On December 3, 2010, Renault-Samsung Motors launched the much awaited flagship grade for the premium midsize sedan known as the SM5 (now also in Europe as the Renault Latitude). For those who reside in Korea, you're in luck because there was a Nissan-sourced VQ 2.5-litre V6 engine found on the Nissan Skyline and Teana added in the engine choice. Now, Korean customers can choose either an entry level 2.0L variant or the new flagship 2.5L V6 variant for the new SM5.
This is Korea's first. The first Korean sedan to be fitted with the 2.5L V6 engine sourced from a Japanese car company.
However, even when fitted with the new V6 engine on the new SM5, its still can't beat the Kia K5 because of the performance index.
Prior from the new, third-generation, Laguna-based, Renault Samsung SM5, launched since January 18, 2010, the French automaker decided to bring this premiere luxury medium sedan to Europe as the Renault Latitude.
Latitude, in scientific terms, is a straight line that goes north and south, or in irrelevant terms, freedom from restrictions. The Renault Latitude is beyond limits when it comes to its luxury car status, becoming Renault's new flagship sedan that suits the European executives everywhere.
Step inside the Latitude and glad to know that the Latitude's interior is a haven of hospitality. Since it was sourced from South Korea, the Renault Latitude comes with the Samsung Super Plasma Ionizer, providing the breeze of a Samsung Air Conditioner from your homes, to the Latitude's hospitable interior. The Super Plasma Ionizer helps remove allergy-causing bacteria, so stepping inside can be somewhat a clean getaway. Unlike the Nissan Fuga Y51's forest air conditioner, the Renault Latitude comes with the available air freshener, good enough to bring a fresh scent around the Latitude. I may not know what scent is inside but the Latitude's air freshener is no match for the Nissan Fuga's forest air con. To relax the driver, the Latitude comes with the massager to help relax the driver while being stuck at the harsh traffic conditions. This seat can be adjustable depending on the driver's conditions.
The Renault Latitude comes with different kinds of engines available as of launch. First off, the entry-level Latitude dCi 150 comes with the 2.0L dCi engine (sourced from the Nissan X-Trail and the Euro-spec Nissan Qashqai) that produces a power output of either 150 or 175 hp. The 150hp variant is the most ecological, yet economical, Latitude variant because of its part of the Renault Eco2 line, giving this flagship French sedan a true eco-car status. For those looking for more power, a V6 diesel engine is available for the new Latitude. The high-end V6 dCi240 variant comes with the power output of 240 hp and it consumes for about 7.2km/100L. For those who are looking for an eco-car can choose the the 2.0L dCi engine with the Renault Eco2 quality, but for those looking for power can choose the Latitude V6 variant. Which Latitude will you drive?
A host of safety features, including the Electronic Stability Program, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Adaptive Front Lighting System, Parking assist, fog lamps, and airbags, are available for the Renault Latitude. With those safety features, you can be sure that there is a "peace of mind" around you. For convenience, the audio system truly kicks it up to the passenger's sense of hearing. With the Arkamys 3D Sound Radio and the Bose audio system, assuring this combo would be a perfect time to listen your favorite tunes while relaxing with the Latitude.
My thoughts about the Latitude:
Now it is about time Renault decided to bring their newest flagship to Europe, prior to this year's Paris Motor Show. Completely sourced from South Korea, there is much assuring that their a 50% chance to expressing dramatic feelings while driving the Renault Latitude, since it was from South Korea, meaning a piece of Korean drama is lying inside the Latitude. The other 50% chance would be rather go French. With the suggested retail price of about 32,500 euros (about 4.5 million pesos), experiencing the Latitude first hand can be a dramatic attempt to tackle on the Versailles by night. The Latitude makes a perfect rival to the Toyota Mark X, Kia K7, Nissan Teana, Lincoln MKZ, Buick Regal, and the upcoming Hyundai Grandeur HG.
The true rival to the recent Hyundai YF Sonata and the upcoming Kia K5 (Optima or Magentis) sedan is now set to prove even the smallest Korean automaker can easily rise from the everyday challenges in this economy. For Renault's Korean arm, Renault-Samsung Motors, the all-new SM5 was born.
Let us take a history class, shall we? The SM5 was originally a Nissan Cefiro based sedan with some minor alterations to the front and back. This car was launched in March 1998. Then in January 2005, a month after its big brother, the prestigious SM7 (based on the Nissan Teana) was released, the Cefiro-based SM5 was modified into a Nissan Teana-based SM5, having the design borrowed from the Teana but with different Korean aspects to fulfill customer satisfaction. Now, in January 18, 2010, the new SM5's design was original and it was not based on the Nissan Teana. This new model borrowed some aspects from the Renault Laguna, and it gives some new mods, new exterior and new interior similar to the Renault Laguna.
At its maiden appearance, most Koreans consider the SM5 as the brand's status symbol thanks to its unquestionable personality and performance. Of course, the previous design was mostly Japanese because it was an OEM version of the Teana, but now on its third generation, the SM5's design is truly Euro-Korean, thanks to appearance that looks similar to the Kia Lotze facelift, but still, it is undeniable that you want to take a test drive for your taste. As for the interior, the SM5 boasts exceptional luxury with an array of premium features such as the rear side curtains, DMB navigation system, Samsung Super Plasma Ion air con, and Arkamys 3D Sound System. These features are sure enough for the seasoned SM5 owner to take advantage of its newly evolved form.
With the CVT as its main weapon, the new SM5 is powered with the 2.0L CVTC-II L4 engine capable of releasing 141PS of power and the fuel economy of 12.1km/Litre. Sadly, the new SM5's engine was not fit enough to take down the fuel economy of the Hyundai YF Sonata and the Kia K5, which means the new SM5 has a dent on its newly found performance.
My thoughts about the SM5:
The new SM5's design was revised to be original, and it no longer became the copycat of the Japanese Nissan Teana sedan (almost, because they still selling the Teana-based SM7) that others find it confusing. I am glad to see the brand's first step to succeed from the local stage to the world stage. However, will the brand level up to become one of Korea's finest automobile manufacturers with this new form? With the pricing of about 20,800,000 - 26,500,000 Korean Won (about 900,000 - 1.2 Million Philippine Pesos), it is clearly that the SM5 is a smart buy for medium sedan consumers. Let us hope that the new SM5 will hit the European market sometime as a Renault, or we want to have our own Renault-Samsung distributor in the Philippines to experience this one-of-a-kind machine.
Back in July 2009, in South Korea, Renault-Samsung Motors unveiled the third-generation SM3. A staunch Renault fan might think where the new-generation SM3 came from did. The true details about the new SM3 became unknown until now, at Renault, the French automaker unveiled the true form, which carries the elements of the Megane hatchback, and it is the replacement of the axed Megane Sedan. Meet the new compact Renault sedan, the Fluence.
Based on the Renault Megane, this new sedan combines the premium feel of the Fluence while preserving the sportiness of a sports car, all in one unique premium package. How to distinguish the Fluence's identity is the exterior itself. By observing the outer view of the Fluence, you can assure it looks like a combination of the Megane and the Laguna, while the flow keeps on going for this French newbie. By using the look and feel of the Fluence, the driver feels like influenced by the Renault design that carried a few years ago. Consider it a premium package for adults, if agreed.
Since its arrival, the Fluence starts with the 1.5-litre DCi common rail turbo diesel engine that delivers 86 to 107PS of power while preserving Euro 4 emission standards. This diesel engine not only provides wonderful fuel efficiency, but also providing hybrid-like attributes to the environment, thanks to Renault's Eco2. As for that, the Fluence comes with either a 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmission, so expect the sluggish things to come for this. But do not forget; anti-lock braking system, electronic stability program, seat belts, side airbags, fog lamps, tire re-inflation kit, spare tire, and Carminat TomTom navigation system covers you most when you need it.
The Fluence's interior provides more room and exceptional comfort for four to five adults. With the leather steering wheel, CD/AM/FM/MP3 player, heated front seats, climate control, rear curtain, optional leather beige upholstery, and glass roof, there is exceptional comfort and luxury unlike any other medium sedans in the market. To shake things up for the car's interior details, it looks the same as the Renault Megane.
ON THE OTHER HAND:
Since the Fluence arrived first at the Korean market as the new Renault Samsung SM3, and made a world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show since September, there is no doubt, how far this new premium compact sedan come first against the competition. This new French sedan really picks up a clean fight to those other compact sedans and on the side note, an electric version of the Fluence might come out sometime to whisk away the hybrid competition.
Consider yourself watching the Korean TV CF of the new, second-generation, Renault Samsung SM3, and compare it to the Bentley Continental Flying Spur. What you will see is a different premium for this medium sized sedan with the price that is more affordable than the super-expensive Bentley Continental Flying Spur.
Whatever, the truth is, the Renault Samsung SM3 boasts an overall sportiness on the exterior while the interior is a different premium compared to other premium sedans. What captures the Korean driver is the interior because it has the quality of a premium sedan, thanks to automatic climate control, premium audio system from Arkamys or Bose, premium leather seats, and numerous features offer for this different premium.
The L38 SM3 is powered with the 1.6L l4 Renault-Nissan H4M engine that produces 112 PS of power output and attaining a fuel economy of 15.0km/L, meaning this different premium can go more than super-expensive sedans. It comes with either an XTRONIC CVT or a 5-speed manual transmission.
My thoughts about the SM3:
Makes me wonder how you would compare a budget-friendly Euro-Korean sedan with a million Peso European sedans. Well, if the word "premium" truly distinguishes it between sportiness and luxury, the SM3 L38 is a quick fire in the hole. Come on people, we do not say "fire in the hole" when this sedan comes closer than what we think, because it is more of a grenade that explodes with progression and precision. You will be glad to have it when it reaches the hands of a harried Korean driver, waiting to be picked by the new SM3.
