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Renault Rebadges Samsung SM-7 to Create Flagship Talisman Model for China

French manufacturers are renowned for making interesting luxury cars, but ones which you really have to love, in order to buy. However, for the Chinese market, Renault has left the job up to their Korean partners from Samsung, who have rebadged their flagship SM-7, in order to create the Talisman, which is currently the largest car to bear the diamond badge.
2013 Renault Talisman 6 photos
Photo: Renault
2013 Renault Talisman2013 Renault Talisman2013 Renault Talisman2013 Renault Talisman2013 Renault Talisman
The Talisman is destined exclusively for the Chinese market, where it will do battle with larger German cars, such as the 5-Series BMW and the E-Class Mercedes, trying to win over buyers with its plush interior, and more affordable price. The car’s styling reflects its purpose, and it is quite elegant and well-proportioned, but somewhat bland - this is apparently a positive trait and the Germans are relishing it.

However, those in the know can really tell that this, along with other models such as the Koleos or Fluence are not ‘real’ Renaults. This may deter some buyers, who may actually be looking for a more traditional French car, which this isn`t. The car has not been on sale for long enough, though, so no sales have yet been released.

Still, it undercuts its German and Japanese rivals, on price, yet it comes loaded with kit, so it still has a lot going for it. A car like this would not sell well in Europe, though, where even ‘proper French luxury cars’, like the Citroen C6 and the old Renault Vel Satis struggle with sales, despite being very competent in their own right.
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