In 2010, SMC began development of a successor to its MNE platform, originally introduced in 1993 and updated through the late 90s and mid 00s. This new successor, called the MRV, was designed from the ground up to be adjustable and flexible, meaning it had to be able to support both transverse- and longitudinal engine layouts with both FWD and RWD applications. Corsica’s fourth generation Vienna sedan made its debut in 2012 and became the first model to be based on the MRV platform and later sharing floorpans with the Sisten Kayena, Taluvec DCS and the 2017 Sisten Astem.
Officially introduced at the 2012 New York Auto Show for MY2013, the fourth generation Vienna returned to a longitudinal RWD setup after the 2nd and 3rd generations were based on FWD underpinnings instead and along with the all-new platform, introduced the new 2.7l “Maxtec” Inline-6 engine.
This 4th generation Vienna was designed with intentions of restructuring Corsica, after financial struggles and poor sales hit in the 2000s. Having axed models such as the Vienna TracRunner crossover and Yosemite SpeedTrac pickup, management was hoping for the new model to bring back its earlier crowd of young buyers and to once again compete in the sports sedan market - this strategy worked… at first. Sales were strong throughout the early to mid 2010s but waned as new competition rolled on to the market. Production hit its peak in 2015, with 91,377 models made.
For 2012, the Maxtec I6 produced 285 horsepower and 362 Nm of the finest American torques, propelling it from 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds. SMCs first 7-speed transmission, the T7CA, was the standard transmission on offer as all manuals were now discontinued. The T7CA was updated in 2016 to the T7CAU alongside the engine, which increased its power output to 291hp. Other changes for 2016 included new headlights and an updated interior.
| Engine | Horsepower | 0-62 | Top Speed | Fuel Economy | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7 Maxtec I6 | 285 | 6.5s | 240km/h | 39.7MPG | from $32,400 |
HISTORY
The 6th generation Sisten Astem was revealed in early 2017, going on sale later that year. Development began shortly after the launch of the fifth generation model in 2011, with full development commencing in 2013.
Thomas Dillinger was appointed as lead designer for this new model, which was designed to satisfy American, European and Australian markets. Previous Astems, especially the original model, had been designed by Sisten in USA with little regard to Europe and that was supported by sales numbers: having replaced the previous Torero sedan, the 2001 Astem underperformed immediately compared to not only its predecessor, but also the competition.
Thanks to the modular design of the platform, the Astem utilizeses a Transverse FWD layout, in contrast with the Vienna and Taluvec DCS. What is shared is the wheelbase and floorpan but not the engines, as the Astem is available with a 2.0 I4 and 2.6 V6 instead.
The 2.0 “EcoTron” I4 generates 215 horsepower and is mated to a T8TT 8-speed transmission, going to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds. The 2.6 “Camen” V6, also combined with T8TT, generates 297 horsepower and drives to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds. Interesting, I know.
Three trims are available: SE, XE and Sport, ranging from $24,160 to $40,800. I put as much effort into these edits as I do to the cars, btw. Who cares. SE is equipped with front heated seats, a 12" infotainment screen and automatic collision warning, with XE also including 10-way power adjustment front seats and keyless entry as standard. Sport is essentially available just for the V6 engine, with some other minor additions including 19" wheels coming as standard.
| Engine | Horsepower | 0-62 | Top Speed | Fuel Economy | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 EcoTron I4 | 215 | 8.5s | 238km/h | 40.5MPG | from $24,160 |
| 2.6 Camen V6 | 297 | 6.9s | 263km/h | 33.6MPG | from $40,800 |