The Renault Samsung SM6 1.5 dCi (110 Hp) Automatic represents a pivotal offering within the highly competitive D-segment sedan market, primarily serving the South Korean automotive landscape. Launched in 2016, this generation of the SM6 is intrinsically linked to the European-market Renault Talisman, signifying a strategic move by Renault Samsung Motors to introduce a vehicle that fused sophisticated European design and engineering with localized manufacturing and market insights. Positioned as a stylish and technologically advanced mid-size sedan, the SM6 aimed to attract discerning buyers looking for a compelling blend of elegant aesthetics, superior comfort, and exceptional fuel efficiency, particularly through its advanced diesel powertrain. While this particular model was not made available in the North American market, its role in South Korea was crucial, allowing Renault Samsung to strengthen its brand presence and showcase its commitment to delivering modern, high-value vehicles that resonated with contemporary consumer demands for performance, economy, and refinement.
Powertrain and Performance Dynamics of the Renault Samsung SM6
Powering the Renault Samsung SM6 1.5 dCi (110 Hp) Automatic is a highly regarded 1.5-liter dCi diesel engine, internally identified by the K9K code. This inline four-cylinder unit, mounted transversely at the front, is a cornerstone of the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s diesel engine family, celebrated for its robust design and efficiency. It delivers a solid 110 horsepower at 4000 revolutions per minute (rpm), providing ample power for confident acceleration and sustained highway speeds. The engine’s architecture incorporates a sophisticated common rail direct fuel injection system, a precisely tuned turbocharger, and an intercooler, all working in concert to optimize combustion efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance throttle response across the entire rev range. The presence of a turbocharger is particularly beneficial, as it significantly boosts low-end torque, a hallmark of modern diesel engines, effectively mitigating turbo lag and ensuring brisk pick-up from lower speeds.
One of the SM6 1.5 dCi’s most compelling attributes is its torque output, peaking at a substantial 250 Newton-meters (184.39 lb.-ft.) at an impressively low 1750 rpm. This broad and accessible torque plateau is instrumental in the vehicle’s excellent drivability, enabling effortless overtaking maneuvers and a relaxed cruising experience without the frequent need for gear changes. This power is seamlessly managed by a 6-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic transmission. This advanced gearbox technology ensures rapid, smooth, and precise gear shifts, contributing significantly to both the vehicle’s dynamic performance and its exemplary fuel economy. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) architecture, where the engine transmits power directly to the front wheels, is a practical and efficient choice for a sedan in this class, offering predictable handling characteristics and optimized traction under various driving conditions.
Fuel efficiency stands out as a key strength for the Renault Samsung SM6 1.5 dCi, reflecting the inherent advantages of modern diesel technology. The combined fuel consumption is rated at an impressive 5.8 liters per 100 kilometers, translating to approximately 40.6 US miles per gallon (mpg). For urban driving, the vehicle achieves 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers (36.8 US mpg), while extra-urban (highway) driving yields an even more economical 5.2 liters per 100 kilometers (45.2 US mpg). These figures highlight the SM6’s exceptional operational economy, making it an attractive proposition for drivers prioritizing low running costs. Furthermore, with CO2 emissions pegged at just 109 grams per kilometer, the SM6 demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, aligning with increasingly stringent global emissions standards. The vehicle’s power-to-weight ratio of 12.9 kilograms per horsepower (or 77.5 horsepower per tonne) further underscores its well-balanced performance, ensuring that efficiency does not come at the expense of adequate power for its segment.
Design, Features, and Advanced Comfort in the Renault Samsung SM6
The design of the Renault Samsung SM6 is characterized by a sleek, sophisticated, and contemporary aesthetic, drawing strong parallels with its European counterpart, the Renault Talisman. As a four-door sedan designed to accommodate five occupants, it projects an executive and upmarket presence on the road. Its exterior dimensions are substantial yet balanced: a length of 190.94 inches, a width of 73.62 inches, and a height of 57.48 inches. These proportions contribute to a commanding stance and a visually appealing profile, while simultaneously ensuring a remarkably spacious and comfortable cabin environment for all passengers. The generous wheelbase, measuring 110.63 inches, is a critical factor in enhancing ride quality and maximizing interior room, particularly for rear-seat legroom, which is a significant selling point in the competitive mid-size sedan category.
The chassis and suspension systems of the SM6 are meticulously engineered to deliver a refined and stable driving experience. The front suspension features an independent McPherson type, a widely adopted and proven design renowned for its optimal balance of comfort, responsive handling, and durability. While the specific rear suspension type is not detailed, it would be harmonized with the front setup to provide a cohesive and comfortable ride across varying road surfaces. Braking performance is robust, handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. This combination provides confident and effective stopping power, further enhanced by the standard inclusion of an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). ABS is a crucial safety feature that prevents wheel lock-up during emergency braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control and potentially avoid obstacles.
Steering in the Renault Samsung SM6 is managed by a precise rack and pinion system, augmented by electric power steering. This modern setup offers a desirable blend of light, effortless steering at low speeds—ideal for urban maneuvering and parking—and a firmer, more communicative feel at higher speeds, enhancing stability and driver confidence. The vehicle is equipped with 205/65 R16 95V tires mounted on 16-inch wheel rims. This tire and wheel combination is a practical choice that strikes an excellent balance between ride comfort, sufficient grip for everyday driving, and reasonable replacement costs. Beyond these mechanical aspects, the SM6, as a modern D-segment sedan launched in 2016, would typically offer a suite of interior features aimed at enhancing comfort, convenience, and connectivity. This would include a driver-centric cockpit design, quality materials throughout the cabin, and an intuitive infotainment system. The overall design and feature set coalesce to provide a pleasant, secure, and technologically current environment for both the driver and passengers, reinforcing its position as a competitive and desirable vehicle in its market segment.
Technical Specifications: Renault Samsung SM6 1.5 dCi (110 Hp) Automatic
| Brand | Renault Samsung |
| Model | SM6 |
| Generation | SM6 |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 dCi (110 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of Production | 2016 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body Type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Consumption (Urban) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel Consumption (Extra Urban) | 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel Consumption (Combined) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg) |
| CO2 Emissions | 109 g/km |
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