Torres EVX – new kid at the kerb

HOT on the heels of the futuristic-looking Torres debut model from Korean brand KGM comes the battery electric Torres EVX version.

And if the other offerings in the company’s SUV range – the Tivoli and Rexton to name but two – spark a sense of deja-vu, well that’s not surprising because until the start of this year the cars were still selling under their old name of SsangYong.

Heralding the re-brand in February with a new design philosophy of ‘Powered by Toughness’ was the Torres SUV, featuring a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, 161bhp of power and a shedload of standard kit.

The promise is for plenty of fresh product to follow in the next few years, including pure electrics and eco-friendly petrols, but for now the Torres and its EVX stablemate are the new kids at the kerb.

Both come in a choice of two spec grades, K30 and K40, the EVX starting at £44,495 which is almost £10K dearer than the internal combustion model.

Having driven the original over 250 miles of mixed town and country motoring last week we turned our attention to the EVX, which in the higher grade trim commands a tab of £47,495.

Regardless of trim the EVX is front-wheel drive and use a 73.4kWh battery along with something called cell to pack technology for higher energy efficiency and enhanced safety, while a heat pump helps minimise the effects of low winter temperatures on range.

The upshot is a driving range of 287 miles on a single charge, the 204bhp on offer ensuring plenty of punch with the potential to accelerate from 0-62mph in a handy 8.1 seconds.

And for caravanners or families who have jet skis or a small boat, all Torres models can tow up to 1.5 tonnes with a braked trailer or 500kg unbraked.

Out on the road, and at speed especially, the EVX feels extremely smooth and stable with top notch ride quality and light steering, though there is some roll on tight corners.

If you are rapid charging at 100kW then it takes 37 minutes for a 20-80 per cent charge, or nine hours from a home wallbox at 11kW.

The EVX’s design sees it share the same beefed up characteristics of the petrol-powered Torres, the X in its name denoting extreme – and one thing is certain, it’s a head-turner.

There’s no shortage of EVs on the roads these days but none have sparked so many conversations with passers-by as the Torres.

It’s dramatic – the front bumper inspired by an American Football helmet being a standout feature – spacious, offers a clear view of the road courtesy of a raised driving position and comes packed with standard kit.

Inside the cabin, leg, head and shoulder room is excellent throughout and an adult centre rear passenger can sit comfortably, while the leather seats, with their copper-coloured stitching, are comfortable and relaxing.

Space for both oddments and luggage is excellent, extra stowage capacity being freed up thanks 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 various trays and slots.

The boot is also huge at 703 litres and is extended by rear seats that split/fold 60-40 and it has separate stowage ports at each side along with a three-section lower compartment.

A pair of 12.3-inch digital screens dominate the dash area and standard gear includes Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, DAB radio, Bluetooth, USB and AUX ports up front, wireless mobile phone charging, parking sensors and sat-nav while K40 trim also adds a 360-degree surround view camera, privacy glass and 20-inch alloy wheels.

There are also countless valuable safety systems and features – safety speed assist, intelligent speed control and rear blind spot warning to name but three – plus a 5-year/100,000-mile vehicle warranty and 1m km battery warranty.

It all adds up to a truly eye-catching new electric SUV that’s positioned to give the more established names some genuine competition, even if it is on the pricy side.