KGM Torres 1.5 HEV K40 5dr Auto

Ten Second Review

The appeal of KGM's Torres mid-sized SUV is broadened quite a lot by this Hybrid model. The powertrain is quite sophisticated and the value proposition is strong. Worth a look then.

Background

The Torres was the SUV that launched the new KGM brand (formally SsangYong) in the UK in 2024. But since then, you might have struggled to find reasons to buy this mid-sized Korean SUV. The ordinary petrol version was thirsty. And the pricier EV variant not especially efficient by class standards either. KGM needed to offer another powertrain option - and this Hybrid unit is it. This is the first Hybrid engine KGM has made, developed in collaboration with Chinese maker BYD, and is a proper full-Hybrid set-up, though you can't plug it in. As you'd expect from the brand, there's value pricing and lots of equipment. Interested yet?

Driving Experience

Not for KGM an ineffectual, simplistic mild hybrid solution. In fact the engineering here is quite complex, though unusually for a Hybrid powertrain connected with BYD, you can't plug it in. As with the ordinary petrol Torres, there's 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, but here it produces slightly more power (177hp) thanks to the addition of two electric motors and a six-speed e-DHT automatic gearbox. There's 300Nm of torque (30Nm more than the ordinary petrol model), but that's not enough to tow more than 1,300kg (200kg down on the ordinary model). 0-62mph takes 9s (a couple of seconds quicker than the ordinary model) en route to 112mph. Drive is only through the front wheels; unlike with the ordinary petrol model, there's no AWD option. The powertrain has no fewer than nine different driving modes able to alter it for differing scenarios. Unless you're in the engine-only setting that preserves charge in the battery, most of your driving in town will be done without the aid of combustion power. In fact, KGM claims that the Torres Hybrid can do 95% of its city driving on battery power alone and all-electric driving in EV mode is possible at speeds of up to 62mph. There's a three-setting regenerative braking set-up to recharge the batteries as you drive. Which most of the time will be in the HEV mode that combines both electric and petrol driving. As with any other Torres, don't expect cutting-edge drive dynamics - but since when has any SUV of this kind offered that? You're likely to find this one predictable, solid and refined, with plenty of camera safety kit. Off road, KGM claims 'competitive' approach and departure angles. These are aided by a tough chassis fashioned from 81% high tensile steel.

Design and Build

KGM says the exterior design of this Torres is 'rooted in the brand's rugged heritage', with bold proportions, muscular lines and a wide stance. At the front, a vertical grille, an integrated skid-plate bumper and distinctive LED headlights with 'big dipper'-inspired daytime running lights give some extra identity. Cultural details such as Li-pattern brake lights and a side-mounted tailgate latch underscore what's supposed to be an 'authentic Korean SUV character'. From the side, straight character lines and angular wheel arches create a robust profile, complemented by 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, while at the rear, a hexagonal design inspired by classic spare wheel covers reinforces the tough vibe. Inside, the 'slim and wide' design philosophy delivers quite a spacious and ergonomic cabin. A panoramic widescreen display integrates a 12.3-inch digital cluster with a 12.3-inch infotainment system, supported by KGM's Athena 2.0 UX platform for connectivity to 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto', TomTom Navigation and Bluetooth. Rear seat space is generous for a couple of adults, but you might reasonably expect an SUV the length of an X-Trail or Kodiaq to offer a third seating row. The Torres doesn't, which seems like a bit of a missed opportunity. That does at least mean you get a class-leadingly large boot, unaffected by the Hybrid powertrain and rated at 703-litres with the rear seats in place - or 1,662-litres with them folded.

Market and Model

KGM wants around £36,000 for this Torres Hybrid, which is actually slightly less than the conventional petrol version. And £1,000 less than the all-electric Torres EVX. There's plenty of kit included in the asking price. The standard plush 'K40' spec level includes 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, all-round parking sensors, black roof rails, auto LED headlamps, LED front fog lights, LED tail lamps, keyless entry, a rear view camera, rear privacy glass, power-folding mirrors, cruise control with a speed limiter, rain-sensing wipers and a smart powered tailgate. Inside, there's dual zone climate control, leather upholstery, 8-way power adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, interior mood lighting and front door scuff plates. Media connectivity's taken care of by 12.3-inch central screen with TomTom navigation, a six speaker audio system and 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto'. Safety kit includes autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic warning, blind spot detection, lane departure warning, driver attention alert, front vehicle start alert, lane keeping assist, trailer sway control and a smart high beam system for the headlights. There's twin front, side and curtain airbags, plus a driver's knee 'bag; all linked to an eCall system.

Cost of Ownership

KGM quotes 46.1mpg on the combined cycle, which isn't anything to write home about when a Toyota RAV Hybrid can regularly achieve over 50mpg and a Nissan Qashqai e-POWER over 62mpg. The same could be said of the 139g/km CO2 emissions figure. To compare, an ordinary petrol Torres returns 33.2mpg and 194g/km, so it's a pretty big step up from that. Whatever Torres model you decide upon, perhaps the best bit is the peace of mind that comes as standard with this car thanks to KGM's impressively complete five year 100,000 mile warranty.

Summary

If the Torres line-up had had this Hybrid variant from the start, this Korean mid-sized SUV might have made a bit more impact in our market. There's no doubt that this petrol/electric unit is, right here right now, the one to have in this car. Whether this car is the one to have in the tightly-fought segment for mid-sized Hybrid five-seat family SUVs is of course quite another question. Still, if you're fed up with SUVs that look and drive more as car-like crossovers, then this one might appeal. Particularly if you're looking for something strikingly styled, well-equipped, good value and, well, different. The Torres has always tried to sell on being different. Now though, it has other virtues too.