Renault Samsung XM3 Inspire Concept Debuts in Korea as Re-Badged Renault Arkana

The Arkana was specific to the Russian market and got its big debut last summer in Moscow. It's supposed to enter production a bit later this year, though the Korean version won't be ready until 2020.

The show car “embodies a new era in Renault Samsung Motors design" and is a blend between a sleek sedan and a crossover. Its name is not a coincidence, as the Captur crossover, which is quite popular in Russia, si named the QM3 in Korea.

The Arkana was said to be based on a heavily modified version of the B0 platform. But while both the Captur and Duster measure about 4.3 meters, this appears to be bigger.

Official dimensions are not available, but we found a French website that lists last year's concept at 4,550mm long, 1,800mm wide and 1,570mm tall. So this BMW X4 for the masses should be about as practical and spacious as a family hatchback. Could it be the same thing as the Captur Coupe prototype?

Styling is generally similar to the new Clio hatchback. Renault's DNA permeates through the LED headlight design and hourglass body design. The 19-inch wheels and orange accents are also a nice touch.

There are no photos of the interior, but this should be identical to that of the new Clio, featuring new materials and tablet infotainment. All XM3/Arkana models should be front-wheel-drive, powered by things like the 1.6-liter Duster engine or the 1.3-liter turbo with up to 150 horsepower.

“With the clear objective of meeting the expectations of our customers in South Korea, we sought to create the most elegant vehicle in the world, an emblematic model that will mark the true design transformation of Renault Samsung Motors,” said Groupe Renault’s corporate design director, Laurens Van den Acker.