Renault Samsung Motors Co., the local unit of French automaker Renault S.A., said Monday that it has launched an updated version of its hugely popular QM3 mini-crossover in the South Korean market.

The vehicle, whose sales have hit 16,014 units since its debut late last year, has become the best-selling foreign manufactured car sold in the country, the carmaker said.

When it was launched in 2013, the 1,000 cars allocated to South Korea sold out in just seven minutes.

Renault Samsung said the 2015 model QM3, which is the local name for the Captur, has the same exterior, but will be offered in a "Marine Blue" paint scheme and with more distinctive decals.

For the interior, the carmaker, reflecting local consumer demand, incorporated leather seat covers that can be removed, folding side mirrors, rear parking assist sensors and a one-touch, power-assisted driver's side window. 

It said despite the upgrades, the price of the car has not gone up significantly.

The base SE will cost 22.8 million won (US$20,400), up from 22.5 million won, while the top-of-the-line RE has been priced at 24.95 million won compared to 24.5 million won.

The QM3 sold in South Korea is made in Spain, and comes with a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder diesel engine mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The car can travel 18.5 kilometers per liter of fuel. (Yonhap)