Ugrades SM5 tops mid-sized sedan

New SM5 Platinum

By Kim Tae-jong

Renault Samsung Motors has rebounded in the mid-sized sedan market after it recently launched the upgraded SM5.

With the successful design makeover, the new SM5 Platinum has become one of the hottest selling sedans in the market. In just one week after the launch, the automaker received about 2,200 orders.

The new SM5 is reborn with a more classic yet dynamic look in order to better appeal to the taste of local customers.

The new model has a more robust face with a perfect balance of its hood, grille and headlamps.

But the sedan has a very sharp side design, which offers a dynamic feeling combined with two-tone alloy wheels, while it maintains the simple and charming rear side that the previous version had.

The automaker did not just change the outlook of the new model but upgraded various comfort and safety features.

The 3.5 generation model provides a display of more stylish designs with newly-added LED lights.

Inside, the automotive gauge and center console have been also upgraded to add a more premium look.

In terms of safety, it comes equipped with a blind spot warning system (BSW) for the first time among cars in the same segment, and it also has a tire pressure monitoring system.

The sedan is also equipped with the Smart Connect system, an upgraded infotainment system that allows drivers to synchronize with various mobile phone applications.

The sedan promises high fuel efficiency and impressively low NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) with higher performance and reliability.

It is mounted with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with a fuel efficiency of 14.1 kilometers per liter, which the automaker proudly claims is the best among its rivals in the same segment.

As with the previous models, the new SM5 offers delicate and instant responses to a driver's controlling in wheeling and accelerating.

The new model will be sold in five trims with a price tag ranging from 21.8 million to 27.59 million won.