Renault introduces its new sedan Talisman at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show, a car that can be considered as the French counterpart of the Samsung SM7. The model is basically identical to the SM7 with just a few slight differences on the front end - where we find a brand new grille - and a set of smaller wheels. The Talisman will be produced in South Korea and exported to China starting mifd-June, with a price of 38,652 Euros.

Measuring 4.95 meters in length, the new 3-box sedan from the French carmaker looks well-proportioned and boasts a quite rounded design. At the moment there are no news concerning the engine range of the Talisman, but it is expected to feature something similar to the 195 hp 2.5-litre V6 and the 290 hp 3.5-litre V6 of the Samsung SM7. On a side-note, the name Talisman had been previously used by Renault for a 2001 concept car which anticipated the design of the Mégane. Making a special appearance at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show is also the Captur Concept, that Renault introduced at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

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The Renault Captur Concept will be an important model for the company, heading for production as the French take on a Nissan Juke. While we’re not convinced the Renault line can support three SUV models, AutoExpress had originally reported that the Captur would go to production as a compact SUV, and another two models based on the Nissan Qashqai would be developed.

In this video we hear plenty of the Renault Captur’s engine: a 1.6 dCi with 160 hp and 380 Nm. The compact crossover could prove quite popular and so Renault is apparently planning the two larger models to expand the range upwards. While many components will be borrowed from Nissan, it seems that the French company will use this 1.6 diesel engine with 130 hp, and add the 160-hp twin turbo unit as well.

The model is important in itself, but would also seem to demonstrate that Renault has got some design inspiration back (through new design head Laurens Van den Acker) and will start competing in segments it previously left to the competition, moving away from its failed Koleos experiment. The new Renault SUVs should keep the flowing lines seen on the concept model, but we’ll be interested in checking out a less exaggerated production version when it’s ready.

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