1 Jan 2000
By CHRIS HARRIS
A Mentor II by any other name, the Shuma also ditched its slow-selling sedan, struggling 1.5-litre powerplant and SLX/GLX monikers.
Instead there was simply ‘Shuma’ and a limited edition ‘Shuma FX’. Kia switched to the new name because internationally all 1.8-litre Mentors were badged ‘Shuma’ anyway.
The FX added alloy wheels, central locking, power windows and mirrors, improved audio and extra flash trim to the base car’s air-conditioning, power steering and cloth upholstery specification.
The sole 1.8-litre twin-cam engine (82kW/152Nm) offered slightly more torque, with the (horrid) five-speed manual and four-speed automatic gearboxes also carrying through.
Shuma only lasted until the FB facelift, which saw yet another name change – to Spectra.
