Renault Samsung SM3

Renault Samsung SM3
Overview
Manufacturer	Renault Samsung Motors
Production	2002–present
Model years	2003–present
Assembly	Busan, South Korea
Body and chassis
Class	Compact car
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive

The Renault Samsung SM3 is a compact car produced by the South Korean manufacturer Renault Samsung Motors since 2003.

First generation (N17; 2002–2013)

First generation (N17)
Overview
Also called	Nissan Almera/Almera Classic Nissan Bluebird Nissan Sunny Renault Scala
Production	2002–2013
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon
Related	Nissan Bluebird Sylphy
Powertrain
Engine	1.5 L QG15 l4 (petrol) 1.6 L QG16 l4 (petrol)
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,535 mm (99.8 in)
Length	4,510 mm (177.6 in)
Width	2002–2005: 1,705 mm (67.1 in) 2005–2013: 1,710 mm (67.3 in)
Height	1,440 mm (56.7 in) 1,450 mm (57.1 in)
Curb weight	1,160–1,185 kg (2,557–2,612 lb)

First generation of Samsung SM3 is a Nissan Sunny/Bluebird Sylphy G10 based model made in South Korea by Renault Samsung Motors. Production began in September 2002 in Busan.

It has four versions and two four-cylinder engines available: the 1.5 litre QG15DE and the 1.6 litre with CVTC system QG16DE petrol, both from Nissan.

In 2006, the SM3 was launched as Nissan Almera Classic in Ukraine and Russia. The same year, the car was launched in Central and South America as Nissan Almera, (Except in Chile where it was sold as Samsung), replacing Sentra after this became a large family car.

The SM3 was also sold as a Nissan Sunny in the Middle East and as the Renault Scala in Mexico, Egypt and Colombia.

In July 2009, it was renamed as SM3 CE (Classic Edition). The company announced production of the first generation SM3 would be continued while demand existed. The SM3 CE was discontinued in 2011 in Korea and was manufactured in Busan for the Russian market exclusively, under the Nissan brand. Production ended in 2013.

Gallery

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  2002 model front view
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  2002 model rear view
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  2005 model front view
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  2005 model rear view

Second generation (L38; 2009–present)

Second generation (L38)
Overview
Also called	Renault Fluence
Production	2009–present
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon
Platform	Renault/Nissan C platform
Related	Renault Mégane III
Powertrain
Engine	1.6 L H4M l4 (petrol)
Transmission	5-speed manual CVT automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length	4,620 mm (181.9 in)
Width	1,810 mm (71.3 in)
Height	1,480 mm (58.3 in)
Curb weight	1,215–1,250 kg (2,679–2,756 lb)

In April 2009, a redesigned SM3 was unveiled at the Seoul Motor Show.

The second generation SM3 is essentially a notchback saloon version of the Mégane 3 with minor cosmetic changes, also badged as Renault Fluence.

2012 facelift

In October 2012 Renault Samsung Motors introduced a redesigned front end for the 2013 model year of the SM3, with a new grille, headlamps and bumper as well as an improved equipment.

SM3 Neo

To create a "family feeling" with a new model of the company, the QM3 imported from Europe, Renault Samsung Motors introduced a new facelift to the SM3's front-end for the 2015 model year, known as the SM3 Neo.

Gallery

• 
  Front side
• 
  Cockpit
• 
  Engine compartment
• 
  2013 model front view
• 
  2013 model rear view
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  2013 model Cockpit
• 
  2013 model meter
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  SM3 Neo front view
• 
  SM3 Neo rear view

SM3 Z.E.

Main article: Renault Fluence Z.E.

Renault Samsung SM3 Z.E. at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show.

At the 2011 Seoul Motor Show, Renault Samsung Motors unveiled an all-electric variant of the SM3 called the Z.E. It is based on the Renault Fluence Z.E. and is partly financed by the South Korean Government. The car entered into mass production at the Busan factory during October 2013. The company targets a production of about 4,000 units per year. In 2013, its second marketing year and the first of South Korean assembly, the SM3 Z.E. was leader in electric vehicle sales, with a market share of 58% and 453 cars sold. The company attributed this to its AC-3 charger, its greater autonomy compared to rivals and a better warranty for the battery.

External links

• Official website
• Official website (SM3 Z.E.)