This is the second time the latest-generation Renault-Samsung SM5 has been given a facelift. The first facelift came out in late 2012 as the SM5 Platinum. Now, for 2015, the Renault-Samsung SM5 has been given a facelift once again and is now called "SM5 Nova".
Drawing inspiration from its big brother, the recently-facelifted SM7 Nova, the new SM5 Nova features a brand new front face that looks as conservative as the previous facelift and it looks even better looking than before.
Although the interior's been slightly changed, the software's been changed to accommodate the Smart Mirror system for the first time on a Korean car. This system mirrors the driver's smartphone's display on the sat-nav, allowing the driver to take control of the smartphone's features in the car. This is a breakthrough in the world of in-car connectivity. They can check maps, call and text others, listen to music, and do anything they want just like what they do on their smartphones every day.
It still comes with the same 2.0L petrol, 1.6L turbo petrol, and the 1.5L diesel engine of choice, and depending on the model, transmission types are either the XTRONIC CVT or the dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
There's also an LPi version of the SM5 as well which comes with the same 2.0L petrol engine as the normal one but with the LPG Donut Tank located underneath the boot to maintain boot capacity. However, the LPi version of the SM5 is available only for fleet purposes and not for private ownership.
Prices now start at 22,500,000 Won for the PE model with the 2.0L petrol engine up to 28,900,000 models for the 2.0L RE model. The turbocharged TCE model starts at 27,900,000 Won while the D model (the one with the diesel engine) costs 25,900,000 Won.
Renault Samsung Motors, the SoKor-only Korean affiliate of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, lightly revised two of the luxury sedans from their lineup, the SM5 and the flagship SM7, for the 2014 model year.
Starting with the 2014MY SM5, newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels and black faux leather were added on the PE trim while the SE trim had is price now 600,000 Won lowered. On the LE trim, it now comes with blind spot information system and for the SE trim, LED lighting package was added. For the LE and RE trim, a class-first ABS front seat headrest trim was applied.
Now onto the 2014MY SM7, the addition of the blind spot information system and forward warning system has been implemented for added safety. On the RE and RE35 trim, dark chrome 18-inch wheels, silver and piano black interior trim are implemented.
As for pricing, the 2014MY SM5 now starts at 24,500,000 Won for the SE Art model (the special one) up to 28,700,000 for the RE Art model. The 2014MY SM7, on the other hand, now starts at 30,280,000 Won for the SE model up to 38,650,000 Won for the RE35 model.
Now I have to admit it that this facelifted version of the Renault Samsung SM5 could give us a hint of what a facelifted Renault Latitude could look like but sadly, because of the Renault Fluence facelift gaining a Clio-styled nose rather than the one from the facelifted SM3, chances are that this kind of thing that we're talking about now won't be applied to the facelifted Latitude soon and instead go on with the Clio-style nose because this is the new trademark for Renault.
Anyway, this here is the New SM5 Platinum, the updated version of the SM5 executive midsize saloon car that has been around for two years since this generation was released in South Korea since January 2010. For this latest version, the New SM5 Platinum draws some inspiration from the All New SM7 so the exterior kinda looks like it, except the rear lamps which is still an SM5, only refined. I think that this facelifted version is getting more of a matured 25-year-old businessman who wants to stand out against his rivals.
2013 Renault Samsung New SM5 Platinum interior
On the inside though, it's not that desperately impractical and it's getting more matured to cater someone in a coat and tie. What's new here is the sat-nav that now checks your average fuel consumption and also, SMart Connect first applied on the latest version of the SM3. This feature allows this navigation system's firmware to be updated via Wi-Fi and not just that, it gets you access to SK Telecom's MelOn mobile music portal service. That name is familiar for K-POP fans many because of the MelOn Music Awards but for those, MelOn is SK Telecom's mobile music portal service which is the world's first wired and wireless interworking music service that allows you to enjoy your favorite tunes anytime and anywhere. It's legal, you are first to listen the world's best songs, and SK offers real-time streaming and downloads through its Music Rental Service.
Although, no mechanical changes were made on the 2.0L CVTC-II L4 engine capable of releasing 141PS of power, the new generation XTRONIC CVT helped propelled the New SM5 Platinum's fuel economy of 14.1km/L. That's an improvement from the previous 12.1km/L. Sadly, the 2.0L engine is the only engine available on the New SM5 Platinum. Period.
The New SM5 Platinum tries to keep it fresh during its two-year tenure and I think that now, it's becoming one of the best executive midsize sedans in South Korea. It maybe built to compete against the Malibu, the K5, and the Sonata but in every intangible way, the New SM5 Platinum shows who's the boss. It shows who's in charge of everything. It always tries to woo the crowd from Gangnam...Er, am I saying that loud am I?
Anyway, it's now well-mannered, well-tailored, and surprisingly elegant to drive if you are the kind of man who thinks that his life is like a Korean drama.
Available Colors: Black, Mars Gray, White, Ebony Brown, Ultra Silver, and Pearl White.
Here it is...This must be the facelifted version of the Renault Samsung SM5 (known in Europe as the Renault Latitude). Kudos to the official Renault Samsung Facebook site (http://www.facebook.com/RenaultSamsungM) for revealing the whole look for what we might think that is this the Renault Latitude facelift. Besides, this New SM5 Platinum borrows some of its design from the All New SM7 flagship sedan.
Stay tuned. More to come as the New SM5 Platinum hits showrooms this month.
Well, what do we have here? It looks like Renault-Samsung Motors, the South Korean affiliate of Renault have released a teaser image of what they said this is the NEW SM5 Platinum. Could that be a facelift for the New SM5 (better known as the Renault Latitude)?
Those three executive medium sedans are from France, hence I called them the executives in France-tan's clothing. Wouldn't believe I used the "France-tan" word? Never mind, the Renault Latitude, Peugeot 508, and the Citroen C5 sedan are executive medium sedans stands out the crowd with its premium quality, performance, comfort, and everything else. The Citroen C5 and Peugeot 508 are made in France but the Renault Latitude is made in South Korea under the name Renault Samsung SM5. Come to think of it, those three are beautiful indeed but time for me to judge which of these French executive medium sedans is my pick...
In terms of overall design: I guess I can make it a three-way tie because all three got the best looks.
In terms of pricing: Let's see, the Renault Latitude Business dCi150 costs 32,500 Euros while the Peugeot 508 Access 1.6L VTi 16v 120ch BMP6 costs 23,300 Euros and the Citroen C5 Berline VTi 120 BMP6 Attraction costs 22,600 Euros, which makes the Citroen C5 the winner because of its affordability.
In terms of fuel efficiency: Since both the Citroen C5 and the Peugeot 508 are offered with the e-HDi Micro-Hybrid technology, they deserved the credit. Better luck next time, Latitude.
In terms of performance: The Renault Latitude takes over. The Renault Latitude's V6 engine has more power than the 2.2L HDi engines offered from the Citroen C5 and the Peugeot 508. It is the only Renault that offers that kind of powerful diesel engine for now.
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.
