Which is better, Kia Spectra or Hyundai Accent? We compare, evaluate and draw conclusions for ourselves. How to buy a used Kia Spectra The difference between the KIA Spectra and Hyundai Accent

Budget cars foreign production have always been and will be in demand among Russian consumer. In this regard, on the Internet in auto forums, users often ask the question: which is better - “Kia” or “Hyundai”? Reviews from the owners of these cars are not always clear, but, nevertheless, there are a lot of them, which means there is demand.

The budget series Spectra from Kia and Accent from Hyundai deserve special attention. They account for the bulk of purchases. And at the same time, there is a debate about which is better - Kia Spectra or Hyundai Accent. Reviews, as mentioned above, do not always help, so there is something to understand here. Moreover, both brands recently pleased their fans with updates to these series. But first things first.

Let's try to determine which car is better - Kia or Hyundai from the Spectra and Accent series, respectively. Let's look at both cars from all sides, find the pros and cons, and also listen to what the owners say about these models.

Exterior

To answer the question, which car is better - Kia or Hyundai, first of all let’s look at appearance cars. If you put “Spectra” and the updated “Accent” next to each other, then their relationship will be visible to the naked eye. Yes, both brands are part of the same concern, but, nevertheless, there is still a noticeable difference in the exterior.

The Spectra is larger in size and, moreover, its wheel diameter is increased compared to the Accent. Both cars have the same flowing lines, narrow grilles under the hood and noticeably rounded headlights.

A clear difference can be seen in the trunk. In the Spectra it is clearly highlighted, while in the Accent it is understated in the manner of liftbacks. This solution was especially popular in the early 2000s. So if you choose which is better - Kia Spectra or Hyundai Accent in terms of design, then, judging by the reviews, car enthusiasts are divided into two equal parts.

Interior

If in terms of the exterior “Spectra” has gone a little ahead, then with the interior things are a little different. Both cars seem to have remained in the last century, even despite a decent list of modern equipment on board. And here it is quite difficult to determine which is better - Kia or Hyundai.

Reviews about the interior of both cars are very different. The massive Spectra deflectors (photo above) are very reminiscent of the Moskvich or European rarities of the 70-80s. The front panel is designed in the old American style: narrow and barely noticeable scales, as well as a speedometer in miles, which clearly does not contribute to the normal perception of the readings.

Against this background, the covers for airbags and the radio look like hello from the future, diluting the dull interior of the cabin and making it a little more presentable. But, judging by the reviews, the owners are ready to forgive the Spectra panel for its archaic nature for the incredible ease of seating. The seats here are made of really high quality and with an eye to advanced ergonomics: soft cushion, anatomical profiles and fine adjustment of the position to the individual characteristics of the driver.

If we evaluate which is better - Kia Spectra or Hyundai Accent in terms of interior, then the latter is in a clear advantageous position. Moreover, the difference is quite noticeable. There are no questions about the Accent seats: soft, comfortable and many adjustments. The front panel (see photo above), unlike the Spectra, is fresh and already reminiscent of the present century, not the past.

The Accent's deflectors are strict, all the elements are at hand, and the instruments have convenient and easily readable scales in kilometers. Despite the fact that the entire panel is made of average quality plastic, judging by the reviews, it looks very attractive.

Test drive "Accent"

If we compare which is better - Kia Spectra or Hyundai Accent in terms of efficiency, then the latter will be a loser. Owners in their reviews complain about the Accent’s decent fuel consumption. In the city the car consumes 10 liters per hundred, but maybe even 12. On the highway, of course, there are no such problems thanks to fifth gear.

In addition, the four-speed automatic transmission did not perform well and is not very reliable. While there are only positive reviews about the five-speed manual.

Both cars received 105 engines horsepower, but the dynamics of the Accent are better due to its smaller dimensions. Due to this, the car does not move off as smoothly as the Spectra, so it can be called to some extent sporty, where you need to work with the gas competently and not spare the revs.

Chassis

Chassis"Accenta" is quite quiet. Even with active use of the car on bumps and country roads, the parts do not creak and remain in place. Here we have a universal option, equally good for both the city and for rural areas.

Test drive "Spectra"

The gearboxes of both cars are almost identical, as well as the problems mentioned above. The five-speed manual “Spectra” showed excellent performance in different conditions and, judging by the reviews, does not cause any complaints. A four-speed automatic is much less reliable, and experienced car enthusiasts are advised not to consider this option.

There are no complaints about fuel consumption - solid average. The car “eats” exactly one liter less than the “Accent”, that is, 9 liters in the city and 6-7 on the highway. The dynamics of the Spectra are noticeably smaller due to its large dimensions, and the car has a gentle start, and calm drivers will certainly appreciate the slightly muted throttle response.

Chassis

The suspension is quite soft and does not allow serious rolls even if the steering wheel is turned properly. However, the car does not tolerate obvious bumps well. Large bumps are felt in the cabin and do not have the best effect on the chassis. The Spectra is not very suitable for frequent trips on rural roads or potholes. This is a calm and measured city car or a traveler on good roads.

So in this case, it is quite difficult to determine which is better - Kia Spectra or Hyundai Accent, and it all depends on the place where the car is used. The latest car with a reliable chassis is suitable as a universal option. Well, the “Spectra” path is metropolises and highways with infrequent trips along dirt roads.

In conclusion

Overall, both cars deserve to be purchased and are worth their money's worth. The cars have no serious complaints as such, especially considering their low cost. Both Spectra and Accent were remembered by car service workers for a list of classic problems for these cars.

Owners in their reviews note the following nuances of operating both machines:

• It is necessary to change shock absorbers every 30-40 thousand km rear suspension.
• Be prepared for failure of the automatic transmission clutches at any time.
• The radiator, together with the pipes, leaks after about 60 thousand km of active use.
• Wheel bearings you will need to buy every 50 thousand km.

Of the more specific problems, owners note that the front panel latches on the Spectrum quickly break. They start to make noise even on a smooth road. Some of the latest Accent models are equipped with mediocre wings on manual box gears, which also serves as a source of noise and problems with gear shifting.

Kia Spectra appeared back in 1997. At that time, the sedan was called Kia Sephia and was built on a redesigned Mazda 323 platform. In addition to the South Korean market, the car was offered in Europe (Shuma), America, Asia, Australia (Mentor) and the Middle East (Spectra).

In 2000, the sedan was restyled, and the Sephia emblem was replaced by the Spectra inscription. In Europe and Australia the name remains the same. Production of the model was stopped in 2004, but in Russia its life was just beginning. Industrial assembly in Izhevsk started in 2004 and ended in 2010. In the summer of 2011, as part of its obligations to Kia Motors, a limited batch of 1,700 units rolled off the IzhAvto assembly line.

Let's take a look inside. Interior Kia Spectra doesn't make a good impression. The interior is decorated with cheap, rough and hard plastic in gray shades. The advantages include comfortable, wide chairs with a long cushion, allowing you to travel long distances comfortably. You can’t blame the sedan for the rear sofa either. And the 440-liter trunk is quite enough for everyday needs.

Most copies have rather poor equipment. The standard equipment included an airbag, immobilizer and audio preparation. hydraulic booster, central locking, electric windows, ABS, front passenger airbag and air conditioning required additional payment.

The car did not take part in crash tests according to EuroNCAP versions, but the Americans from the National Safety Institute IIHS took care of this in 1999. Of the four possible gradations, the sedan earned the lowest “Poor” - a poor level of safety. The driver received injuries to his neck and head that were incompatible with life.

Engines

The Korean was equipped with atmospheric gasoline engines with a capacity of 1.5, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 l. Hinting at the time of debut, the Spectra engines have acquired “Millennium Technology”, as eloquently indicated by the inscription on the cover “Mi-Tech”. All units are the result of modernization of Mazda engines. They have a timing belt drive.

The most widespread is the 16-valve 1.6-liter S6D engine. This is nothing more than a modified Mazda B6 engine. Korean engineers have reduced its warm-up time and installed a highly efficient catalyst. The valves are equipped with hydraulic pushers, the block is cast from cast iron, and the head is made from aluminum.

Among the disadvantages are the noisy operation of hydraulic compensators and short service life high voltage wires, spark plugs and ignition coils - about 50-100 thousand km. After 150-200 thousand km, the starter and generator will require repair.

In addition, engine malfunctions may occur due to sensor failure mass flow air. Mass air flow sensor appeared in 2008. Before it, a more reliable MAP sensor was used (measures pressure).

Many owners of Izhevsk Spectra “fell into the capital” of the engine, having driven only 45,000 km. During assembly, a timing belt of too poor quality was installed. It broke off and the valves “met” with the pistons. Today, many mechanics, in the old fashioned way, recommend not to tempt fate and change the timing belt every 40,000 km.

After 100-150 thousand km, sometimes the valve cover gasket begins to poison the oil. Oil also appears in spark plug wells. If antifreeze is found there, or the head gasket is leaking, then most likely the cylinder head has burst and will have to be replaced. The defect occurs as a result of overheating. The cost of a new head is about 30,000 rubles.

Transmission

The Kia Spectra was equipped with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. Both boxes have their drawbacks.

Mechanics often require a rebuild at 150-200 thousand km. In addition to the leakage of the input shaft oil seal, a howling or humming noise increases over time. However, howling in first and reverse gears is common, and some owners drive 250-300 thousand km without repairs. For the bulkhead you will need about 20,000 rubles.

Spectra has been used several times in its history. automatic boxes transmission The F-4EAT and F4A-EL are a joint development between Mazda and Jatco. It was installed only with a 1.8 liter engine. In addition, A4AF3, F4A42 and A4CF2 gearboxes developed by Mitsubishi were used. The first two could be combined with engines with a capacity of 1.5 and 1.8 liters. But the latter only went to Russian-assembled sedans.

It is generally accepted that reliable Spectra machines ended in 2007. According to some sources, it was then that the boxes began to be assembled in China. They suffer from premature wear of clutches and solenoids. You should prepare for repairs closer to 100,000 km, which will require at least 30,000 rubles.

Characteristic symptoms: shocks when switching from 1st to 2nd and over-throttle/slippage when switching from 2nd to 3rd. If you delay repairs, then after a while a crunching sound appears when starting and when stopping.

It is necessary to regularly monitor the condition of the CV joint boots. They either fall off due to flimsy clamps, or break from old age already at 100,000 km. As a result, dust and dirt damage the CV joint, which is replaced as an assembly with the drive.

Chassis

Ball joints run more than 60-100 thousand km. The silent blocks of the levers delaminate after 100-150 thousand km. Shock absorbers last the same amount of time. By this time, factory springs may sag or burst, especially for those who use intercoil spacers.

After 100,000 km it may leak or rattle steering rack. The cost of a new rail is from 16,000 rubles.

Closer to 100,000 km, the ABS unit often fails. It's all about the electric motor. Moisture gets inside, which leads to bearing corrosion and oxidation of the rotor winding contacts. The unit can be easily repaired. After 2009, they began to use a modernized block with improved protection against moisture.

Body and interior

The paintwork is not highly wear-resistant. The hood and bumper quickly become chipped. Body iron is not prone to corrosion. Pockets of rust, as a rule, appear in areas of poor-quality body repair.

Water in the cabin may be caused by clogged drains under the outer plastic trim at the bottom of the windshield. In addition, water can penetrate into the cabin due to clogged drain holes in the sills. Water in thresholds accelerates the corrosion process.

Minor faults include failure of the fuel level sensor and problems with the stove motor (the motor itself or the mode switch fails). After 150-200 thousand km you should be ready to replace the air conditioning compressor clutch or its bearings.

Market situation

A tired sedan on the move can be purchased for 130,000 rubles. For well-maintained cars they ask for almost 300,000 rubles. Among the offers, more than 90% are cars Russian assembly. It is generally accepted that younger copies released after 2008 are less reliable.

Conclusion

Kia Spectra – typical budget sedan, not highly reliable. However, the cost of repairs against the background of modern technologically complex machines cannot but rejoice. All common ailments are well studied and can be easily eliminated. Any garage mechanic can handle the repair. There are no problems with the availability of spare parts. Kia Spectra is an offer for those who want to purchase an inexpensive and easy-to-use sedan.

When choosing a budget car, many people ask: which is better - Kia Spectra or Hyundai Accent? Their prices are quite comparable technical specifications approximately the same, external design - in the same key. And if there are no personal complaints (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 like the color. But most of us buy a car with a long view. Few people are going to change it for a new one in 3-4 years, unless extreme performance forces them. So, if you take a model at random, you risk that for a decade, or even longer, you will secretly reproach yourself for the unsuccessful purchase.

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

Visual impressions

In terms of appearance, both models are very similar: smooth outlines, soft-shaped headlights, and a narrow radiator grille. However, there are certain differences:

• The Spectra has a more pronounced, slightly raised trunk, while the Accent is a little less in this regard;
• The Accent is more compact than its competitor. Spectra is larger in size (almost 25 cm longer and 6.5 cm wider), and the wheels have a larger diameter;
• With almost equal ground clearance, the Spectra will nod off more not only due to the lag in ground clearance by a centimeter, but also due to the extended overhang at the front. Hyundai owners Accent is assured that it can easily overcome not very high curbs, while Kia Spectra cannot do this in most cases.

Inside the cabin

If we evaluate the models from the inside, the difference turns out to be more noticeable.

• In terms of visibility, the Spectra confidently outperforms its rival, whose mirrors are smaller and narrower. In dense city traffic this is an important remark;
• The design of the dashboard looks more elegant than the model from the Hyundai concern. The opponent's scales are too small, and additional indicators in miles they only confuse;
• But in terms of convenience, Spectra takes the lead again. The successful back profile is also adjustable, the seat is moderately soft and does not sag under weight. Again, there is plenty of leg room. It’s downright cramped in the Accent: the knees of both the front and rear riders rest. And the width of the rear sofa is a bit cramped for three - the slightly smaller dimensions have an impact;
• Oddly enough, given its size, the Accent surpasses its competitor in trunk volume by as much as 30 liters. For family travel, this can be important.

Technical features

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

The Accent's acceleration takes just 10.5 seconds compared to almost 13 Spectra. This is understandable - the latter’s weight is still 165 kg. more.

Maneuverability much better again with the Hyundai model. It is also more responsive to traction. The enemy she encountered was more clumsy and slow.

However, despite the less powerful engine, the Accent has a hefty appetite: outside the city, don’t expect 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 regard, it is more moderate, and in traffic jams it spends a little more than 9.

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

So what should you choose? If we focus on the rhythm of life of a person who chooses what better than Kia Spectra or Hyundai Accent, then for those who mainly move along the streets of big cities, the latter is still more suitable. Despite the greed for fuel, it significantly improves in agility, and it will be more convenient and faster to get through traffic jams and alleys. If you often travel with your family - at least to a country house - choose the Kia Spectra: it is more comfortable on a long drive and more economical.

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

First issue KIA sedans was developed on the Mazda basis, which immediately gave them a reputation as a “workhorse”, quite comfortable and not too capricious. Model KIA Spectra was released in the 2000s, and from 2004 to 2010 it was assembled at IzhAvto. Two body styles were offered - sedan and liftback.

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

• The interior is spacious for this class of car.
• Volume trunk, increased by folding the rear seats.
• High-quality sound insulation.
• Powerful engine.
• Stylish for this price category sporty design.

KIA Spectra is a reliable front-wheel drive car with independent spring suspension, its maximum speed 186 km/h, fuel consumption on the highway - 6.2 l. The body is elongated, with smoothed lines, its dimensions are: 4510x1720x1415 mm. Engine KIA Spectra has the power 101 hp. and has volume 1.6 l. The sedan is positioned as a family sedan, so the interior space for passengers in the second row of seats has been increased and the trunk volume has been increased up to 440 l.

One of the advantages is the presence of a stabilizer lateral stability. The model was adapted for Russia, since 2005 the car received power steering and the ability to adjust the steering column by tilt, power windows, 6 airbags, air conditioning, fog lights. Top equipment Has heated seats and ABS. Little things include electric heated mirrors and pre-installed wheel caps.

Almost the same age as Spectra - Hyundai car Accent. Developed 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 sporty features: smooth outlines, windshield with a high level of inclination, a predatory sloping hood.

The Hyundai Accent was produced in two body styles: a three- and five-door hatchback and a traditional sedan. Dimensions 4370×1700x1450(hatchback) and 4045x1695x1470 mm(sedan). What makes the salon especially attractive is dashboard, smoothly transitioning to the doors. Thanks to this solution, the interior space in front is increased. The model had excellent sound insulation, a fuel consumption reduction system 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, driver's seat armrest, heating rear window, air conditioning, electrically adjustable windows and mirrors, central locking.

The engine in the Hyundai Accent was installed in two versions, 1.3 l and 1.5 l, power was 70 hp. And 91 hp. respectively. The suspension is independent and 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 the “horses” a little up to 8.2 l. Minimum fuel consumption is about 5 liters per 100 km, maximum speed is 173 km/h. Trunk volume 375 l, but increases thanks to folding seats in the top version.

What are the similarities between KIA Spectra and Hyundai Accent

Both cars were developed in South Korea, but 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 package with both automatic and manual transmission to their taste. Their dimensions are approximately the same, but the Accent sedan is slightly smaller than the hatchback. On the road they behave similarly, preferring highways and asphalt surfaces, but they can also overcome dirt roads. A speed of 175-185 km/h is quite sufficient to satisfy both the everyday ambitions of a single traveler and a family.

What is the difference between KIA Spectra and Hyundai Accent

The differences between the Koreans are not too great, but the KIA Spectra wins several points due to better equipment. For many, especially inexperienced drivers, great value has power steering, which the 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. versus 86-84 hp at Hyundai.

The Accent is slightly smaller in size, making it easier to fit into small parking spaces. It is lighter and more economical in gasoline consumption - 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 have Russian market initially the main problem was low ground clearance, but the KIA Spectra ground clearance quite large - 154 mm, which allows you to move not only along the highway, but also along country road. U Hyundai ground clearance even more - 165 mm.

Features of choice

KIA Spectra is more suitable for those who prefer a less aggressive driving style or travel in a large group. Practical yet conservative, it is an excellent family car in the middle price category. The car continues to be very popular, both due to its performance characteristics and the fact that its prices are very affordable. KIA Spectra is often chosen after obtaining a license by those who decide to purchase their first car. It is easy to operate, economical, and the cost of repairs and spare parts is insignificant.

Its close brother Hyundai Accent is similarly adapted to operating conditions in the Russian Federation, for which basic equipment added power steering, air conditioning, immobilizer and car radio. A big plus is the anti-corrosion treatment of the bottom and galvanization of the body, which protects the car from damage by 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 won’t let down summer residents either, since the tailgate is designed in such a way that every cubic centimeter of space can be used.