Kia Shuma Review (1999 to 2001)

Quick Summary

The Kia Shuma is not a wildly inspiring drive, but if you're tempted to dismiss it out of hand, take a moment to think of its qualities. It's 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 you've managed to read this far, is what you'll be most attracted to. If you're a keen driver, go for an older Peugeot 306 but otherwise take a look at a used Shuma. Perhaps Kia's promotion of the model sells it short. It has a bit more to offer than a dinky sticker price.

Overall:

Models Covered:(5 dr hatchback 1.5, 1.6, 1.8 litre petrol [S, SX, GSX, ICE])

SENSE OF SHUMA FAILURE?

You're looking for value. Lots of car for the money and you don't 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 company's 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.
Used Kia Shuma for sale

History of the Shuma

The Kia Shuma was launched in this country in September 1999 alongside the Sedona MPV and the Clarus saloon. This Korean tactic of launching a whole wave of models en masse had been seen before with Daewoo's triple-pronged landing of the Nubira, Leganza and Lanos models, and whilst it was undoubtedly a major step for Kia, the launch didn't create much of a stir. The Shuma was a reasonably smartly styled five-door interpretation of the Mentor, the four-door versions of which soldiered on as the Mentor II. It was available in either 1.5-litre or 1.8-litre guise, and represented a more practical take on the Mentor formula of decent build quality using budget materials. The 1.5-litre model was made available in manual S or SX trim with a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes. The 1.8-litre cars were offered in GSX trim only, again with a choice of transmission types. In February 2001, both engines were replaced by a single 1.6-litre unit, offered only in S and SX guises. Early 2002 saw the range being replaced by the Shuma II. In essence a fairly comprehensive facelift, the Shuma II made a good job of rectifying several of the car's minor shortcomings. By the start of 2004, the Shuma range had been scaled back to one solitary model – the 1.6-litre Shuma ICE – in preparation for the arrival of the new Shuma.
Used Kia Shuma for sale

Kia Shuma Road Test

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, it's 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.
Used Kia Shuma for sale

Buying a Kia Shuma

Make sure the car is in perfect condition. There's no reason why it shouldn't 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 aren't too great, so make sure that it's 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.
Used Kia Shuma for sale

Kia Shuma Typical Pricing

The Shuma hasn't 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. There's a ready demand for used Korean models. Indeed, a 1999 T-registered Shuma 1.5 S can be bought for £2,100. You'll 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 you'll find insurers who'll 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.
Used Kia Shuma for sale

Kia Shuma Parts

(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.
Used Kia Shuma for sale