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When I was growing up, the hatchback was a very popular style of car with those a few years older than me who were going off to college. Perhaps, it was because the car could be tightly packed to transport all the necessities for dorm life. Even my college friend, Katlyn, drove one when she wasn't using her parent's pickup. Later, the car on which I learned to drive stick shift was a hatchback. So, it was with a little nostalgia stirring in my heart (as much as a Datsun B210 can) when I heard about the new Kia Spectra5.

I shouldn't have hoped so hard. Don't get me wrong, design is subjective. Though the front end (in particular the deep black mesh grille) was nicely executed, the rear of the car should have been. Being fair, very few sedans that metamorphose into wagons actually look appealing. The Kia is one of them. It's only salvation is the small spoiler which is near the roofline.

Under the hood, the Spectra5 incorporates continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) and multi-port fuel injection with a new 2.0-liter DOHC engine that produces 138-horsepower and 135 lbs.-ft. of torque. The five-speed manual transmission has an improved shift linkage. An electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is available as an option.

Dimensions of the car have been expanded, providing a longer wheelbase, and increased overall width and height. In addition, a new sport-tuned, four-wheel independent suspension and 16-inch wheels and tires for better steering response and turn-in, a strut tower bar — the first ever on a Kia — for a stiffer chassis and better handling, and design touches such as a rear spoiler, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob with perforated leather, sport fabric on the seats and door panels and metal-finish trim throughout the interior, including metal pedals.

Inside, you'll find the Spectra five is 89.1 cubic feet with a cargo capacity of 18 cubic feet. Kia says that both measure larger than the vehicle's previous generation and many of it's competitors in this segment. The trunk was small and barely passed the two hockey-bag test as the two were packed solid.

Available in one trim level, the Spectra5 offers an impressive list of standard features including: air conditioning, AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, power heated outside mirrors, rear wiper/washer, metal pedals, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a height-adjustable steering column. Optional features includied full-length side curtain air bags; and four-wheel disc brakes, with four-sensor, four-channel anti-lock brakes.

The MSRP for the manual transmission is $15,790 and the automatic is $16,735. So if you need a four door because of the kids, but don't want to sacrifice the fun of driving then put the Kia Spectra5 on your test drive list. R&D