Kia Shuma II

Kia Shuma II to take on tough medium segment of the market

Kia has introduced its latest-generation midranger, the Shuma II, to do battle in the tough medium segment of the market. Just how well it will do against the likes of the well-established Toyota Corolla and Opel Astra, will remain to be seen. On the face of it, it seems to be a better all-round product than the car it replaces.

In its launch release on the Shuma II, Kia claims that the previous-generation Shuma established Kia as “a serious contender” on the South African market. This is hardly a fair statement, seeing that there seems to be more Sportage 4x4 models around than Shumas, a car which often had its fair share of quality control problems. And Kia, part of the Imperial group of companies, does not release its monthly sales to Naamsa, hence no official figures are available to determine the success (or not) of the older Shuma.

What can be said is that, on the face of it, the new model seems to be a better car than its predecessor, and with its level of equipment and performance at the price, offers a very good value for money ratio, one worth investigating when new-car buyers make their final purchasing decisions. Of note is the 3 year/60 000 km service and maintenance plan which comes as a standard feature, something most mainstream models in this segment of the market can only dream of offering.

A la BMW’s Motorplan, this service plan carries the cost of all specified service requirements in this time, allowing owners to only budget for tyres, accident damage, top-up oils and insurance. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km.

Compared with the older Shuma, Shuma II is substantially redesigned and upgraded while adding a host of new state-of-the-art features. Power is from an MI-tech 16-valve 1,8 litre DOHC engine (84 kW and 160 Nm of torque) with multi-port fuel injection and distributorless ignition, and a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Significant is an optimised cooling and air intake/exhaust system providing a high level of fuel efficiency and microprocessor ensuring that a minimal amount of coolant circulates in the cylinder block, trimming engine warm-up time to result in greater fuel efficiency.

Styling is characterised by crisp edge-lines around the front end, with a pentagonal radiator grille surrounded by clear-lens headlamp assemblies (with integrated indicator/headlamp multi-reflector lenses). Below is a large air intake fog lamps ensconced in the curved bumper.

Other exterior features are side black doorframes, body-colour handles, 5-spoke aluminium wheels and chrome inserted side body protectors, while the electrically adjustable outside rear-view mirror housings can fold flat against the body for protection.

At the rear, distinctive Shuma styling cues remain, but the large rear combination light clusters are all-new, now employing multi-reflector clear lenses for improved visibility and greater safety.

Standard features include power/tilt steering (leather-clad), an A/T position indicator, time-lag power window, a delayed interior light, 8-way adjustable multi-function bucket seats with lumbar support (clad in soft black leather-like material with light grey quality cloth inserts), ABS brakes with EBD, twin airbags, aircon, and powered side windows.

Suspension upgrades now allows the use of McPherson struts at the front to ensure maximum stability both in cornering and in straight-line driving, while in the rear a dual-link suspension system consisting of parallel lateral links and a trailing link provide surefootedness during high speed cornering. According to Kia, ride comfort at lower speeds is enhanced by a low-speed compression control valve, which absorbs the residual vibrations from road irregularities.

Three Shuma II models are available – a standard 1.8i five-speed without ABS, one with ABS, and the 1.8i automatic with ABS.