Carmakers are devoting considerable resources today to engine downsizing and coaxing more power from fewer cylinders.

In Korea where most local brands have yet to fully embrace the downsizing trend, Renault Samsung Motors aims to take the lead with the newly launched SM5 TCE.

In its response to the push for efficient power, the Korean unit of France-based Renault Group has recently adopted a 1.6-liter engine in its best-selling midsize sedan SM5.

It is the first time that a Korean carmaker has introduced the smaller engine into a midsize segment car. 

The key to the SM5 TCE or Turbo Charged Efficiency is the combination of Nissan’s 1.6-liter GDi turbo charger engine and Getrag’s six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The turbocharged SM5 is the first Renault brand car to feature the Nissan engine, which has been equipped on the Japanese carmaker’s compact SUV Juke.

The Getrag transmission is also the world’s best-selling power shift DCT that has been experienced in diverse car models such as the BMW 335i and Volvo’s V series.

Their powerful combination, even though the car’s weight increased from 1,415 kilograms to 1,525 kilograms, achieves better fuel economy without power loss.

Compared to the SM5 Platinum, the new model boasts a 36 percent increased horsepower of 190, while its fuel ratings have also improved from 12 kilometers per liter to 13 ― the best level within the midsize segment.

The overall exterior also shares the Platinum model’s futuristic and dynamic makeover that brought fresh styling with a new chrome grille and a more voluminous bumper.

Notably, the newly equipped LED headlamps boost the car’s luxurious and sophisticated characteristics as well as the driver’s visibility.

“The SM5 TCE added new DNA with high performance to the new SM5 Platinum value. I’m sure it will stand as the first and best downsized car in the midsize segment market here,” said Renault Samsung CEO Francois Provost.

The new engine lineup is also expected to boost the carmaker’s recent sales momentum as well.

Following the recent launches of new versions of the SM3 and SM5 sedans, Renault Samsung is recently enjoying a boom in sales.

Considering the nation’s midsize car market would be about 200,000 vehicles this year, the carmaker hopes to secure some 20 percent or 40,000 cars with its SM5 sedan.

“The TCE model is expected to appeal to customers who prioritize both performance and fuel economy. In the latter half of this year, about 15 percent of SM5 sales would come from the high-performance model,” said a company official.

“Due to its dynamic driving performance, the car would compete not just with conventional midsize sedans but also with SUVs.”

The price tag of the TCE is 27.1 million won ($24,000), up 500,000 won from the previous version. The carmaker said it has no plans to export the new model to overseas markets for now.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)