SM5 Legacy Continues With Redesign

The new and improved SM5, a mid-sized sedan by Renault Samsung Motors, has been garnernig glaring reviews from the local car market. / Korea Times

By Jane Han
Staff Reporter

Renault Samsung Motors’ SM5 sedan has been the car maker's consistent bestseller for the past decade, but it is aiming to secure a bigger market presence next year with its highly-touted 2010 redesign.

The local unit of French auto firm Renault SA says it plans to start selling a new version of its SM5 sedan early next year to boost its sales and compete with the recently redesigned Hyundai Sonata.

The updated model, which has been in development since 2006, is equipped with either a 2-liter gasoline or diesel engine, both of which are available with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The new SM5 offers a full range of features and options, including a navigation system, massage seats and a body kit, according to company officials.

It is available in five different trims ― PE, SE, SE Black, LE and LE Exclusive ― with each of the trims showing off its own unique set of features. For example, the PE trim is equipped with a back warning system and 16-inch aluminum wheels, while the SE trim comes with a convenience package that includes power seat controls.

Officials claim that the third-generation SM5 promises to give drivers and passengers a new and improved experience as the model has been revamped both inside and out.

Renault Samsung has sold more than 700,000 units of the SM5 and the car maker says the ongoing popularity owes to the vehicle's continued enhancements.

The improvements led SM5 to win numerous industry recognitions, including awards in design, power brand and consumer satisfaction. And such good reputation, in turn, has helped the model retain top-level status in the used car market as well.

The car maker says the most pivotal factor that led SM5 to keep its market position against intensifying competition is its impeccable quality.

Marketing Insight, an industry research firm, conducted a consumer satisfaction survey on domestic cars earlier this year and the results showed that Renault Samsung ranked No. 1 for eight years in a row. Respondents said SM5 had the best quality with the least quality stress