3 pricey rides offer a sporty spring fling

Infinity M35, released in February

Three sporty sedans are available for Korean driving enthusiasts this spring.
The first is the 2008 facelift model of the M35 sedan from Infiniti, the luxury brand of Japan’s Nissan.
The 3.5-liter sedan aims to compete against the BMW 5 series, the Audi A4 and the Lexus GS.
It might be one of the sleekest-looking sedans in the midsize luxury market. Compared with the lower-priced, lighter and smaller G35 sports sedan, the M35 boasts a body that ripples with muscle.
Living up to the expectations of its attractive exterior, the car’s award-winning VQ-series V6 engine generates a whopping 280 horsepower.
But don’t expect the car to rush down the road with instant acceleration.
As an Infiniti Korea spokeswoman admitted, the car has been designed to match the tastes of a little older and richer demographic. The M35’s response to the gas pedal when starting from zero will not give you whiplash. But once it starts rolling, the power plant begins to flex its muscle.
Adding pleasure to the ride is the sedan’s eight-inch touch-screen navigation system offered in Korean.
The navigation system guides you to restaurants, gas stations and hospitals close to your current location.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Avantgarde C230, released last November

This feature is hard to find in most imports to Korea. Most offer only an English menu on their control screen. Although you might need an assistant to operate it, the DVD player to the left of the front seat, coupled with a Bose surround-sound audio system, would help you unwind during heavy rush-hour traffic.
For car shoppers who want a sedan with a more traditional style, the Mercedes-Benz 2008 C-Class might be a good choice. The revamped C-Class comes in two versions: the Elegance with a more traditional look and the Avantgarde.
This reporter test drove a 2.5-liter Avantgarde C230 model for three days.
At first glance the Avantgarde model looks like an E-Class, but the three-pointed star on the front grille mimics Mercedes’ sports cars, probably to reflect the new sporty nature of the C-Class sedans and to attract younger buyers.
The C230 competes with the BMW 3, the Audi A4 and the Lexus IS250.
It is taller, heavier and longer than its predecessor. Mercedes-Benz Korea says the expansion is meant to improve handling and stability. Despite its comparatively small motor ― 204 horsepower ― the turbo charger gives the car a more powerful feel. Its cutting-edge agility control system automatically firms up the shock absorbers and provides a smooth ride.
One thing that may frustrate drivers is its navigation system that only responds to remote control. Operating a remote control while driving is quite a demanding job for many Koreans who are accustomed to touch pads.
A third entry for this spring is Renault Samsung’s SM7 New Art, a facelift for the domestic carmaker’s premier segment.
Unveiled in January, the 3.5-liter sedan distinguishes itself from its predecessor mostly in design.

Renault Samsung SM7 New Art, released in January

Perhaps responding to complaints that it has no apparent distinction from the smaller segment SM5, the new SM7 has entirely transformed its head lamps, bumper and front grille. On the back, rear lamps that look like eyes were installed, giving it a more sporty look.
So for those willing to open their wallet for a spring sedan fling, what will be the damage?
Infiniti M35’s standard version carries a price tag of 60 million won ($60,480), the priciest of the three spring sedans.
The Mercedes-Benz Avantgarde C200K model costs 52.9 million won.
The SM7 New Art’s price ranges between 27.5 million won and 41 million won, depending on options.

By Seo Ji-eun Staff Reporter [spring@joongang.co.kr]

korea joongAng daily

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3 pricey rides offer a sporty spring fling

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