► SsangYong is rebranded as KGM Motors
► The Torres is its first new car and promises a ‘new era’
► Launches with petrol engines, but an EV will follow
SsangYong is back with its first new product for some years, and it’s even got a new name to go with it – KGM Motors. This is the KGM Torres, its brand-new SUV.
The Korean carmaker promises a new lease of life for this SUV brand, and the Torres arrives in the UK as its first new car – a mid-size SUV that brings a rugged look and more technology. There will be an EV down the line, too.
What’s the new name for SsangYong all about?
SsangYong was close to financial ruin before being rescued by huge South Korean chemical and steel company KG Group in 2022. The rename is said to signal a ‘new era of innovation’ and it was officially renamed to KGM Motors UK in December.
So, we lose another weird and wonderful name with SsangYong, and in place we have KGM, with its dealers already rebranded to reflect the change, and its new metal, the Torres, already in forecourts.
What is the KGM Torres then?
Named after the Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, the Torres is a new SUV that will sit towards the top end of KGM’s line-up, above the Korando and below the Rexton, if you can remember what those are, that is.
The Torres is quite different to the rest of the lukewarm metal that SsangYong, sorry we mean KGM, makes, with an almost Jeep-like look about it, courtesy of the slotted grille and sharp creases and edges. It’s bigger than you might expect too, as at 4.7m long, is similar to a Nissan X-Trail.
Inside, the Torres gets a modern new look, with the now-trendy twin-screen setup, incorporating two large displays. KGM also says the Torres ‘sets the industry standard’ for boot space, measuring 703 litres with the seats upright, and 1663 litres with them folded.
Did you mention an EV?
Yes, though you’ll have to wait a little bit longer as the Torres launches first with a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 161bhp and 207lb ft of torque. KGM promises a dazzling 10 per cent improvement in acceleration compared to the older engine in the Korando. A six-speed automatic transmission is the default, and while front-wheel-drive initially, an all-wheel-drive version will come in the summer.
It will be April by the time the electric EVX version launches, which packs a 73.4kWh battery, good for a claimed 287 miles between the charges.
And the price?
KGM looks to be trying to eradicate SsangYong’s budget roots, with prices for a Torres kicking off from £34,995 for a K30 trim. It does come with a comprehensive list of equipment, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 9.0-inch digital dial display and ‘luxury’ leather seats included.
The top-spec K40 brings big 20-inch alloy wheels and an electric boot, though starts from £37,995, and it’ll be another £3000 if you want four-wheel-drive. KGM is yet to announce pricing for the forthcoming EV.