SOME music is instantly branded hotel lounge background fodder - it's there, it's pleasant, but you don't take too much notice of it.
It's easy to categorise cars in the same way.
You're aware of some models, but they've never done enough to really gain your attention.
If the Kia Shuma falls into that realm and has never earned a second glance from you, it's time to look again.
The latest version has been extensively revised with impressive improvements being made in terms of refinement and equipment levels.
And the Korean car which has come of age is clearly already catching on with the British car buying public, for it provided 25 per cent of Kia UK's sales in 2001.
The Shuma does provide style with plenty of space and specification for the money.
I took an impressive top of the range SE for a road test, which comes with a spunky 1.8 litre engine, although the new LX version is expected to establish itself as the best seller.
The new Shuma offers ABS with EBD, dual airbags, remote central door locking, air conditioning, a rear boot spoiler, metallic design dashboard, leather steering wheel and parking distance sensors.
The five door hatchback has similar dimensions to the Mitsubishi Carisma, Skoda Octavia, Toyota Avensis and Vauxhall Vectra.
I was impressed with the new look interior. My test vehicle had racy, leather-style seats which felt both comfortable and practical. Perhaps in an attempt to catch the younger family market, the dashboard has a youthful metallic design.
Engine-wise, it appeared smooth and the extensive noise and vibration countermeasures Kia has employed to cut down on noise nuisance - multi-layered partitions and sound absorbing materials - seem to have worked effectively.
Full-frontal new looks include four-bulb integral lights, a higher bonnet line and deeper front bumper which give it a more distinctive look. At the back, the styling has been sharpened and punctuated by a rear spoiler. The larger rear bumper and rear combination lamps combine to give it a sturdier, more purposeful appearance.
The suspension has been upgraded, too while on the safety front, the use of advanced computer simulation techniques allied to actual impact testing has developed a body structure with proven rigidity, providing improved protection in front, side and rear collisions.
With a good sized boot, plenty of pace and yet competitive economy, allied to its £10,000 price tag, my bet is that it will turn more heads and put on sales.
FAST FACTS
Kia Shuma 1.8 SE
Price: £11,850
Mechanical: 113bhp, 1793cc, four cyl engine driving frornt wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max Speed: 126mph
0-62mph: 9.7 secs
Combined mpg: 31.4
Insurance group: 9
CO2 emissions: 214 g/km
BiK Rating: 24%
Warranty: 3 yrs/unlimited miles; 6yr anti-rust