, you should not immediately come to seemingly obvious conclusions.

Accent's overclocking takes just 10.5 seconds compared to the Spectra's nearly 13. It is understandable - the mass of the latter is still 165 kg. more.

Maneuverability much better again in the Hyundai model. It is more responsive to the supply of traction. The enemy was more clumsy and slow.

However, despite the less powerful engine, the Accent is distinguished by a fair amount of appetite: outside the city, do not count on less than 6 liters per hundred (versus 5.5 for the Spectra), and in traffic light mode, the consumption increases to 12, although the manufacturer promises 10. Spectra in this respect it is more moderate, and spends a little more than 9 in traffic jams.

As for the suspension, its class is about the same for both models, although the Spectra is softer and better conceals road bumps. The Accent has a very quiet suspension, but it transmits even minor bumps inward.

So what should you choose? If you focus on the rhythm of life of a person who chooses which is better than the Kia Spectra or Hyundai Accent, then the latter is more suitable for those who mainly move along the streets of megalopolises. Despite the greed for fuel, it wins significantly in terms of agility, and it will be more convenient and faster to navigate through traffic jams and lanes on it. If you often travel with your family - at least to a country cottage - stop at the Kia Spectra: it is more comfortable on a long ride and more economical.

1.6 $13 989.

The domestic automotive industry is reviving today thanks to the production of foreign cars at Russian factories. Apparently, this path is very effective. The very fact that we can carry out comparative tests of such vehicles speaks volumes. So, we decided to put next to three representatives of the new Russian car industry. The participants in our test are the so-called “budget” cars: Hyundai Accent, KIA Spectra and Renault Logan. All of them are produced by Russian enterprises. Prices for these cars, depending on the configuration, vary in the range from $ 9000 to $ 14,000. So, as you can see, they can be called an alternative to the "masterpieces" of domestic auto giants at a stretch. Nevertheless, these are some of the cheapest foreign cars, albeit assembled in our country. Let's try to figure out what the buyer gets by purchasing one of these machines.

Of course, design is not on the list of our test subjects' strengths. For example, Accent and Spectra are typical representatives of the Korean automotive industry at the end of that century, so their appearance cannot be called super-modern, although they look quite harmonious. As for the Renault Logan, the angular shapes of its body, the disproportionately high rear end indicate that the creators were faced with the task of making the car as simple, practical and cheap as possible. This is not surprising, because initially Logan was created with the expectation of selling in third countries. And what interior equipment will the cars offer us? The "empty" is the test Hyundai Accent. However, even in the minimum configuration ($ 11,770), this car is equipped with air conditioning, power steering and a cassette radio. A set of options for everyday driving, you see, is quite sufficient. The glasses, however, will have to be opened manually. But the steering column is height adjustable, which is not, for example, in the Renault Logan, even with the maximum equipment level. Test copy of Logan ($ 13 989) - this is the most, as they say, "fancy" of the entire line of modifications of this model. The set of options here is quite common: air conditioning, audio system with CD-player, electric drive and heated side mirrors, power windows. By the way, you won't find the control buttons for the latter right away. And if the front ones, located along the edges of the center console, are easy to find, then the rear ones will have to look: they are hidden between the front seats, behind the "parking brake". Due to the rather high landing, it will be uncomfortable for both rear passengers and those sitting in front to reach these keys. And in general, convenience in Logan, apparently, was the last thing to worry about. The most comfortable of the three with almost the same set of options turned out to be the Spectra ($ 13 320). A slight advantage in external dimensions and wheelbase makes itself felt. Unlike the Logan, there is no need for a high seating position, and a tall driver does not have to lonely curl his legs: in the Spectra, there is more than enough space in length. And the seats support the body well. Landing in the Accent is the same as in the Spectra, only a little less space. However, being behind the wheel of an Accent for a long time does not get as tired as in the Logan, which is clearly not designed for long journeys. It's a pity, because the Russified "Frenchman" has the largest trunk: 510 liters. This is incredible volume for such a small car. KIA Spectra has the smallest trunk. Although, you must admit, 440 liters is also a lot, and this car is perfect for long journeys thanks to the soft suspension. The Accent and Logan also have less rigid suspension, but the Spectra still has the smoothest ride. I wonder how cars behave on the move? Despite the smaller engine displacement, the Hyundai Accent was the fastest of the three. Its 1.5-liter engine exhibits excellent elasticity and good traction throughout the entire operating speed range. The engines of the other two test participants are 1.6-liter, but they do not give their owners much agility. True, they have different habits. So, the eight-valve Logan motor does not pull too much at low speeds and is rather sluggish up to 3500 rpm, so you have to actively work with the gearshift lever in order to stay in the stream. In addition, the clutch pedal travel is too great here, and the gearbox lever is not clear. In short, this car takes a lot of getting used to. Well, the dynamic capabilities of the KIA Spectra are fully consistent with the comfortable driving to which this car has. The engine demonstrates good traction from the bottom, and driving in the city does not annoy the driver with the need for unnecessary manipulation. However, by 4000 rpm, the engine slows down the rate of speed and, moreover, becomes noisy. It makes no sense to spin it above this mark, except perhaps for overtaking on the track, when you still need to gain high speed. But, as it happens, cars tuned for comfort lose their handling. And the KIA Spectra is no exception. The reactions to steering are quite mild, when trying to quickly maneuver the front axle drifts. To assess the handling properties, we, as usual, ran a series of standard tests. On the "snake" Spectra rolls noticeably, and when the speed of passage increases, it slides with the front axle, straightening the trajectory. However, this behavior of the car, in principle, can be adapted by operating the steering wheel with a slight advance. The rest of the Spectra's handling is clear and predictable. And what is very important, this car has a large stock of directional stability. This confirms the implementation of a sharp change of rows. Rearrangement is the most vital test, and the worst thing that it threatens is skidding. The Spectra does this exercise with flying colors, with only minor steering adjustments required in the final phase. The other two participants in our test roll in corners as much as the Spectra, but are more responsive to steering turns. Hyundai Accent very obediently dives between the “snake” marking cones and slips a little with the rear axle, but the skid is not critical. When rearranging, you have to do more corrective actions with the steering wheel, but there is also a very unpleasant moment - the effort on the steering wheel increases when returning. Given the not very comfortable two-spoke shape of the steering wheel, you need to hold on to it as tightly as possible during fast maneuvering. The most acute reactions were demonstrated by Renault Logan. He very famously passes the "snake", but do not get carried away: Logan has a very small stock of directional stability. So after the rearrangement it is quite difficult to "catch" the car. Logan is more inclined to skid than all test participants. There are no exchange rate stabilization systems on any of the three cars, and in an extreme situation the driver should rely only on his own strength and skills. However, on a front-wheel drive car, the problem with the resulting skid is solved by adding gas, although, as a rule, in an extreme situation, the driver's natural reaction is the desire to drop the gas. Now you understand why, in our case, the Spectra's behavior is the most preferable, which makes this car the winner in our test. Be that as it may, all three test cars represent the trend of the formation of, shall we say, alternative automotive industry. So far, they do not compete with domestic brands due to their higher prices, but they serve as an excellent option for those who have already outgrown the old Russian car industry. #