Kia Shuma is a compact five-door mid-range hatchback manufactured by Kia Motors from 1997 to 2004. He became the first mass-export car of the Korean manufacturer, whose sales were carried out around the world: from Asia to the USA, from Australia to Europe. The model has become very popular due to a reasonable combination of high build quality, the use of inexpensive finishing materials and a rich configuration for this class.
History reference
In the mid-1990s, the Kia company, which at that time had not yet gained due prestige, decided to prepare a line of cars for a breakthrough to the world market in the most popular budget segment. One of them was Kia Shuma.
The model is based on the improved Mazda 323 platform , a license for which the Koreans acquired from the Japanese auto giant back in the 1980s. In fact, it represents a further development of the Kia Sephia (Spectra), and technically the cars are not much different. Production began in 1997 at a factory in Hwason. Next year, โNoiseโ could be found on the roads of Korea, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, the United States, Canada, Russia, European countries and other regions of the world.
First successes
The Kia Shuma model was well received by consumers, despite a bias towards Korean automotive products. The company has taken unprecedented steps to improve assembly quality. As a result, the output was a more than reliable car. Even today, car owners say that a car (despite an advanced age) breaks down infrequently, and repairs are cheap. In fact, this time is a turning point in gaining the authority of car manufacturers in South Korea.
Also an important step in the popularity of the model was price dumping. A car was worth several thousand dollars cheaper than "classmates" from competitors. The third component of success was a more attractive equipment. Already at the base of the car were equipped with power steering, a good audio system and powerful air conditioning.
Exterior
If the technical filling is not very different from the โSepiaโ, the appearance of the โKia Shumaโ of the first generation is more than original. The smoothed body has good aerodynamic characteristics, comparing favorably with the angular models of that period.
Four rounded eyes-headlights of the head optics, occupying the entire central part of the front, are especially distinguished. Someone thinks such a design is cute and creative, someone did not like it much. The back of the hatchback is very sloping and resembles a notchback in shape. By the way, the boot glass is equipped with a wiper blade. It's nice that in the budget car and bumpers, and mirrors are painted in body color.
Interior
In a newfangled tradition, the Kia Shuma dashboard control unit is grouped around the driver. The designers did everything so that the person as little as possible was distracted from the road, and the necessary buttons and levers were placed at hand. Instead, the front passenger got a roomy glove box and plenty of free space.
Although for the sake of lowering the cost, finishes and inexpensive plastic materials are used in the decoration, the developers tried to improve the impression of the model with an excellent fit of elements and high-quality assembly. By the way, the equipment looks interesting due to the color contrast, where the center console, the instrument panel and a number of decor elements are styled like wood.
The steering wheel is large, upholstered in leather, with a narrow rim convenient for grip. The steering column is adjustable in height. The seats are comfortable, with ergonomic head restraints, the front ones have elements of lateral support. Despite its compact size, Kia Shuma boasts a comfortable fit rear passengers. The salon can easily accommodate five adults. Legroom is more than enough. The rear seats fold down, which allows you to transport long-sized loads, whether it is skiing, boards, a refrigerator, etc.
Specifications
Kia Shuma is not in vain called a full-size representative of the golf class. That is, the size of the car, on the one hand, makes it easy to maneuver in a dense city stream and park in a limited space, on the other hand, five adults can be comfortably transported. Vehicle Dimensions:
- Width - 1.72 m.
- Length - 4.52 m.
- Height - 1.41 m.
- Wheelbase - 2.56 m.
- Weight - 1.2 t.
The first-generation Kia Shuma engines are represented by three gasoline models:
- 1.5-liter 16V FB with a capacity of 88 liters. from.
- 1.6-liter 16V BF (92 hp).
- 1.8-liter 16V T8 (110 hp).
They are paired with a 5-speed "mechanics" or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Second generation
The unusual and bold design of "Noise" was not to everyone's liking. Engineers were instructed to modernize the model, and in 2001 Kia Shuma 2 was presented. The main changes affected the head optics and grille. Appearance has become more serious, while maintaining the continuity of generations.
The engine range has been optimized. The cars were equipped with a 1.6-liter 16V S6D and a 1.8-liter 16V T8 gasoline engines of higher power: 101 and 114 horsepower, respectively.
Reviews
Kia Shuma has earned good reviews from domestic motorists. A car is called a reliable workhorse. Even after passing through 2-3 owners, the vehicle pleases with its durability, quality and maintainability. Of course, this is a budget car, it is not worth comparing it with higher-end models. However, he looks worthy among his classmates.
Drivers note a good ride and handling. The power of the motors is more than enough to move a not heavy car. The cabin has a high-performance stove and air conditioning. The ride is comfortable thanks to the competent settings of the chassis and comfortable seats. Deficiencies and breakdowns are typical for low-cost models, especially since the brand has been around for many years.