Renault Safrane, Samsung SM5 spy photos

By Matt Brogan | May 07th, 2010

Our spy photographers have today snapped these images of Renault’s new Safrane model.

The images come just weeks after CarAdvice caught the car’s Korean cousin, the Samsung SM5, testing on Australian roads.

The Safrane, which will share underpinnings with the new Samsung SM5, is set to replace Renault’s Laguna and Vel Satis models, slotting mid-way between the pair in much the same way Peugeot will replace its its 407 and 607 models with the new 508.

It’s believed the new Korean-built Safrane will likely feature the same engine as the current Samsung SM5, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol mated to an automatic transmission. There is also the possibility a new deal between Renault and Mercedes-Benz will see Merc’s four- and six-cylinder Euro6-compatible diesel engines offered.

James007

Correct me if I’m wrong here guys and gals, but isn’t the Samsung SM5 just a sedan version of the current Renault Laguna hatch and wagon? And since the SM5 would be the same size as the current Laguna, what would be the point of all this?? Unless this is just Renault readying the SM5 for sale in Europe and other markets badged as a Renault, with the possibility of just giving the sedan version of the Laguna a different name, like ‘Safrane’, just like what they’ve done with the sedan version of the Megane, calling it ‘Fluence’.

I like it anyway and would be great for Renault here in Australia. With any luck, it’ll also come from Korea, like the Koleos SUV and up coming Megane/Fluence sedan.
idlebrain

hmmm, what’s the point of this car?

In the article, it was mentioned as
“The Safrane, which will share underpinnings with the new Samsung SM5, is set to replace Renault’s Laguna and Vel Satis models, slotting mid-way between the pair in much the same way Peugeot will replace its its 407 and 607 models with the new 508.”
Mad Max

I think the current Samsung SM5 is the previous model Nissan Maxima. I visit South America a few times each year where Samsung have good sales and most of them are previous model Nissans. You see plenty of Pulsars, Maxima’s and Bluebirds. They seem to be well built and priced well.
Wingman77

I think much of this article is wrong. This model, whether badged as Safrane or Laguna, looks to be a sedan version of the Laguna rather than a replacement. In terms of slipping between models (as done by Peugeot), I suspect it is to be sold alongside but perhaps it’s price will slip in between models. Great work car advice is your readers know more than you do!

Baddass

Even if the Laguna is not a literal sedan (it’s a hatchoon), there isn’t a space for sedan model. It just doesn’t make sense.

Chinese driver

It’s called a notchback, not a “hatchoon”.

Steve-Poyza

There are rumours that Renault is attempting to replace/update the current Laguna quickly with most likely a fairly extensive facelift as a result of the luke warm response the car received even in Europe. While I think the Laguna is a looking car, its just a bit uninspiring. Remember, it was a massive investment for Renault with a great leap in quality however, sadly it hasn’t really paid off. I reckon it easily has the most beautiful interior in it’s class, especially with the real wood trim in the dash.

Steve-Poyza

Oh and there are rumours that this car will utilise some of Mercedes-Benz’s 6 cylinder engines.

Handsome_Al

We don’t need Nissan-Renault-Samsung Cars, what we need is Nissan-Infiniti…!!!
jim from l.a. cal.

i believe this is the Nissan Altima in the states U.S.A.