Kia Shuma (1999 - to 2001)
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
Youre looking for value. Lots of car for the money and you dont really care what badge it wears on its nose. It has to look modern, be faultlessly reliable and practical. To you a car represents transport, an overhead that needs to be minimised.
You are the target customer group for the Kia Shuma, a cut-price five-door version of the Korean companys Mentor saloon. If you are of this persuasion, it would seem illogical to throw away a whole wad of money in depreciation by buying new. A used Shuma is a far cannier investment, and one that whilst not the most obvious choice available, represents an effective way of getting a nearly new car on the drive for less than you may imagine.
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5 S model is pretty uninspiring, but the SX adds tinted glass, split-folding rear seats, central locking, a height-adjustable drivers seat and power for the windows and mirrors. GSX buyers meanwhile, can also expect alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, a sunroof, ABS and a front passenger airbag. All models come with the single five-door body style though a four-door saloon known as the Mentor II is available, identical in every respect apart from the absence of a 1.8GSX flagship version.
The styling is certainly neat, especially at the back. Whilst it wont be vying for any Rear Of The Year awards, the tail of the Shuma has a pleasantly pert, chiselled look, and some surprisingly classy badge detailing. As weve said, despite the latest look, the new Shuma shares much with the original Mentor which had a surprisingly impressive pedigree. Its floorpans, engines and transmissions came straight from Mazdas 323, the bodywork was created by British design consultants IAD and the handling originally fine-tuned in association with Lotus.
The result was one of South Koreas best selling cars and a model which also built up a strong reputation for reliability and value in the USA. Now, with a shot of much-needed identity, this Focus-sized five-door for a Fiesta-sized fee hasnt created much of an impression on the UK market, but as a used proposition certainly makes a rational case for itself.
The Shuma hasnt performed at all badly on the used car market with similarly priced offerings such as the Fiat Punto or Citroen Saxo failing to command used values in excess of the Kia. This confirms a suspicion which many have long harboured. Theres a ready demand for used Korean models. Indeed, a 1999 T-registered Shuma 1.
5 S can be bought for £2,100. Youll need to find an extra £200 for an SX model of similar vintage, and a further £200 for an automatic one. The 1.8-litre GSX models kick off at £2,300, again on the 1999 T-plate, although another £250 will net an auto.
The 1.6-litre engine was kept under wraps until early 2001 when it replaced the other two units. It starts at £2,900 and reaches £4,800 on a 2003 53-plate the auto is £500 more. Shop around and youll find insurers wholl rate the 1.
5 and 1.6-litre cars as Group 7. The 1.8-litre models are invariably rated at Group 9, but this is hardly wallet-crunching stuff.
Make sure the car is in perfect condition. Theres no reason why it shouldnt be, as it will be within warranty, but check for those parking knocks and scrapes that are easy to pick up in multi-storey car parks. The ventilation systems arent too great, so make sure that its working to its full capacity else demisting will be a chore in the morning. Otherwise insist on a full service record and contact a few franchised dealers to try to find the best bargain available.
(approx based on a 1999 Shuma 1.5S) The Kia Shuma offers some of the cheapest parts prices around. A new clutch assembly retails at around £170, while front brake pads are around £30, with rear brake shoes only a few pence more. A new radiator is around £80 and an alternator an eminently reasonable £120.
To replace a headlamp will see change from £80.
On the road, anyone who did drive the old Mentor will find the ride and handling of the Shuma a significant improvement, thanks to re-engineered suspension which brings a better ride, sharper handling characteristics and improved stability. The Koreans claim however, that the long distance comfort that was the saving grace of the old car has been preserved. Certainly, its still predictable, safe and easy to drive, designed for those wanting to get from A to B as comfortably as possible, rather than driving enthusiasts. Once up to speed, the Japanese-designed 1.
5-litre powerplant is willing enough, with rest to sixty accomplished in around 13 seconds on the way to a maximum speed of 106mph. The engine is not particularly quiet though, and if you plan to undertake long motorway journeys, the 1.8-litre GSX is by far the better bet. If you do opt for the 1.
5-litre cars, you should average approximately 30mpg around town and between 40-45mpg on the open road.
The Kia Shuma is not a wildly inspiring drive, but if youre tempted to dismiss it out of hand, take a moment to think of its qualities. Its cheap, well equipped, reliable and modern looking. Nearly new examples will have most of the benefits of buying new with a handy cost saving. Which, if youve managed to read this far, is what youll be most attracted to.
If youre a keen driver, go for an older Peugeot 306 but otherwise take a look at a used Shuma. Perhaps Kias promotion of the model sells it short. It has a bit more to offer than a dinky sticker price.
