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The mid-size family SUV segment is one of the most crowded – and popular – places on the Australian automotive landscape.
Almost every automaker has a ‘soft-roader’ in there, from the Japanese brands that pioneered the segment more than 30 years ago, to the premium auto marques, and the raft of new budget Chinese players following in their wheel tracks.
But now there is a newcomer that stands out from the crowd – the KGM Torres which features a bold and unique exterior design, spacious interior and now the availability of a fuel-sipping petrol-electric powertrain.
Here are seven things we like about the KGM Torres Hybrid.
Price
The KGM Torres is available with the choice of petrol, hybrid and fully electric powertrains, starting from just $36,000 drive-away for the entry-level ELX variant and topping out at $58,000 drive-away for the battery-powered EVX flagship.
In between, the newest additions are two hybrid variants we’re focusing on here, the K30 and K40 which are priced from $45,000 and $48,000 drive-away respectively, including all on-road fees and charges.
That positions them right in the thick of one of the most competitive and saturated segments of the Australian automotive market, alongside other mid-size hybrid SUVs such as the best-selling Toyota RAV4 (from $45,990 before on-road costs), and mainstream rivals like the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (from $42,850 plus on-roads), Kia Sportage Hybrid (from $46,450 plus ORCs), and the new-generation Subaru Forester Hybrid (from $46,490 plus ORCs).
It also goes head-to-head with an ever-growing crop of crossover SUVs from budget-friendly brands such as the GWM Haval H6 (from $40,990 drive-away), MG HS Hybrid+ (from $42,990 drive-away), and Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV (from $39,990 drive-away).
Tough looks and strong quality
But while the KGM nameplate might be just as fresh as many of these Chinese brands, it is simply an evolution of the brand that’s been known for decades as SsangYong… the other South Korean automaker which has been making cars for more than 70 years.
And what that brings is a level of build quality, reliability and trust that still has to be earned by newer rivals.
Plus, the Torres looks cool with its tough, modern and thoroughly unique exterior design, highlighted by the futuristic style of its front-end, the bold C-pillars that look as though they support the floating roof like a cantilever, and the equally funky rear-end with its stylised half tyre carrier that appears like a shield.
All the creature comforts
And building on the Torres’ excellent value for money proposition is a long list of standard equipment in the K30 that includes:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights and tail-lights
- Keyless entry with push-button start
- Cloth seat trim
- Dual-zone climate control
- Ambient interior lighting
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
On top of all of that, the K40 brings added luxuries and conveniences that are worth more than its $3000 premium, including:
- Larger 20-inch alloy wheels
- Synthetic leather seat trim
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Electrically operated and hands-free tailgate
- Integrated rear-window sun blinds
Spacious interior
One of the most important attributes for growing families is space, which the Torres has in abundance.
Those in the front are treated to comfortable and supportive seats with plenty of adjustment and a commanding view of the road ahead.
The overall design of the dashboard is both classy and minimalist with a slight degree of asymmetry towards the driver, and yet thoroughly modern with its twin digital displays floating in front of a horizontal section that includes the outboard air vents at each end.
The high-mounted centre console between the seats provides easy access to storage areas and the stubby gear selector, with additional space for larger items underneath and in the large cubby at the base of the dash.
Back-seat passengers have acres of space with excellent headroom and legroom, plus rear air vents, power outlets and a fold-down armrest.
Beyond the back seats, the Torres offers one of the most spacious cargo carrying areas in the segment with a claimed 703 litres of capacity in the boot.
More miles with hybrid
At the other end of the car, under the bonnet, the KGM Torres Hybrid models are powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine linked to an electric motor that is sandwiched in the dedicated hybrid transmission and powered by a 1.8kWh battery pack.
The net result is combined maximum power output of 150kW through the front axle, which is in the ballpark with other hybrid rivals like the RAV4, Tucson and Forester.
But that is only half the story, as the Torres’ hybrid system works slightly differently to other mainstream alternatives in that it prioritises the electric motor in urban traffic and uses the petrol engine as a generator to keep the battery topped up. At higher speeds or under heavy acceleration, it will use both power sources for maximum performance.
The KGM Torres has a claimed average fuel consumption of 5.6L/100km and a 50L fuel tank, which means it has a theoretical driving range of nearly 1000km on a single tank.
Safety
Importantly for families, the KGM Torres is equipped with a comprehensive suite of the latest in advanced safety systems and autonomous driver aids, including:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane keeping assistance
- Adaptive cruise control
- Driver attention monitoring
- Multi collision braking
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rear-view parking display
- Automatic headlights
- Rain sensing wipers
- Eight airbags
On top of the extra creature comforts, the higher-grade K40 also adds blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, tyre pressure monitoring. and lane change collision warning.
Ownership
Like all KGM models, the Torres is covered by a factory-backed seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with roadside assistance and a transparent service price menu.
The Torres Hybrid models require maintenance every 12 months or 10,000km, costing an average of $394 per annum.
