By Ian Strachan.
The large family SUV market is crowded, so any offering in this sector has to be good, and has to offer bags of space, comfort and a high specification. The KGM Torres ticks all of those boxes, and still come in at a very competitive price.
The KGM Torres has a bold and purposeful design, giving it a strong road presence – a bit of a head turner. The side view is dominated by contrasting silver side panels behind the rear side windows which certainly catch the eye. The front-end is attractive with narrow headlights and a square-panelled grille, and the back end will attract attention from people trying to see what it is.
An explanation here: you’ll remember the Korean Ssangyong brand which had a good range of vehicles, but multiple ownership and lack of investment left the carmaker struggling to compete. Then in 2022 the company was taken over by the Korean KG Group, which christened the brand KG Mobility, or KGM for short. Much-needed investment followed and the brand has a competitive and impressive range of vehicles.
The Torres is a bit smaller than its big brother, the Actyon. But it still looks the part with a muscular look, big grab handles on the bonnet, 20-inch diamond cut alloys and a purposeful road stance.
The KGM Torres may not be the obvious choice for people looking for a biggish and practical SUV. But it certainly deserves to be on choice lists. The front wheel drive Torres is versatile, well-equipped, roomy and bristling with technology. Plus its high road stance came in useful when negotiating flooded lanes.
It’s also superb value for money. The 1.5 litre petrol and hybrid Torres in the K40 trim level which I tested comes in at a shade under £36,000. Compare that with some of its more vaunted rivals and you’ll understand why this vehicle represents great value.
Ride and handling on the Torres are good, though a fairly stiff suspension means you’ll feel the biggest of the ubiquitous potholes. Steering is light and although there is some body roll on cornering it’s not excessive.
Despite its keen price, this Korean-built car has high build quality, good interior trim materials including leather seats, and a very roomy interior with great load-carrying capacity. It can absorb 703 litres of luggage, leaving many of its competitors wanting.
The dash is simple and attractive, with a central 12.3 inch touchscreen satellite navigation system which also controls the sound and climate control. The sound system has Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth, with steering wheel mounted controls.
You get front and rear parking sensors rear view camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, intelligent adaptive cruise control, eight-way powered ventilated and heated front seats, and the option we never knew we wanted but now can’t do without – a heated steering wheel.
Other standard features include all-round electric windows, privacy glass, powered tailgate, all-round airbags, LED front fog lights and automatic headlights, electrically adjustable folding heated door mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, rain sensors and electronic parking brake with hill-hold. You also get a host of driver assistance and safety features including autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitor, lane keeping assist and safety distance alert. The inevitable beeps and blips which tell you about speed limit changes, lane position and how much you’re exceeding the speed limit but they can be easily turned off if you don’t want them.
The 1.5 litre petrol engine gives out a more than adequate 150 PS, supported by a 176 PS electric motor . Linked to a smooth dedicated hybrid automatic transmission, this is a very good unit, offering plenty of power with little fuss. Acceleration is pleasingly brisk for a vehicle of this size.
Fuel consumption of more then 46.1mpg in mixed driving is more than respectable for this substantial vehicle.
This Korean-built offering from KGM is an impressive vehicle – capable of turning heads – with a keen price representing excellent value for money.
