Renault Samsung SM3 L38 Minor Change

2013 Renault Samsung SM3

The second-generation Renault Samsung SM3 (L38) was been there for three years and this car deserves a minor change. Well, it happened now. The L38 SM3 now gets its facelift and this should be interesting.

SMART LIFE

For its facelift, the SM3 now has a new front design that provides modern dynamism for this car. This front grille on the facelifted SM3 seems like it came from the Kia Morning. Familiar? Afraid not but this new look is all about being stylish midsize sedan for the Korean yuppies. The 17-inch alloy wheels have given a new look to give it a bit more feel. Those redesigned front lamps, side mirrors, side body kit, refined door handles, and some cosmetic upgrades really try to keep the SM3 fresh and rejuvenated. On the inside, that's a different story because the instrumental panel's new to us and it's called Dynamic Color Digital Crystal. That seems to be somewhat familiar but this new instrumental really gives a clear view on the speed, the rev, the status, anything. However, the Dynamic Color Digital Crystal is not just new to this model, there's one thing that I really like and it's the new SM3's SMart Connect. 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.

More info:  http://www.sktelecom.com/eng/html/service/WirelessInternet/Music.html 

Speaking of music, the BOSE Surround System was equipped on the more expensive versions to provide a better sound quality while driving. Listening to your greatest hits never sound so good on an everyday midsize sedan. Also, there is a massager on the driver's seat, heated seats, Samsung Plasma Ionizer, perfume diffuser, 3 zone aircon, and this smart i navigation feature. All those conveniences really add a nice touch on the revised SM3.

We're now into the twilight zone which is the performance. As of now, the SM3 offers only the 1.6L gasoline engine generates about 117HP of power and 16.1kg-m of torque. Because it was mated with the new XTRONIC CVT, the fuel economy is now 15km/L and CO2 emissions of 114.0g/km. It's now even more economical than ever because what Renault Samsung says that this is the best-in-class fuel economy.

Available colors are; Ultra Silver, White, Black, Mars Gary, Pearl White, Ebony Brown, and Oriental Red.

My comment:

The 2013 SM3 is not just even more dynamic in terms of exterior design but it's now made to be more technological thanks to its SMart Connect feature that Korean yuppies would make sense of. Sadly however, I didn't like it. That's it.

Photo: Renault Samsung Motors

Renault Samsung to launch SM3 Bose Edition this March 16

SM3 White Ibiza Party

Got a note from Renault Samsung Motor's official Facebook fan page. It seems that Renault Samsung will be releasing an SM3 Bose Edition this March 16, 2012. Not much info left but it will showcase at the SM3 White Ibiza Party this March 16, 2012.

URL: http://on.fb.me/SM3_Party

Renault Fluence Z.E.

2012 Renault Fluence Z.E.

2012 Renault Fluence Z.E. interior

Renault's Fluence Z.E. is the medium sedan packed with eco-friendly technology and zero emissions, which is part of the new Renault Z.E. range. It is the first 100% electric medium sedan created under the Renault Nissan Alliance, using the Renault Fluence as its foundation for this ecological vehicle, which promises zero emissions.

It is easy to distinguish the differences of the Fluence and Fluence Z.E. in terms of exterior and interior designs. On the outside, the Fluence Z.E. has a similar front as seen on the normal Fluence but the rear view is a different shape. On the interior, you should see that the instrumental panel's altered with a different design, which makes it easier to distinguish it. Anyway, it still has the same Fluence comfort you can enjoy taking some time off. The Fluence Z.E. features the world's first Carminat TomTom Z.E. Live navigation system, which allows the driver to check real-time information on the Fluence Z.E. such as battery percentage remaining, eco-routing, search for nearest charging stations, and much more. This electric medium sedan provides user-friendly experience which can be somewhat essential.

The Renault Fluence Z.E. produces 70KW of power output and 226 Nm of torque output. This helps the car goes from 0-100km/h in 13.40 seconds and top speed of 135km/h and the lithium-ion battery's capacity is 22kWh. There is even an energy recovery system that allows the Fluence Z.E. recharges the battery when decelerating or braking. This helps the car's NEDC combined cycle range reaches 185km. There are numerous possibilities to charge the Fluence Z.E. at home and public places thanks to the Wall-Box, household mains supply (10A or 16A, 220V), or access to public battery charging facilities. In some countries like Israel, Denmark and Australia, there is a QuickDrop battery switch system which allows the Fluence Z.E. to swap the battery in as little as 5 minutes.

Two versions are available on the Fluence Z.E. such as Expression and Dynamique and its available in seven color variations such as Beige Cendré, Bleu Energy, Bleu de Prusse, Gris Eclipse, Gris Platine, Noir Nacré, and Blanc Glacier.

My comment:

I guess that the Renault Fluence Z.E. has some of its features courtesy of the Renault Nissan Alliance that keeps its zero emissions promise just like the Nissan Leaf but for now, it would be very nice to see the first of its kind. The first 100% electric medium sedan that uses the Renault Fluence as its foundation to create such a wonderful electric vehicle that provides cleaner driving on the highway. We might say that we're going to mix it up with the colors blue and yellow and oh my gosh, the perspectives are not as thick as an oslo paper.

Photo: Renault

Renault Fluence

Back in July 2009, in South Korea, Renault-Samsung Motors unveiled the third-generation SM3. A staunch Renault fan might think where the new-generation SM3 came from did. The true details about the new SM3 became unknown until now, at Renault, the French automaker unveiled the true form, which carries the elements of the Megane hatchback, and it is the replacement of the axed Megane Sedan. Meet the new compact Renault sedan, the Fluence.








Based on the Renault Megane, this new sedan combines the premium feel of the Fluence while preserving the sportiness of a sports car, all in one unique premium package. How to distinguish the Fluence's identity is the exterior itself. By observing the outer view of the Fluence, you can assure it looks like a combination of the Megane and the Laguna, while the flow keeps on going for this French newbie. By using the look and feel of the Fluence, the driver feels like influenced by the Renault design that carried a few years ago. Consider it a premium package for adults, if agreed.

Since its arrival, the Fluence starts with the 1.5-litre DCi common rail turbo diesel engine that delivers 86 to 107PS of power while preserving Euro 4 emission standards. This diesel engine not only provides wonderful fuel efficiency, but also providing hybrid-like attributes to the environment, thanks to Renault's Eco2. As for that, the Fluence comes with either a 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmission, so expect the sluggish things to come for this. But do not forget; anti-lock braking system, electronic stability program, seat belts, side airbags, fog lamps, tire re-inflation kit, spare tire, and Carminat TomTom navigation system covers you most when you need it.





The Fluence's interior provides more room and exceptional comfort for four to five adults. With the leather steering wheel, CD/AM/FM/MP3 player, heated front seats, climate control, rear curtain, optional leather beige upholstery, and glass roof, there is exceptional comfort and luxury unlike any other medium sedans in the market. To shake things up for the car's interior details, it looks the same as the Renault Megane.

ON THE OTHER HAND:
Since the Fluence arrived first at the Korean market as the new Renault Samsung SM3, and made a world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show since September, there is no doubt, how far this new premium compact sedan come first against the competition. This new French sedan really picks up a clean fight to those other compact sedans and on the side note, an electric version of the Fluence might come out sometime to whisk away the hybrid competition.


Source: http://leopauldelr.multiply.com/reviews/item/167

Renault-Samsung SM3 L38

Consider yourself watching the Korean TV CF of the new, second-generation, Renault Samsung SM3, and compare it to the Bentley Continental Flying Spur. What you will see is a different premium for this medium sized sedan with the price that is more affordable than the super-expensive Bentley Continental Flying Spur.

Whatever, the truth is, the Renault Samsung SM3 boasts an overall sportiness on the exterior while the interior is a different premium compared to other premium sedans. What captures the Korean driver is the interior because it has the quality of a premium sedan, thanks to automatic climate control, premium audio system from Arkamys or Bose, premium leather seats, and numerous features offer for this different premium.
The L38 SM3 is powered with the 1.6L l4 Renault-Nissan H4M engine that produces 112 PS of power output and attaining a fuel economy of 15.0km/L, meaning this different premium can go more than super-expensive sedans. It comes with either an XTRONIC CVT or a 5-speed manual transmission.

My thoughts about the SM3:


Makes me wonder how you would compare a budget-friendly Euro-Korean sedan with a million Peso European sedans. Well, if the word "premium" truly distinguishes it between sportiness and luxury, the SM3 L38 is a quick fire in the hole. Come on people, we do not say "fire in the hole" when this sedan comes closer than what we think, because it is more of a grenade that explodes with progression and precision. You will be glad to have it when it reaches the hands of a harried Korean driver, waiting to be picked by the new SM3.