In 2001, Kia added a new facelift for the Shuma's second generation and sold it in the U.S. under the Spectra name, paving the road for a new nameplate in its lineup.

In 1998, Kia introduced the second generation of the Shuma on the European market, while the U.S. received a better car named Sephia or Spectra, depending on the bodywork version.