[bradyholt]

Car reviewers are used to seeing the newest products from Hyundai and its Kia subsidiary represent leaps-and-bounds improvements over their predecessors. With each redesign, their cars would take another giant step away from their humble roots as inexpensive but rudimentary transportation.

But what happens when the product is already strong, before the redesign?

When the redesigned Kia Spectra compact sedan appeared five years ago, its safety and fuel economy were a cut below par for the class, but roominess, quality, and refinement were top-notch. Even as a 2009 model, the Spectra stands up quite well against its best competitors in terms of ride comfort and interior space and quality.

With such a strong starting point, it would be difficult to expect another revolutionary change when Kia replaced the Spectra with the new Forte, which just went on sale as a 2010 model. But what’s surprising is where the Forte backtracks toward basic...

Continued at link:
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-1...g-toward-basic