KGM Torres – the game changer

KOREA’S only specialist SUV and 4X4 manufacturer is confident that a name change can also herald a game change.

KGM Motors only launched in the UK in January but has big plans for the future as well as a new model that’s already shaking up the SUV scene.

But far from being a motor industry newbie KGM actually has a rich and successful history dating back 70 years.

And if some of its current models, like the Tivoli, Korando and Musso, sound familiar it’s because up until the start of this year they were branded as SsangYong.

Coinciding with the KGM name – and an expansion on track to celebrate 80 UK dealers by the end of this year – is a new model aimed at filling the gap between semi medium-sized SUVs like Korando and large ones like Rexton, and it’s available as both a petrol powered or fully electric vehicle.

Called the Torres, its name is inspired by the landscapes of the Torres del Paine national park in Patagonia, Chile, with its mountains, glaciers and lakes, the idea being to evoke a sense of adventure and escapism.

This is certainly a vehicle that turns heads, which given its dramatic looks – particularly at the front with its machine gun-style grille – is no surprise, with distinctive elements of Jeep and Land Rover models springing to mind.

Powered by a 1.5-litre GDi-T turbo petrol engine and six-speed automatic transmission, the Torres is available in two trim grades, K30 and high-spec K40.

Both come comprehensively kitted out, the principal difference being that the K40 adds the likes of TomTom navigation, a wireless phone charging pad, premium leather, seat ventilation, heated rear seats and 20-inch alloy wheels.

The seating position is reasonably high, affording a clear view of the road, which is just as well because rear visibility is slightly compromised due to the rather narrow shape of the rear windscreen.

Front and rear parking sensors, along with a pin-sharp rear view camera, certainly help and if you opt for our tested K40 variant then it’s a 360-degree camera. There’s a full suite of safety systems too.

Head, leg and shoulder room is excellent throughout the Torres and even an adult centre rear passenger can sit comfortably – even though their legs need to splay either side of the transmission tunnel.

Those leather seats, with their copper-coloured stitching, are supportive and comfortable within a simple, quite minimalist cabin in which the chunky flat-bottomed steering wheel adjusts for reach and rake.

As for space, there’s plenty of it both for odds and ends and larger pieces of luggage. Extra stowage space is freed up due to the auto gearshift being a small push/pull lever and as well as a deep lidded box incorporating a mobile phone charging pad you also get cup and bottle holders in the door bins, a glovebox, cup holders up front and in the rear armrest plus several trays and slots.

At 703 litres the boot is huge, extended by rear seats that split/fold 60-40 and has separate stowage ports at each side as well as a three-section lower compartment.

Out on the road the K40’s 1.5-litre petrol engine produces a useful 161bhp and actually feels quicker than it’s 0-62mph time of 10.8 seconds would suggest, though there are certainly more efficient rivals out there.

Thankfully we were easily able to match the official Combined fuel consumption figure of 28.3mpg and in all conditions the Torres felt stable, comfortable and reasonably smooth.

It looks the part, is well kitted out even at base K30 level, can cope with modern family requirements and is competitive at the price.