Renault Samsung SM5

Summary

The Renault Samsung SM5 is a mid-size car or large family car (D-segment in Europe) produced by the South Korean manufacturer Renault Samsung Motors, with technical assistance from Japanese automaker Nissan. Between 1998 and 2012, Renault Samsung Motors had produced 680,000 SM5 models.[1] In 2018, 10,002 models were made at the Busan plant.[2]

Renault Samsung SM5
Overview
ManufacturerRenault Samsung Motors
Production1998–2019
AssemblyBusan, South Korea
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size car (D)
Body style4-door saloon
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive

The first generation was launched in 1998, with the second generation introduced in 2005 and the current third generation SM5 launched in 2009. In some markets, the SM5 is sold as the Renault Latitude or Renault Safrane.

First generation (KPQ/A32; 1998–2005) edit

First generation (KPQ)
 
Overview
Production1998–2005
Body and chassis
RelatedNissan Maxima (A32)
Nissan Cefiro A32
Powertrain
Engine2.0L Nissan SR20DE I4
2.0L Nissan VQ20DE V6
2.5L Nissan VQ25DE V6
3.0L Nissan VQ30DE V6
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length
  • 1998–2003: 4,825 mm (190.0 in)
  • 2003–2005: 4,835 mm (190.4 in)
  • V6 model: 4,845 mm (190.7 in)
Width
  • 1,775 mm (69.9 in)
  • V6 model: 1,785 mm (70.3 in)
Height
  • 1,415 mm (55.7 in)
  • V6 model: 1,425 mm (56.1 in)

The first generation model was based on the Nissan Maxima (A32).[3][4]

Second generation (EX1/DF(A34R); 2005–2010) edit

Second generation (EX1/DF)
 
Overview
Also called
Production2005–2010
Body and chassis
PlatformNissan FF-L platform
RelatedNissan Maxima A34
Nissan Altima L31
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,775 mm (109.3 in)
Length
  • 2005–2007: 4,895 mm (192.7 in)
  • 2007–present: 4,905 mm (193.1 in)
Width
  • 2005–2007: 1,785 mm (70.3 in)
  • 2007–present: 1,787 mm (70.4 in)
Height1,475 mm (58.1 in)

The second generation model replaced the previous model in 2005. It is based on its sibling, the SM7. The model was seen in Australia being tested on its roads.[5] The model is also based on the Nissan Teana/Maxima.[3]

In 2008–2010, the car was also sold in the Gulf States and Mexico, as the Renault Safrane.[6] The project code for the SM5 Impression is DF, while that of the Renault Safrane is A34R.

On July 1, 2003, Renault Samsung celebrated the production of the 300,000th SM5 to be manufactured in South Korea.[7]

Third generation (L43; 2009–2019) edit

Third generation (L43)
 
Overview
Also called
Production2009–2019
Body and chassis
PlatformRenault/Nissan D platform
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,760 mm (108.7 in)
Length4,885 mm (192.3 in)
Width1,830 mm (72.0 in)
Height1,490 mm (58.7 in)
Curb weight1,470 kg (3,240 lb)

On January 18, 2010, the third generation model was released and began to be sold along with the previous model.

Based on the Renault Laguna and designed in Seoul, the New SM5 is manufactured at the firm’s Busan plant in South Korea.[8] The SM5 was planned to be introduced in the U.S. and Canadian markets in 2014, under the Mitsubishi brand,[9] but this plan has since been canceled.[10]

It is available with a two-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, 2.5 litre six-cylinder petrol engine.[11] The SM5 uses a Nissan Xtronic CVT transmission (V6 uses 6 Speed Automatic transmission).[12]

In 2017, RSM recalled several SM5s built between October 1, 2013, and October 31, 2014 due to problems with the coolant temperature sensors.[13]

The SM5 forms the basis to the Renault Latitude sold in the Asia-Pacific region.[14][15] The new SM5 is once again sold in the Gulf States and Mexico as the Renault Safrane.[16]

The SM6 is expected to be the SM5's successor since RSM did not announce a continuation of the model.[3] Renault Samsung has ended production of the SM5 in 2019.[17]

SM5 Platinum edit

In November 2012, a facelifted SM5 was launched, called the SM5 Platinum.[18] The facelift included a new design to the front, revised dashboard features[1] and retains the existing Nissan engines.

SM5 NOVA edit

In January 2015, another facelifted SM5 was launched, called SM5 NOVA.[19] The second facelift included a new Renault-style grille to the front and DRL.[19]

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Renault Samsung Motors launches new SM5". Korea Times. 4 November 2012. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
  2. ^ "Busan Plant - Renault Group".
  3. ^ a b c "Analysis Archives".
  4. ^ "Renault Buys Samsung's Car Unit, Gaining Foothold in South Korea". Wall Street Journal. 22 April 2000.
  5. ^ "Renault Safrane, Samsung SM5 spy photos - Drive".
  6. ^ "New Samsung SM5 hints at Renault Safrane 2011".
  7. ^ "Renault Samsung looks to Nissan for SM5 platform". 14 December 2005.
  8. ^ Brogan, Matt (2010-03-23). "New Renault Samsung SM5 sees early success in Korea". Car Advice. Archived from the original on 2015-12-24.
  9. ^ "Renault Samsung confirms Mitsubishi offerings, US will get SM5". thetruthaboutcars. 2013-11-11. Retrieved 2015-10-03.
  10. ^ "Mitsubishi Won't Be Getting Renault-Samsung Sedan". thetruthaboutcars. 2015-01-26. Retrieved 2015-10-03.
  11. ^ "New SM5" (PDF) (in Korean). Renault Samsung. 2010-11-07. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-03-31. Retrieved 2011-09-28.
  12. ^ "The 2010 Samsung SM5 exceeds sales expectations". AutoCarbe. 2010-03-23. Archived from the original on 2011-09-15. Retrieved 2011-09-28.
  13. ^ "Renault Samsung to recall 62,000 cars in Korea". 2 July 2017.
  14. ^ "Renault Samsung Exports SM5 Taxis to Singapore". english.hankyung.com. June 19, 2013.
  15. ^ "Brazil, Australia, Macau: Fleet contracts like no other - Renault Group".
  16. ^ "Afforable luxury with Renault's new Safrane".
  17. ^ "르노삼성 'SM 3·5·7' 단종…'XM3·캡처·QM6' SUV 라인업으로 빈자리 채운다" [Renault Samsung's SM3, SM5 and SM7 discontinued… XM3, Captur, QM6 SUVs lineup to fill the gap]. ETnews.com (in Korean). 9 January 2020. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
  18. ^ "Renault Samsung Motors SM5". Renault. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
  19. ^ a b "2015 Renault Samsung SM5 Nova (Latitude) Launched in Korea". 13 January 2015.

External links edit

  • Official website (in Korean)