New QM5 more fuel efficient

By Kim Tae-gyu

There is a conventional belief that the sequel is never better than the original, which has applied not merely to show business but also to other areas.

Renault Samsung Motors, one of the leading automakers in the local market as an affiliate of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, says that will not be the case for the new QM5 in consideration of its superior fuel economy and power.

It is the upgraded version of the QM5, which made its debut in late 2007 becoming a popular choice with local motorists. The new version will be available next month.

``The new QM5 is not a facelift model, which underwent mere design improvement but a revamped model, the performance of which has been upgraded to a higher level,’’ a Renault Samsung spokesman said.

``Through the fine tuning of the latest 2.0-liter dCi engine of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, the cars basic performance has been improved.’’

He took the example of the new QM5 powered by the 2.0-liter diesel engine of which fuel economy is 15.1 kilometers per liter compared to 13.8 kilometers for the original model. The former’s maximum torque also improved more than 10 percent.

``In particular, the new QM5 shows strong power in the medium and high speed range through improved torque and power in the commonly used speed range,’’ the spokesman said.

``Based on such improvements, the new QM5 boasts a performance better than that of its competitors’ models in terms of fuel economy and power.’’

Renault Samsung CEO Jean-Marie Hurtiger said that the new QM5 will be able to keep the premium image as a representative crossover utility vehicle (CUV).

``QM5, which introduced the concept of urban CUV for the first time in the domestic automotive market, has garnered strong popularity among customers,’’ Hurtiger said.

``With the launch of the new QM5, Renault Samsung Motors will unveil a further upgraded product in all respects including fuel economy, power and price, bringing more satisfaction to its customers.’’

A CUV, simply called a crossover, refers to a vehicle that employs features of both sports utility vehicles and passenger cars.

The Busan-based company said that the exterior of the new QM5 would draw the attention of consumers with sleeker headlamps, and an improved radiator grille design and front bumper.

The new model also adopts side mirrors with light-emitting diode (LED) side repeaters, 17-inch two-tone or high-gloss 18-inch alloy wheels.

The firm claims that the interior is by no means inferior, with aluminum film in air-vent and mash type fabric seats.

There will be a choice between a 2.0-liter diesel engine and a 2.5-liter gasoline engine.

The new QM5 will go on sale at 195 sales outlet of Renault Samsung in July with price tags ranging between 23 million won and 32 million won depending on the specifications.