Renault Samsung SM5 Platinum

2013 Renault Samsung New SM5 Platinum

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.

PRICE LIST:

PE - 21,800,000 Won

SE - 23,070,000 Won

SE Plus - 24,650,000 Won

LE - 26,120,000 Won

RE - 27,590,000 Won