Kia Shuma II (2001 - to 2004)
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
If value counts for everything and getting a lot of metal for your money is a priority, its difficult to do much better than a South East Asian car. Of the three major brands, Kia are probably the most affordable. The company has been making ever more sophisticated cars of late but the Shuma II isnt one of them. Still, if you like to keep things simple, the Shuma offers no nonsense transportation.
Pick up an example thats a couple of years old and youll have overcome the steepest part of the depreciation curve and your motoring will be so cheap you wont care that it doesnt wear a more illustrious badge on its bonnet.
| Build |  |
| Comfort | |
| Depreciation |  |
| Economy | |
| Equipment |  |
| Handling | |
| Insurance | |
| Performance | |
| Styling | |
| Value |  |
Thats not to say you wont spot where corners have been cut. Even in Korea theres no such thing as a free lunch and many of the interior fittings in the Shuma II are built from the same hard, thin plastics that European manufacturers gave up on at the start of the nineties. Nevertheless, Kia do manage to cram in a surprising array of standard equipment. Whats particularly refreshing is the fact that some time appears to have been spent in considering what equipment should be fitted as standard and what should be left on the options list.
Later versions such as the Shuma II ICE are supplied as standard with twin front airbags that are depowered to reduce injuries and anti lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, something which still resides on the Ford Focus options list. The Kia system automatically calculates how much cargo and how many passengers are aboard and directs the braking force accordingly. Buyers also get air-conditioning, electric windows all round, remote central locking, power and tilt adjustable steering and a height, tilt and lumbar adjustable drivers seat. There are some neat touches such as cup and bottle holders, autoroute toll ticket clips in the sun visors and a handy damped-action storage tray in the fascia.
It would be an impressive showing at a sticker price £2,500 up on the Shuma IIs. The Shumas shape has been tidied up to admirable effect, the front headlamps of the Shuma II feature a dual scalloped shape not unlike the BMW 3 Series. The wheels still struggle to fill the arches, but the rear is the cars best angle, the neat bootlid design and big rear lights looking agreeably contemporary. If you were expecting something slightly clunky in appearance, think again.
The Shuma II is no more or less attractive than a Mitsubishi Carisma or a Nissan Almera.
The Shuma II suffers from the usual hefty depreciation that most South East Asian cars are afflicted by and a 2002 1.6 S which retailed for £8,315 is currently valued at £3,200, perhaps one reason why new sales were so poor. Whats bad news for new car buyers is distinctly good news for those looking for an affordably priced nearly new car, however, and an L specification 1.6 Shuma II on an 02 plate can be yours for £4,000.
The top specification 1.6-litre car, the SX Automatic, opens at £3,100 on a 2001 X plate. Move up to the 1.8-litre model and you can expect to pay from £4,300 for an 02 plated LX model and £4,700 for an equivalent vintage SE.
Insurance for the Shuma II reflects the generally mature clientele, starting at Group 7 for the lower spec 1.6-litre cars and topping out at Group 10 for the 1.8-litre models.
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 2003 Shuma II 1.6S) 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 II 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. The 1.
6-litre engine is a reasonably decent petrol unit, capable of 100bhp and an average fuel figure of 35.3mpg. Itll detain you for 11.3 seconds en route to 60mph and the top speed of 115mph is certainly nothing to be ashamed of.
Refinement is said to have improved, yet the car feels slightly buzzy with quite a lot of vibration coming up through the gear stick. Where the car suffers is in terms of emissions. It may be many things but its not the car that cares for the environment. The 1.
8-litre unit is worth going for if you plan on undertaking longer journeys, the additional 13bhp giving it a bit more zip.
The Kia Shuma II is a car that most people shopping for a cheap runaround will never have heard of. Although its hardly cutting edge, if you can track down a decently specified model, itll make a very respectable family hatch that can soak up a good deal of punishment. If buying a tired high-mileage Fiesta or Punto doesnt appeal, try a Shuma II. You might just surprise yourself.
