Renault Samsung aims high with new QM3

Renault Samsung Motors SUV QM3

By Park Jin-hai

• Published Dec 3, 2014 5:01 PM KST
• Updated Dec 3, 2014 5:01 PM KST

By Park Jin-hai

Renault Samsung Motors has unveiled an upgraded version of its popular compact SUV QM3, and is hopeful the model will boost sales.

The new QM3 has beefed up its features and design options, but the price will rise only a little.

Features include an optional removable natural leather seat and an added marine blue color for the bodywork. The electric folding outside mirrors, parking sensor and safety power window provided as options in the previous model have been maintained as basics.

“It is our answer to customers’ calls over the past year following the launch of QM3 in Korea,” a company spokesman said. “The removable natural leather seat option is available only for Korean customers.”

The vehicle’s decal design is simpler and sharper, while the interior features design elements from the European Captur model.

“Customers can choose their seat color from orange, blue and black, matching with its body. It adds more personality to the car,” the spokesman said.

Apart from the outstanding fuel efficiency of 18.5 kilometer per liter, Renault hopes this vehicle will help revive the brand here.

Sales of the SUV QM3 have reached 16,014 since the model went on sale late last year and became the best-selling foreign manufactured car in the country.

In a survey, customers named fuel efficiency was the vehicle’s biggest strength, followed by unique exterior design and power train.

Then updated model is available in three trims, with the base model starting at 22.8 million won, a 300,000 won increase from the 2014 model. The top-line RE will cost 24.95 million won.