[Taboleo] "Made with the mindset of writing a reflection letter"... The Completely Changed 'The New SM6'

#European_Sensibility_Design_Intact #Equipped_with_Analog_Air_Conditioner_Buttons #Significantly_Improved_Ride_Quality #No_More_Empty_Spaces #Enhanced_Sound_Insulation

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] "I rewrote it from the beginning with the mindset of writing a reflection letter."

Renault Samsung Motors' SM6 has sharpened its blade and returned to once again target the mid-size sedan market. Launched in 2016, the SM6 was a model that received mixed reviews despite praise for its elegant design. Among its drawbacks, the ride comfort, which did not match its class, was considered a critical flaw. Renault Samsung Motors emphasized that they improved the issues pointed out in the SM6 and reborn it as the 'The New SM6.' It was so serious that everyone they met mentioned a 'reflection letter.' We met Renault Samsung Motors' promising model, The New SM6, at the Inje Speedium circuit and surrounding public roads in Gangwon-do.

- The impressive design, has it become more beautiful?

▲ The SM6 has been loved for its design imbued with a unique European sensibility. The New SM6 inherits this design as is. The difference from the previous model lies in the 'eyes.' The overall impression looks different with the new light signature, including the dynamic turn signals.

The change in the light signature is visually pleasing but also functionally improved. Equipped with 'Matrix LED Headlamps,' you can freely use the high beams without worrying about oncoming vehicles in dark places. The Matrix LED Headlamps use a camera to recognize obstacles ahead and turn the LED lamps on or off according to the situation. Each side has 18 lamps, totaling 36, dividing the area to shine light only where there are no vehicles ahead or opposite. This feature is especially useful when driving on national roads without streetlights.

- What changes have been made inside?

▲ The New SM6 shows no major changes in exterior but the interior has been completely revamped. This clearly shows how much Renault Samsung Motors has deliberated.

The most pleasing change was the center fascia. The analog buttons for the climate control have returned. Now, you no longer need to stop the car to operate the air conditioning while driving. The absence of analog buttons for the climate control was one of the biggest complaints among SM6 owners.

The previously bulky S-Link system has become much more responsive. The touch sensitivity and speed have been improved, greatly reducing frustration. The smartphone wireless charging system supports fast charging at 15W, whereas competitors only offer 5 to 10W. The rear seat space is not uncomfortable for adult passengers but cannot be described as spacious due to the design. Instead, the trunk is vast enough to easily fit four golf bags.

- What about the much-discussed and problematic ride comfort?

▲ The biggest change in The New SM6 is the powertrain. It combines newly developed 1.8L and 1.3L engines with a Getrag 7-speed wet transmission. After driving on the Inje Speedium circuit, the changes were immediately noticeable. Compared to other mid-size sedans, it showed no lack of power and demonstrated excellent performance in corners. On straight sections, it easily reached speeds up to 160 km/h.

The most interesting part was the public road driving, especially the ride comfort. The ride comfort has been dramatically improved compared to the previous model. Renault Samsung Motors invested 230 billion KRW in development and conducted over 100 suspension tunings for The New SM6. The public roads in Inje where the test drive took place were very dynamic courses, with many curves, speed bumps, and significant elevation changes. However, throughout the drive, the characteristic 'hollow' shock felt in the previous model was not experienced.

Although the torsion beam remains, a Modular Valve System (MVS) was applied to the front and rear dampers, and a large-capacity hydro bushing was applied to the rear suspension. Simply put, the cartilage in the joint parts was reinforced to enhance shock absorption. The effect was immediately noticeable. Even when deliberately driving over speed bumps at speeds above 60 km/h, there was no discomfort. Road sections with potholes that would normally be avoided were no problem at all.

Noise insulation has also been further improved. Even on the circuit, there was no significant noise, and it was quieter on public roads. Especially when the windows were closed, construction noise was noticeably reduced. The TCe300 model even supports Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which emits sound waves opposite in phase to engine noise to reduce it.

The New SM6 sales prices are as follows: TCe 260 ▲SE trim 24.5 million KRW ▲SE Plus trim 26.81 million KRW ▲LE trim 28.96 million KRW ▲RE trim 31.12 million KRW ▲Premiere 32.65 million KRW; TCe 300 ▲LE trim 30.73 million KRW ▲Premiere 34.22 million KRW. Combined fuel efficiency ranges from 11.6 to 13.6 km/L depending on the trim.