Renault Samsung QM5

This is the world premiere of Samsung Motors' QM5 crossover, previewed as the Renault Koleos Concept at last year's Paris Auto Show. Although its first appearance in concept form wore a Renault badge, the car's production styling was actually penned at the Samsung design studio in Korea, in conjunction with Renault design.

The crossover marks the French automaker's first full venture into the SUV/crossover lineup as Peugeot and Citroën only tentatively entered this segment a year ago with the Mitsubishi Outlander-based 4007 and C-Crosser. The QM5's design continues from the concept, with only minor details having been changed: the LED lamps around the front and rear; side rearview mirrors; front and rear bumpers; side rocker panel treatment and alloy wheels. On the flip side, with the presence of full shoulder and wheelarch surfaces from the Koleos Concept carrying over to the production model, the stance of the QM5 suffers greatly with the smaller production size wheels not visually able to hold the vehicle's volume.

Already late in entering the segment, the QM5 will be crucial for Renault's production portfolio and is expected to spawn derivatives of the crossover in Europe. The car, which made its premiere in Korea on the 1st of December, is on domestic sale now.

Source: cardesignnews