Faults:

Everything was OK until 48000KMs, but suddenly the car went out of order - had to change 20 parts, which cost me 1,000,000won = approx. 900US dollars.

The turn signals and the 4way flashers went dead suddenly in the evening, and I was almost killed while changing lanes when a truck nearly hit my car.

General Comments:

The seats are unusually sticky, even for leather seats. It is terrible in the hot and humid summers of Korea.

The front seats are nice and comfy, but the rear seats are so small for a midsize car.

The control panel looks like it's from the 1980s.

The turning radius is too big. I can't make a U-turn on a 6 lane road.

It consumes too much fuel. The label says 9.2km/L, but actually it consumes much more. I don't drive a lot, but I have to refuel 50,000won of fuel (1700won per liter) every 5 days in the summer.

General Comments:

I have just returned from South Korea, having spent a fortnight in the Seoul/ Inchon area. These cities are very well served by reasonably priced taxis, and one of the most popular makes in use by the drivers there is the Samsung SM5 in LE and SE form.

All the SM5s I was in were automatic; most appeared to be V6, and all were petrol powered. I found the SM5 to be a supremely comfortable and well finished car with adequate performance for the competitive style of driving, which is prevalent in the two cities. The styling is very attractive, and it is a beautifully balanced car in aesthetic terms.

I cannot help, but feel that if Samsung marketed the SM5, and the smaller SM3 in the UK, they would have a moderate success on theirs hands, and if they were to bring the very lovely SM7 along with them, VW, Ford and Renault etc. would be right to worry.

The new Mondeo takes a lot of styling cues from Korean cars not seen in Europe; the SM5, Hyundai Grandeur and Daiwoo Tosca to be exact.

Nothing is ever really new!!!