First look: Renault-Samsung reveals new SM3

RENAULT-Samsung has used the Seoul motor show to unveil a new small sedan that it plans to export to Europe as the Samsung Fluence.

The SM3 eMX concept car is based on the current Renault Megane platform and is understood to be presented in near-production form.

While it uses the same 2.0-litre common-rail turbo-diesel engine as the Megane donor car, the SM3 has a very different exterior design with a far more rounded front end.

Most Renault-Samsung cars, including versions of the Renault Koleos and Nissan Maxima, look identical to the donor cars except for different badging.

The SM3 will also form the basis of a new electric vehicle project developed in partnership with electric vehicle infrastructure group Better Place, with trials to be held in Israel, Denmark and Portugal.