Renault rolls out revamped SM7

Renault Samsung CEO Jean-Marie Hurtiger, second from left, introduced the SM7 New Art model in central Seoul yesterday. Provided by the company

Renault Samsung Motors Company has launched an upgraded version of its SM7 sedan.
The Korean unit of French automaker Renault SA unveiled the SM7 New Art at a press conference in central Seoul yesterday, three years after the launch of the original SM7. The automaker spent the past two years and 100 billion won ($106.7 million) developing the revamped version.
Pointing out the increasing competition from imported vehicles in the local market, Jean-Marie Hurtiger, chief executive officer of Renault Samsung, said in the conference, “With the launch of the SM7 New Art, Renault Samsung further reduces the gap between domestic and imported cars.”
Aimed at men in their late 30s who enjoy driving and seek high-end style, and women in their early 40s looking for safety, the upgraded version has been equipped with a Neo VQ35 engine, Bose sound system and more airbags, the company executives said.
The SM7 New Art vehicles, with 2,300 to 3,500cc engines, have been priced from 27.5 million won to 41 million won, the automaker said.
Asked about competition with the Grandeur TG, a similar-sized sedan from the nation’s biggest automaker, Hyundai Motor Company, Hurtiger said that the upgraded SM7 could to compete with the smaller models of Hyundai’s luxury Genesis sedan, which will be available beginning next Tuesday, as the new SM7 has premium features. The Genesis will be equipped with any of a 3,300, 3,800 or 4,600cc engine.

By Moon So-young Staff Reporter [symoon@joongang.co.kr]