THE Kia Shuma has been extensively revised with improvements in refinement and equipment levels. The Shuma, which provided 25 per cent of Kia's UK sales in 2001, offers outstanding style, space and specification for the money.

The likely best seller, the LX, comes with a 1.8-litre engine and offers ABS with EBD, dual airbags, remote central door locking, air conditioning, rear boot spoiler, metallic-design dashboard, leather steering wheel and parking distance sensors.

Shuma II is a five-door hatchback, which has similar dimensions to Mitsubishi Charisma, Skoda Octavia, Toyota Avensis and Vauxhall Vectra. It is available with either a 1.6-1litre 100bhp or 1.8-litre 113bhp engine. An automatic option is available on the 1.8LX.

The standard specification has been substantially improved with the 1.6L (replacing the 1.6S) getting driver and passenger airbags, ABS with EBD, seat belt pre-tensioners, remote central door locking, electrically-operated front and rear windows, electric mirrors and aerial, as well as 14-inch wheels.

New to the specification are the parking distance sensors, time lag electric windows, dimming courtesy lights, auto cut-off headlamps, height adjustable steering wheel, height, tilt and lumbar adjustable driver's seat, three height adjustable rear head restraints, air filter and front map lights.

The interior includes leather-style seats with cloth inserts on the 1.6L & 1.8LX, while the 1.8SE gets leather upholstery. All models have 60:40 split/folding rear seats.

On-the-road prices for Shuma II are:1.6L £8,9951; 8LX £10,3501; 8LX automatic £11,1001; 8SE £11,850.