KGM Torres
Never heard of KGM? That’s probably because it’s the new name for SsangYong; the South Korean brand that’s brought us the Rexton, Tivoli and Musso over the years. We feel KGM’s a far more marketable name than SsangYong and to mark the switch, they’ve launched an all new SUV; the Torres, available in fully electric guise, the petrol version we have here and with a hybrid on the way.
Easily influenced
Looks wise, it’s fair to say there’s quite a few influences in there. The front and rear headlights are pure RR Evoque, the basic shape is very Rav4, the contrasting C-pillar is Audi Q2 and that grille has more than a hint of Jeep, but considering the firm actually built Jeeps many years ago, that one’s fair enough. Prodding around a car’s bodywork may sound slightly outlandish but if you do you may find a few of the Torres’ parts feel a tad flimsy. In particular we’re looking at you – faux grab handles on the bonnet and red towing hitch covers. What should probably be built to cope with some abuse feels anything but.
No small fry, but no 7-seats either
However you look at it, the Torres does a great job of disguising its considerable size. At over 4.7m long, this is no compact SUV. No, it’s not quite a Range Rover Vogue or a Toyota Land Cruiser but it’s right up there with the likes of the Sportage, Rav4 & Kuga, none of which can match in the size department. And yet, the Torres is currently only available with 5 seats – there’s no 7 seat option as yet. Sure, that means plenty of space for your 5 occupants and their luggage but has KGM maybe missed a trick there?
Assuming you don’t need 7 seats, the Torres is impressively roomy inside. There’s ample space in every direction even if you fill it with adults and even with the rear seats in place there’s 702 litres capacity for luggage. Put the rear seats down and you get a very handy 1,662 litres of useable space. Plus, if you’re looking at that rear hatch and thinking it’s one of those side-hinged affairs, don’t worry – that’s purely for looks, it’s a more practical top hinge that’s also powered on higher spec models.
Is the interior an improvement too?
Just like the exterior, far more thought has clearly gone into the aesthetics of the Torres’ interior than any SsangYong that came before it. There’s two specs of Torres; K30 & K40 and both of their dashboards are dominated by a pair of 12.3″ screens with some copper trim liberally applied and stretching the width of the dash to add a touch of colour. Packing pretty much every function into a screen isn’t the most user-friendly, especially when the software has a tendency to be on a go-slow but it does make for some clean, uncluttered lines.
Again, in-keeping with some of the exterior, though, have a prod around some of the cabin and it feels a bit underwhelming in places. The seats are comfortable enough and they give reassuringly commanding view ahead but some plastics feel flimsy.
Engine?, Specs?
So, the hybrid’s in the pipeline and there’s already a fully electric Torres but what we have here is powered purely by petrol. There’s only one engine available; a 1.5 litre, 4-cylinder mated to an Aisin 6-speed automatic ‘box. There’s two specs on offer – K30 & K40, priced at £35,080 & £38,080 respectively. If you’re thinking AWD would come in handy, the K40 has it as an option and that’ll take the RRP to £39,995. Every Torres is generously kitted out with a 12.3″ multimedia screen, Apple Carplay & Android Auto, auto lights & wipers and dual-zone climate coming as standard. Splash out on the K40 and you get TomTom nav, power tailgate & wireless charging, as well as heated front and rear leather seats.
It’s fair to say the powertrain isn’t the first word in refinement and modernity. SUVs like the Torres really suffer when the option of a diesel engine’s taken away – the torque an electric motor provides is probably the best replacement. If you don’t fancy electric, though, the Torres’ 1.5 litre petrol unit is fine at low revs and without putting too much demand on that automatic transmission. It’s only when you want to overtake, for example that it all gets a bit lairy and the gearbox shows its resentment to being rushed.
How clean is the Torres?
It’s not that economical either. The 2WD version returns a claimed 33.2 mpg combined and the AWD fares slightly worse at a claimed 31.1 mpg combined. Compared to the 40-50 mpg it’d probably achieve if diesel engines were still fashionable, they’re not exactly figures to write home about.
Should I buy a KGM Torres?
The Torres represents a whole new look for KGM and marks a fresh start from SsangYongs of the past. It’s fresh, offers plenty of useable space and is really good value for money, it just falls down slightly in terms of refinement and build quality.
By Ben Harrington
2024 KGM Torres K40 Specifications:
Engine – 1.5-l 4-cyl petrol, Transmission – 6-speed auto, Layout – Front engine, FWD, Power – 162bhp,Torque – 260Nm Emissions – 194g/km CO2, Economy – 33.2mpg, Maximum Speed – 118mph, Acceleration – 10.8s – 0-62mph, Price – £38,080 OTR
The 2024 KGM Torres is available now, priced from £35,080. For full details go to:www.kgm-motors.co.uk
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