With the Shuma, it was certainly a case of taking baby steps for Kia.
The second generation Shuma replaced the first one which, in turn, replaced a previous model, the Mentor. Each model was more successful than its predecessor. The facelift for the Kia Shuma came in 2001 with a better styling options meant to make the car more attractive. Although it was just a facelift, the company called this car the Shuma II. It was better equipped than the Shuma I, a fact which resonated in the heftier price tag. The car sold in only one variant, the 1.6 litre Shuma ICE, paving the way for the Kia Cerato.