[TEST DRIVE] Renault's hybrid XM3 SUV may be more style than substance

Industry

Published: 14 Nov. 2022, 15:50 Updated: 14 Nov. 2022, 15:51

[TEST DRIVE] Renault's hybrid XM3 SUV may be more style than substance

Renault Korea Motors' XM3 E-TECH Hybrid SUVs [RENAULT KOREA MOTORS]

BUSAN — Renault Korea Motors is hoping to turn the tables with its hybrid version of the XM3 SUV.

The XM3 E-TECH Hybrid is the company’s first hybrid model to hit the Korean market. Sold under the name Arkana, it was No. 7 in the European hybrid market in terms of sales in the first half.

The Korea JoongAng Daily recently test-drove the dark blue-colored hybrid on an around 120 kilometers (75 miles) journey from Coralani cafe in Busan to Balena Six cafe in Ulsan.

The dark blue color boasts a sharp and strong look. Two colors are newly added exclusively for hybrid versions: Electric Orange and Wave Blue.

"Blue represents Renault's efforts to go green while the orange color implies the car’s dynamic driving," said Renault Korea Motors CEO Stephane Deblaise before the test drive.

Measuring 4,570 millimeters (180 inches) long, 1,570 millimeters wide and 1,820 millimeters in height, the SUV is lower but longer than its competitors in the small-size SUV segment. The trunk capacity stands at 513 liters, the largest of any small-size SUV available in Korea.

Renault's signature white-colored flat smart key was appealing — but a bit old-fashioned.

Interior of the XM3 Hybrid [RENAULT KOREA MOTORS]

Taking the wheel, the vehicle automatically started the engine with EV mode. The vehicle can run on an electric motor at the speed of 50 kilometers per hour or lower, and automatically changes to a combustion engine at high speed.

Quietness was guaranteed, so much so, that you could hear the roar of waves when driving on the coastal road.

One minor complaint, it seemed like the turn signal levers are too far from the steering wheel. Drivers usually press the levers with their fingers while holding the wheel, but the distance is quite far in the XM3.

I first thought I was the only one who felt this, but heard other reporters complaining about it after the test drive.

After a three-hour-or-so test drive, it recorded 19.3 kilometers per liter of fuel efficiency, compared to the company’s claim of 17.4 kilometers per liter.

Some other reporters who participated in the test drive recorded over 20 kilometers per liter.

One disappointing factor was the weak engine power when running at speeds of more than 100 kilometers per hour. The SUV takes some time to get up to speed when pressing the accelerator. It also needs full strength to press the brake pedal when slowing down.

The hybrid generates 145 horsepower and 15.1 kilogram-meters of torque. It takes 10 seconds to reach 100 kilometers per hour from a standstill.

The vehicle is equipped with TMAP, a favorable navigation service among Koreans.

Renault Korea Motors CEO Stephane Deblaise describes the XM3 Hybrid during a press event held in Busan on Nov. 2. [RENAULT KOREA MOTORS]

An in-car payment system is also available which allows drivers to pay for their gas, coffee and convenience store purchases from the comfort of their cars through the infotainment system.

The sticker price starts from 30.94 million won ($22,300).

“Some 5,000 orders have already been made in Korea even before we released the specific details about the features,” said Deblaise.

Renault’s XM3 Hybrid SUVs are entirely manufactured at the carmaker’s Busan plant.

Renault Korea Motors sold some 60,000 vehicles in Korea last year, taking up 4 percent of the market. That number was half compared to 2010, when it sold some 150,000 units domestically.

It hopes to increase that market share to 10 percent. Renault plans to introduce its purely electric model in Korea in 2026.

Last year, Geely Automobile Holdings acquired 34.02 percent of Renault Korea Motors, becoming the second-largest shareholder of the automaker. Renault Group BV, a Dutch subsidiary of Renault Group, remains the largest shareholder.

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]