TAEAN, South Chungcheong Province -- Renault Samsung Motors unveiled the SM6, a facelifted version of the Renault Talisman which has been exclusively redesigned and upgraded to meet local tastes, in South Korea on Wednesday.

The SM6, released by France-based Renault as the Talisman in July 2015, is a premium midsize sedan codeveloped by Renault and Renault Samsung which is positioned as a more upscale vehicle lying between the SM5 and SM7.

“The SM6 is set to set a new standard for Korea’s midsize sedan market,” said Renault Samsung CEO Francois Provost during a media debut event held at Hanseo University’s Flight Education Center in Taean County, South Chungcheong Province.

Based on extensive research into Korea’s driving environment as well customer preferences, the SM6 boasts an exclusive power train, chassis and operational system, setting it apart from its European counterpart, according to Renault Samsung.

In an aim to rise above competitors, the local automaker said the new vehicle features a number of premium automobile technologies that have yet to be implemented in competing models in the segment in Korea.

The SM6 is equipped with an upgraded powertrain made with fuel-efficient engines and transmissions built by the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Drivers can choose from the 2-liter GDI engine, the 1.6-liter turbo GDI engine, the 2-liter LPLi engine and the 1.5-liter diesel engine.

Among other features, the new vehicle is topped with the Renault Multi-Sense driving control system, which helps the driver manage the car’s engine response, as well as upgraded ambience and sound settings for maximized driving comfort.

The Korean automaker has recently begun manufacturing the vehicles at its production plant in Busan, in preparation for the vehicle’s official local sales scheduled to kick off in March.

By Sohn Ji-young (jys@heraldcorp.com)