Renault's South Korean subsidiary, Samsung Motors, will release its first SUV onto the Korean market this December.The Samsung QM5 is based on the Nissan Qashqai and will be available with the same part-time four-wheel-drive system.Due to arrive in the UK as the Renault Koleos, this is the first product to result directly from the Nissan-Renault alliance and will be more capable off-road than the on-road oriented Qashqai.Hill-descent control taken from the X-Trail, raised suspension and a rugged design very similar to the Koleos concept that was first revealed at the Paris show in 2006 will add to the all-terrain ability and appeal.Expect the engine range in Renault's first proper SUV to include 147bhp and 170bhp 2.0-diesel engines, plus 2.0- and 2.5-litre petrol units. The production ready Renault Koleos will be unveiled at the Geneva motor show in March 2008, with sales starting later in the year.
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