Samsung SM5

We rented a Samsung SM5 from Avis car rental in Jeju Island. Since Samsung cars are available only in Korea, I was insistent on renting the SM5.  The other vehicle in the same price range was the Hyundai Sonata (by the way, the correct pronunciation is hee-yun-day (not hun-day ). The Samsung line-up includes the SM3, the SM5, and the biggest of them all, the SM7. Correction – the correct pronunciation is hyun-day, not hee-yun-day, or hun-day (thank you Helena!).

The SM5 is actually sometimes referred to as a Renault Samsung SM5. Renault purchased 70 percent of Samsung 9 years ago. The SM5 is manufactured at a Nissan/Samsung Renault factory in Busan, South Korea.  As you you can see it looks very similar to the Nissan Altima in the US, or what is branded as a Nissan Teana elsewhere.

Pretty boring looking car, but very popular in Korea. Samsung has Hyundai beat out by just a little bit in brand power. Samsung is the richest and biggest of the chaebols (huge conglomerates like LG and Hyundai) in Korea.

The most interesting aspect of this car is the fuel it uses. It is powered by a more-efficient, cleaner burning fuel called LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas. LPG can be used for engines, cooking, and refrigeration. In Korea, all the taxis use LPG. It is considered a “dangerous good” and is highly explosive. You can tell it’s a serious tank.

Pressure monitor of the pressurized gas tank.  Looks like it’s a weapon or something.

Interior of the SM5. Although it looks pretty basic, you get a lot of luxury and gadgetry for cheap in this car. It even has heated leather seats and automatic windshield wipers. The ride is decent, although performance is a little sluggish.

My only real qualm with the vehicle was the aftermarket navigation system. Cumbersome to use, makes annoying sounds, and beeps non-stop whenever you speed – even if it’s just by 1 km/hour.