One and a half million rubles today can hardly be called a sufficient amount to buy a new car with good trim. But in the used car market, for this money, you can find a four-year-old crossover with low mileage, modern equipment, and quite reliable technology.

One of the most interesting options is the Samsung XM3. Despite its external resemblance to the Renault Arkana, it is a completely different car, built on a different platform and designed primarily for the Korean market. We figure out what makes it interesting, what its weaknesses are, and whether it's worth considering buying.

Looks like a Renault Arkana, but it's a completely different car

At first glance, the Samsung XM3 can easily be mistaken for a Renault Arkana. The coupe-like silhouette, similar proportions, and signature roofline indeed create this impression.

However, considering these cars to be the same is a mistake.

Most body parts between them are not interchangeable. Bumpers, doors, and plastic overlays are completely different. Sometimes you can find information that the hood and front fenders fit, but there is no reliable confirmation of this yet.

The main difference is hidden under the body.

While the Renault Arkana is built on the B0 platform, the Samsung XM3 uses the modern CMF-B architecture developed by the Renault-Nissan alliance. This means a completely different suspension, different handling, and a more modern car design.

At the same time, the XM3 is slightly larger:

• length — 4570 mm;
• width — 1820 mm;
• height — 1570 mm;
• ground clearance — 186 mm.

The ground clearance is less than that of the Arkana (205 mm), but the rear brakes here are disc brakes even in the basic configuration.

Practicality turned out to be better than expected

A coupe-like roof is usually associated with a cramped interior and a small trunk. In the case of the XM3, this stereotype is not confirmed.

The trunk volume is 513 liters. The floor is almost flat, without a high sill. Underneath it is a two-level storage compartment. There is no spare wheel, but the space is organized quite well.

After folding the second row of seats, an almost flat loading area is formed.

There is also enough space in the second row.

Even a driver about 190 cm tall does not hit their head on the ceiling. The legroom cannot be called record-breaking, but it is quite consistent with most modern compact crossovers.

In terms of comfort, the rear row is comparable to the Honda Vezel, but the equipment is noticeably richer:

• heated seats;
• ventilation deflectors;
• USB ports for passengers.

For a car costing about one and a half million rubles, this looks like a very attractive offer.

The engine is well known to many brands

Under the hood is a 1.3-liter H5HT turbo engine with 152 hp.

Despite its small volume, the engine is well known in the global market. It can be found on:

• Renault;
• Nissan;
• Mercedes-Benz.

The very fact that this engine is installed on a rather heavy Mercedes GLB indicates that it has enough power reserve.

Acceleration to 100 km/h takes approximately 10 seconds, and the engine's elasticity is pleasantly surprising. When overtaking from 80 to 130 km/h, there is enough traction.

Owners estimate the average fuel consumption at about 7.5 liters per 100 km, which is close to the passport data.

What are the weaknesses of the engine

This engine cannot be called completely trouble-free.

The main feature is an aluminum cylinder block with plasma coating instead of cast iron sleeves. This design improves cooling, but seriously complicates major repairs.

There are also several typical operating features.

The most well-known is possible oil consumption due to accelerated wear of the oil scraper rings. This cannot be called a mass catastrophe, but the oil level should be checked regularly.

The engine is also equipped with direct injection, so over time, carbon deposits may form on the intake valves - a problem typical for almost all modern engines of this type.

The turbocharger is combined with the exhaust manifold and has a separate cooling system with an electric pump that continues to operate after the engine is stopped. Thanks to this, there is practically no need to specially cool the turbine before turning off the engine.

It is worth mentioning gasoline separately.

Sometimes you can find the statement that the engine is designed for AI-92. Formally, the control system is indeed capable of adapting to lower quality fuel, but experts do not recommend constantly using 92nd gasoline. For normal engine life, AI-95 is preferable.

Robotic gearbox: a good unit with its own characteristics

Paired with the engine is a 7-speed Getrag 7DCT300 robot with two "wet" clutches.

This gearbox is also used on Mercedes-Benz cars and is considered quite reliable with timely maintenance.

The main rule of operation is to change the oil approximately every 50 thousand kilometers and perform gearbox adaptation after maintenance.

Among the disadvantages, owners most often note:

• rare unexplained jumps in revolutions up to 5000 rpm;
• small jolts when shifting;
• the need for software updates.

In many cases, after a new firmware, the gearbox operation becomes noticeably smoother.

The Samsung XM3 does not have all-wheel drive - all versions are exclusively front-wheel drive.

The suspension turned out to be more comfortable than the Arkana

This is where the difference between the two models is most strongly felt.

Due to its high ground clearance, the Renault Arkana received rather stiff suspension and anti-roll bar settings.

The XM3 has less ground clearance, which allowed engineers to set the suspension noticeably softer.

Yes, in fast corners, the body roll is slightly greater, but the car handles bumps more comfortably and makes a more solid impression in urban use.

The steering allows you to choose several effort modes - from light to heavier.

The interior is noticeably richer than most competitors

Even after several years of operation, the XM3's interior looks modern.

Depending on the trim level, available features include:

• eco-leather and Alcantara trim;
• electric adjustment of the driver's seat;
• lumbar support;
• digital instrument panel;
• vertical multimedia system screen;
• Apple CarPlay;
• Android Auto;
• ambient lighting;
• heated and ventilated front seats.

Most owners note the good quality of materials. Even cars with mileage of about 30 thousand kilometers usually retain an almost new interior appearance.

Electronic assistants do not work perfectly

In terms of equipment, the Samsung XM3 surpasses most classmates.

The car is equipped with:

• adaptive cruise control;
• lane keeping assist system;
• blind spot monitoring;
• automatic high beam;
• collision avoidance system;
• heated steering wheel.

Adaptive cruise control works quite correctly.

However, the lane keeping assist system requires caution. After a few seconds of driving, it requires you to keep your hands on the steering wheel, and if the markings disappear, it can simply turn off without noticeable warning. Therefore, it should definitely not be perceived as a full-fledged autopilot.

Is it worth buying a Samsung XM3 instead of a Renault Arkana?

If you compare cars with the same mileage and the same cost, the Samsung XM3 looks like a more interesting purchase.

Its advantages:

• modern CMF-B platform;
• higher quality interior;
• rich equipment;
• comfortable suspension;
• modern turbo engine;
• good sound insulation.

The Renault Arkana also has advantages:

• higher ground clearance;
• availability of all-wheel drive versions;
• potentially more affordable body parts.

However, if all-wheel drive is not a mandatory requirement, the XM3 looks preferable in terms of overall characteristics.

The Samsung XM3 cannot be perceived as another version of the Renault Arkana. Despite its external resemblance, it is an independent model with a different platform, a more modern interior, and rich equipment.

Yes, the engine requires quality oil and fuel, the robot needs regular maintenance, and the lane keeping assist system is far from perfect. But the car has few serious design flaws.

For 1.5 million rubles today, it is difficult to find a crossover with such a level of equipment, low mileage, and a clear technical part. That is why the Samsung XM3 is well worth considering in the used car market.

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