TORRES, STRAIGHT
KGM Torres petrol and EV models mark a brand change in New Zealand
SsangYong is now KGM. That’s the key message with the launch of the new models from the Korean carmaker, the Torres and Torres EVX. It’s a two-model brand launch that joins the existing SsangYong models as they phase out over the coming months, and highlights a new model range coming from the new brand, including an EV ute and an SUV coupe.
The medium-sized Torres SUV comes in two models and three variants. It starts with the $49,990 front-wheel drive petrol 1.5 turbo four; a $5k premium buys the Torres AWD (arriving in May), and other extras such as leather, while a full EV model, the EVX (for EV Xperience), is front-drive and lands with an introductory price of $66,990 for the first 40 units, then bumps up another $1k. There is a five- year/150,000km warranty.
KGM has also partnered with NZ’s Evnex to offer a home charger under $3k, plus fitting, as the EVX lacks a portable three-pin charger. KGM does, however, include a V2L adaptor.
The 2WD petrol Torres arrives in May with a 1.5 petrol four-cylinder producing 120kW. The 4WD version engages the rear wheels when it senses front-wheel slip.
The sales split is expected to be around 60:40 FWD/AWD. There weren’t any petrol models for us to experience and drive, so we’ll cover those off in detail when they arrive in the coming months.
For launch, the Torres EVX got the full focus of our attention, with a mix of styling, quite overtly admitted by KGM, including the Jeep front, hints of Hyundai, Ford Explorer and Land Rover Defender at the rear. Even the rear hatch handle is robust and Land Cruiserlike, with a touch pad behind it that lifts the tailgate up, rather than swinging sideways, as the handle design suggests.
All the usual expected modscons are there: CarPlay, radar cruise control, climate control, lanechange assist (that has its overly aggressive moments), rear collision and cross-traffic assist, touchscreen, though there are some features that could be a bit more readily accessed. There are paddles for adjusting battery regen, which is great, and acts like a proxy one-pedal mode.
There’s even a mode where the AC can remain on when the car’s parked, to keep pets cool.
Zero to 100km/h happens in 8.1 seconds, which feels fast enough without being annoying, similar to the likes of a VW ID.4. The battery is a 74.3kWh BYD Blade, that offers
462km and a 10 year/million km warranty.
While the petrol Torres sits on
18in wheels, the EVX gets big 20in alloys which look great, but can often hurt ride quality: KGM has managed this potential issue with suspension on the softer side, which is rarely a complaint around typical NZ roads, and while there is some body roll at speed, it’s all rather compliant and occupantfriendly, serving up a comfy, cushy ride for normal use.
No complaints about space or seating in front or rear, with front heated and cooled seats in EVX, and the rear heated seats also offering a pair of USB-C ports and some small storage shelves. There are also curious coathooks on the rear of the front seat headrests, that could also act as a phone/tablet holder.
At 4700mm it’s around 100mm longer than a RAV4, 15mm longer than even a Hyundai Santa Fe, while targeted at the likes of Honda CR-V,
Kia Sportage, Tucson, and even Polestar and Tesla Model Y. And at 1720mm, the Torres is also taller than most of them.
In the boot, there’s a massive 800+ litres of space with the seats raised, double that with the seats stowed, and recessed pockets either side and under the false floor for things that like to roll around.
We’ll reserve full judgment for when we get some more miles done, but for now, KGM Torres EVX is impressive and a promising way to launch the new brand.
Torres has not undergone any independent crash testing at this stage, and will unlikely even be considered for ANCAP crash testing until its Australian launch in June.
With a Torres pick-up and a Torres coupe out within the coming year, and a hybrid in the works, the brand change for its other models such as Rhino/ Musso, Rexton, and the change from SPR to Sachi for its premium models, there are high aspirations from the typically bullish Koreans: SsangYong sold 517 cars in 2023, but head office says it would like to see 2000 annual NZ sales.
Welcome to New Zealand, KGM and Torres. The Torres EVX provides the foundation for a good start.