Renault Samsung has launched its new SM3 compact sedan to Korean media ahead of the sales launch in early July.
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It will be priced from KRW14m (EUR8,900; US$11,100) to KRW18m.
The compact sedan is built on the Renault-Nissan alliance C-platform (used for the Megane and other models) and has a 1.6-litre petrol engine and ‘Xtronic’ continuously variable transmission. Its predecessor was based on the Nissan Sunny/Bluebird Sylphy.
This is the first full model change since the SM3 was launched in 2002.
According to the Korea Herald, Renault-Samsung will target family buyers in their 30s while the previous model, which remains on sale, will continue to be marketed to younger drivers.
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By GlobalData“The SM3 will be continued for the time being as there is still demand for the vehicle, but for how long the car will be produced has not yet been decided,” Song Eung-seok, programme director for new SM3 development, told the paper.
“As the target consumers are different for the two cars, there will not be cannibalisation between the [new and old SM3 models].”
Like the automaker’s Koleos SUV, the new SM3 will be exported as a Renault model but the automaker said export markets have not yet been decided.
As with other recently-launched compact sedans, the latest SM3 has features usually reserved for larger models such as a Bose sound system and dual zone air conditioning.
The car is also the first compact in Korea with a six-way adjustable driver’s seat. It is also the only vehicle in its segment with a ‘smart entry’ system allows drivers to lock and unlock the doors and start the engine without inserting a key. Touch screen navigation with seven inch screen is also available for the two top versions.
Standard safety features include electronic brake force distribution, antilock brakes and brake assist. The car is also claimed to have the largest brake discs in its segment. A passenger airbag is standard while side and curtain airbags are optional across the range.
Renault Samsung spent KRW320bn ($US251m; EUR180m) and 31 months developing the new car.
Although Renault Samsung officials declined to provide exact sales targets, company executives told the Korea Herald that the company is hoping that the new SM3 will become one of the two best selling compact cars or even take the top place in the segment. To take second place, the company would have to sell more than 4,000 units a month.
To overtake Hyundai Motor’s Avante, the country’s best selling compact car of which 41,909 units have been sold during the first five months of the year, Renault Samsung would have to sell over 8,000 units each month.
