QM3, the compact sport utility vehicle brand of Renault Samsung Motors, is strengthening its market leadership in the segment this year, leading the company’s sales growth.

According to the nation’s third-largest carmaker, the accumulated sales of QM3 cars since the model’s debut in December 2013 are expected to exceed 30,000 units by June or early July.

“Popularity of our compact SUVs has risen since last year. Sales of QM3 cars for the first five months soared 77.4 percent to 7,974 units compared to the same period last year,” the company said in a press release.

Three major factors that drive the sales performance of QM3 cars are slick design, competitive fuel economy and affordable price, industry watchers said. 

Produced in the Spanish plant of Renault, QM3 has European style in exterior design, which appeals to young Korean consumers in their 20s and 30s. The dual-tone roof and body option also distinguishes it from other cars in the Korean market.

Inside, the fresh-looking dash plastic is another positive design point. The company also offers patented the removable seat covers.

Diesel-powered 1.5 liter QM3 vehicles also stand out in its fuel economy. They boast of a compound fuel efficiency of 18.5 km per liter, the highest performance in the compact SUV segment.

The adoption of 1.5 dCi, Renault’s economical diesel engine, is one of reasons for the hard-to-beat fuel efficiency of QM3 vehicles, the company said.

As part of efforts to continue the QM3’s popularity, the company has implemented a variety of marketing and sales activities.

The price cut this year is one such activity. The carmaker cut 800,000 won ($772) per unit in May, reflecting the tariff cuts for cars produced in EU in line with the Korea-EU bilateral trade pact and falling euro.

With the new price policy, QM3 cars have a more competitive price tag ranging between 22 million won and 24.9 million won.

The company is also increasing its focus on the QM3’s safety features amid rising market competition.

In Europe, the QM3 ― sold under the name of Captur ― received the top five-star level on the European New Car Assessment Program in the category of safety, the company said.